Getting ready for your first appointment

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to know and what to bring, so your family can walk in feeling ready.

A parent keeps an arm around a smiling girl as they face a man across from them.

What your first appointment is

Two parents and a child smile close together, with orange rays along the bottom.

Session 1: A session focused on you, to talk through your child's history and your concerns

Session 2: A session focused on your child, so we can get to know them directly

Session 3: A feedback session, where we share what we've learned and map out next steps

What to gather beforehand

A parent kneels beside a child as they look at a yellow book.

Details about your child's development, behavior, and any medical history
Previous evaluations, medical records, or school reports, if you have them
Any questions or goals you want to bring to the conversation

Helping your child feel ready

A parent sits close with a child on a sofa, one arm around them.

Let them know what to expect, in words that make sense for their age
Reassure them it's okay to feel nervous or unsure
Remind them there's no right or wrong way to show up

Logistics

Line drawing of a person peeking over an open book, with speech bubbles around them.

For online appointments, find a quiet, private space with a strong internet connection and a working camera and microphone
For in-person appointments at one of our Brightline clinics, plan to arrive a few minutes early
The parent who consents to care should be available for the full session
If the appointment takes place online, your child must be in your state of residence due to licensing rules

Preparing for your child’s first therapy session

If your child is starting therapy, the first session is a chance to build trust, not dive into a treatment plan on day one.

Your child's therapist will ask questions to get to know your child's history, strengths, and current challenges

The session is a safe space, no pressure to share more than your child is ready to

You'll have time to share your perspective too

Afterward, your child's therapist will talk through what comes next

Get started

After you reach out, a member of our engagement team will be in touch to talk through what your family is experiencing and get your first appointments scheduled. The process is straightforward, and we'll guide you through every step.