Beginning therapy is a big decision—and one that deserves to be met with care, transparency, and compassion. At East Coast Psychotherapy and Trauma Clinic, we understand how important that first point of contact is. That’s why we’ve developed a personalized intake process designed to introduce you to our practice, help us understand what’s bringing you to therapy, and thoughtfully match you with the therapist best suited to meet your needs.
Why the Intake Process Matters
The intake process can sometimes be underestimated, but it plays a crucial role in setting the stage for your success in therapy. A rushed or impersonal intake can lead to a poor therapist match, confusion about policies, and a lack of clarity about what to expect. On the other hand, a thoughtful, supportive intake experience can leave you feeling informed, respected, and empowered to begin your journey.
At East Coast Psychotherapy and Trauma Clinic, we’ve spent a great deal of time developing a thoughtful and thorough intake system. We see intake as a clinical process, not just a logistical one. That’s why we’ve built a team of dedicated intake specialists—each with their own background in mental health—who are trained to listen carefully, ask the right questions, and help clarify what’s bringing someone to therapy.
While it’s easy to set up an online calendar and let the public book directly with a therapist based on a photo or bio, we take a different approach. We believe that proper screening matters. We’ve invested significant resources into making sure every person who reaches out is matched with a therapist who is truly equipped to help—so your care starts off strong, from the very first contact.
What to Expect from Our Intake Process
1. Compassionate Intake Specialists
We employ dedicated intake specialists who handle every request for service with professionalism and genuine care. These team members are often your first point of contact and are trained to listen carefully, ask meaningful questions, and gather the information needed to help us understand your needs.
Our intake specialists are not just schedulers—they are trained and experienced mental health professionals who work closely with our clinical team to ensure you are thoughtfully matched with a therapist who is truly equipped to help you reach your goals.
2. A Clear Introduction to Our Practice
We want you to feel confident and informed before your first session. That’s why we take time during the intake process to walk you through how our clinic works. We’ll explain:
- What to expect from therapy
- How sessions are structured
- Our clinic policies (e.g. fees, cancellations)
- Direct billing options (including Veterans Affairs Canada, NIHB, DND/CAF, etc.)
This kind of clarity helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to begin therapy with peace of mind.
3. Intentional Therapist Matching
Therapy is most effective when there’s a strong fit between client and therapist. We don’t assign therapists randomly or simply based on who is available next. Instead, we take into account:
- Your goals and challenges
- Your therapeutic preferences (e.g. EMDR, somatic therapy)
- Your comfort level regarding therapist gender or cultural background
- The therapist’s experience and areas of expertise
Our process includes clinical coordination to match clients with appropriate clinicians through a confidential referral system, ensuring that you’re connected with a therapist whose training, style, and specialization align with your needs. This extra layer of attention helps us create a solid foundation for meaningful, effective therapy.
4. Accessible, Human Support
We understand that seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re already overwhelmed. Our intake team is here to help simplify the process—responding promptly, communicating clearly and confidentially, and walking you through everything you need to know.
If you’re eligible for third-party coverage, we’ll help you navigate the required paperwork so that you can focus on getting the care you need.
Your Journey Begins Here
One of the most common pieces of feedback we hear from new clients is that they’re surprised someone actually called them back. Sadly, many people reach out for therapy only to be met with silence—emails go unanswered, voicemails are never returned, and that first step toward getting help ends in frustration. We believe that no one should have to chase down support when they’re already struggling.
At East Coast Psychotherapy and Trauma Clinic, we do things differently. When you contact us, our intake specialists respond personally and promptly. They take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and walk you through the process with care and clarity. We treat your first contact not as a formality, but as the beginning of a relationship built on trust and respect.
We know that starting therapy can feel daunting. It takes courage to reach out, and our goal is to meet that courage with real human connection, responsiveness, and compassion. From your very first conversation with us, we want you to feel seen, supported, and matched with the therapist who is best suited to walk alongside you.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re thinking about starting therapy, we invite you to reach out to our intake team. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re ready to schedule your first session or just want to ask a few questions, we’re here—and yes, we will call you back.
About The Author
Beth Toomey is the founder & clinical director of the East Coast Psychotherapy & Trauma Clinic. She is a Registered Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist & EMDR Consultant. Beth has extensive experience working with individuals who have PTSD and trauma including veterans and first responders.
