Therapy or a Clinical Assessment: Which Appointment Do I Need?
Sometimes the reason for reaching out is clear: you want a place to talk, reflect, and work through something in your life. At other times, someone has asked you to complete an assessment and provide a report. Both can involve talking with a counselor, but the appointments have different purposes.
I offer virtual therapy and private clinical assessments in Georgia. Understanding what you need from the appointment helps us choose an appropriate starting point.
Start with what brought you here
If you are looking for ongoing space to understand yourself, talk through difficulties, or consider changes you want to make, the Therapy page is a useful place to begin. It describes my approach and gives you a sense of what working together may feel like.
If you have been asked to complete a named assessment, meet a referral requirement, or arrange a written report, start with the Assessments page. Keep the original request available, especially if it includes a deadline or instructions from another person or organization.
Therapy begins with the work you want to do
You do not need a neatly organized explanation of everything you want to discuss before asking about therapy. You may know what feels difficult, what you want to understand better, or simply that you would like support. Those are useful things to share when getting started.
You can also ask practical questions before scheduling, including questions about the appointment format, fees, insurance, and availability. My About page offers more information about my background, and the Therapy page explains how to take the next step.
An assessment starts with a specific request
For an assessment, the first question is what has been requested and why you are seeking the appointment. My assessment services include substance abuse, anger management, trauma, domestic violence, parental fitness, and Comprehensive Child & Family Assessments (CCFA).
A service name alone may not explain the full request. Before booking, discuss any written instructions, the intended use of a report, and any requirements provided by the referring party. If you are uncertain which assessment is needed, contact me rather than choosing solely from the name.
If an assessment is the appointment you need, the virtual assessment preparation guide explains what to clarify about your referral, appointment, and report before booking.
A therapy appointment and an assessment serve different purposes
If you need an assessment report, mention that before scheduling. Booking a therapy appointment does not automatically arrange a clinical assessment or the report someone has requested. Similarly, completing an assessment does not automatically arrange ongoing therapy appointments.
You may have questions about both services. We can start by clarifying your immediate reason for reaching out and what you have been asked to complete. That conversation helps avoid confusion about the appointment you are booking.
Payment and timing are different, too
Therapy has a self-pay fee of $150, and I also accept certain insurance plans for therapy. Check the accepted insurance and payment information and confirm coverage for your particular plan before an appointment. My clinical assessments are private-pay and are not billed to insurance.
Most assessments take approximately one hour, with reports typically completed within 7–10 business days. If another person or organization needs a report, discuss the recipient and deadline in advance. Sharing a report requires a signed Release of Information. Ask about expedited options if the usual timeline may not fit your request.
If you are unsure, ask before booking
You can begin by explaining what you are looking for or quoting the wording of the referral you received. You do not have to sort out every detail alone. Get in touch to discuss whether you are seeking therapy, an assessment, or more information before deciding.