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Starting Online Therapy: What to Expect
Lauren Dean, LCSW
Founder and Clinical Director · LCSW #110737
A gentle guide to the first appointment, questions you can ask and building trust with your therapist.
Before your first appointment
Choose a private space in California with a reliable internet connection. Your team will explain intake, fees and the video-session link. Share clinical information through the secure intake process, not a website callback form.
You do not need the perfect words
You can talk about what brought you to therapy in your own way. Your therapist may ask about your goals, daily life and what has helped before. You can ask for clarification or time to think.
Make a plan together
Discuss a comfortable pace, the approaches your therapist recommends and how you will review your work together. Therapy is collaborative, and the first appointment is not a test you have to pass.
For general education only; this article is not medical advice and does not create a therapist–client relationship. Clinical services are provided under the supervision of Lauren Dean, LCSW #110737. Dixon is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
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