Just like visiting a new doctor for the first time can bring nerves, meeting a new therapist can stir up similar feelings. For someone entering therapy for the very first time, the anxiety may be even greater.

Unlike a medical appointment, therapy requires a different kind of courage. It asks people to share their inner world — their fears, struggles, and hopes. This is why intake sessions carry so much weight. They are more than paperwork or procedure. They are the foundation of the therapeutic relationship, and they shape whether a client will want to return.

Understanding Intake Sessions

An intake session, sometimes called an initial assessment, is the very first meeting between a therapist and a client. In this session, the therapist gathers important information, begins building trust, and sets the tone for future work together.

On paper, it sounds straightforward. In practice, it takes skill, preparation, and sensitivity.

Preparing for the Intake Session

Do the groundwork

Preparation starts well before the client walks in the door. Thoughtful pre-work helps ensure the session runs smoothly and allows you to focus on connecting with the client rather than scrambling with logistics.

Paperwork

Have your paperwork ready. This typically includes informed consent forms, professional disclosure statements, HIPAA privacy notices, and sometimes a welcome letter that introduces your background and approach. Having these materials organized avoids wasting valuable session time.

Review client information

If the client shared background information before the appointment, review it in advance. This may include referral notes, presenting problems, or a personal history form. Using what you already know helps you ask better questions, demonstrate preparedness, and build rapport.

Plan your questions

Think through the questions you want to ask. Tailor them to the client’s background and presenting concerns. Start with lighter, open-ended questions to build comfort before gradually moving into more sensitive topics. The goal is to invite openness without overwhelming the client.

During the Intake Session

Finalize paperwork

Begin by reviewing and signing essential documents, such as informed consent, payment agreements, and policies around cancellations or insurance. Addressing these details early helps create clarity and avoids disruptions later in the conversation.

Explain your process

Take time to explain how therapy works with you. If the client has been in therapy before, ask about their past experiences. Contrast those with your own approach so they know what to expect. Invite questions, and ask about their goals for seeking therapy.

Practice active listening

As the client begins sharing, lean into active listening. Show warmth and attentiveness through your posture, eye contact, and reflective responses. Balance listening with gentle inquiry into their history, family background, and presenting problems. Let the client set the pace, and resist the urge to dive into difficult questions too quickly.

Key Information to Gather

Although the focus of the first session is on building trust, it is still important to collect essential information that will guide diagnosis and treatment planning. This often includes:

• Symptoms: thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with daily life.

• Developmental and social history: family dynamics, support systems, and environmental factors.

• Family history: psychiatric, medical, and relational history that may impact the client’s well-being.

Gathering this information helps form a clearer picture of the client while laying the groundwork for a tailored treatment plan.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

• Intake sessions are about balance: listening deeply, gathering key information, and setting expectations while keeping the client comfortable.

• Not every client will continue beyond the intake session. Try not to take it personally if they choose a different path.

• If the client’s needs fall outside your expertise, be ready to provide a thoughtful referral. Matching clients with the right provider is part of ethical care.

Conclusion

A therapy intake session is far more than an administrative step. It is the first chance to build trust, establish safety, and set the tone for the work ahead. When approached with preparation, empathy, and flexibility, intake sessions become the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship.

Every client is unique, and each intake session requires its own rhythm. By being organized, listening with care, and adapting to the individual in front of you, you not only encourage clients to return but also create the conditions for meaningful and effective therapy.

Try Allia for yourself

Getting started with Allia takes less time than making your morning coffee:

• Create your free account - no payment info, no fine print.

• Set up your practice details.

• Jump straight into telehealth, notes, and billing tools that just… work.

That’s it. No hoops to jump through, no catch waiting around the corner.

If you’d like to see what a fully functional, truly free EHR with AI support can feel like, you can create your Allia account today. No restrictions, no hidden add-ons.

Want to see how it works? Sign up for Allia today.