Your First Visit to a Psychotherapist — What to Expect
Deciding to make that first appointment is often the hardest part. Many people put it off for months because they do not know what such a conversation looks like, or because they are afraid of being judged. This page explains, step by step, how therapy begins at the practice of Irena Bartman-Fila, LCSW, MSW, PSW in Bloomfield, NJ, and what to look for when you choose a therapist.
How to schedule an appointment
Appointments are made by phone: 973-748-5302 (office) or 862-668-5571 (cell). If no one answers, please leave a message with your name, phone number and the date and time of your call. She will call you back to arrange a time. You can speak in Polish, English or Russian.
What happens in the first sessions
The first sessions are devoted to a careful assessment. She will ask what brought you in, how long the difficulties have lasted, and how they affect your work, sleep and relationships. She will also ask about your health, any medications you take and any previous treatment.
Based on this, the problem is named and you learn what you will be working on and what the plan is: which form of therapy is recommended, what you can expect, and how progress will be reviewed. No one has to guess what they are being treated for.
If your symptoms call for a medical consultation, for example with a psychiatrist, an internist or an endocrinologist, she will tell you so directly and explain the next step. Therapy and medical care should then move in the same direction.
Confidentiality
Everything said in the office is protected by professional confidentiality. It is the basis of the trust that therapy depends on. You are welcome to ask at your first session about the exceptions the law provides for, such as an immediate threat to someone's life.
How to check a therapist's qualifications
The word "therapist" sounds serious, but on its own it says little about training. Before you trust someone with your health, it is worth asking a few questions:
Is the therapist licensed by the state? In New Jersey, the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license is issued by the State Board of Social Work Examiners after a master's degree, documented supervised clinical experience and a clinical exam. You can look up any license in the public registry: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs license verification.
Where did they receive their clinical training? Clinical education and training in psychotherapy take years and prepare a therapist to recognize and treat mental health conditions.
Will they tell you your diagnosis? You have the right to know what you are working on and why a particular approach to treatment was chosen.
Do they work with physicians? Depression, addiction and eating disorders often require medical care as well. A qualified therapist knows when to refer a patient to a doctor.
Are they licensed in your state? In the United States, licenses are issued by each state, and state law determines who may treat people located there.
Irena Bartman-Fila answers each of these questions without hesitation. Her professional background is described on the about page.
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed. It does help to jot down a few sentences: what is happening, since when, and what you have already tried. Bring a list of your current medications and any records from previous treatment, if you have them. The range of conditions treated at the practice is described on the treatment page.
Have a question?
Visits are by appointment
Ready to take the first step?
Please call 973-748-5302 or 862-668-5571. Office: 207 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.