---
title: What Happens After You Reach Out | Brightline
description: >-
  From your first call to your child's first appointment, here's exactly what to
  expect. Clear steps, honest answers, and support from the start.
category: Page
canonical_url: https://www.brightline.com/care/what-happens-next/
source: Brightline
license: © 2026 Brightline. All rights reserved.
slug: care/what-happens-next
id: 2zxDm3cnkKP04jcGAtuxRT
contentType: page
---

# You made the call for your child. Here's what happens next.

From this point on, you're not figuring it out alone. No paperwork maze. No confusing next steps. Just a straightforward process designed to get your child the right care as quickly as possible.

![Dad and daughter with Brightline track](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/1ND0Pq2cCpF78P9bqjrGAb/1baff205f956af1e3eafedca7ad5d5d9/student-tutor-homework-help-smiling.jpg.jpg)


- [I’m ready to schedule](/care/appointment/) 
- [(888) 255-7040](tel: 8882557040) 

## Your first call

*When you reach out, you'll speak with a member of our team. This is a real conversation, not an intake form read back to you. You'll have space to share what's going on with your child, ask questions, and get honest answers. Here's what we'll cover:*

- What's going on with your child and what you're hoping to address
- How Brightline works and what to expect from care
- Your insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket costs
- How to get scheduled and what to expect from your first appointment
- You'll end the call with a scheduled appointment and a clear picture of what comes next.



![Book and Appointmtnent In-person - BIG](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/p3mencgJboX8V5Y1GcCoh/08c9ee79af03fd212d11e9519d90e25a/Book_and_Appointment_In-person_BIG.png)

## What we'll need from you

*Getting the most out of your child's evaluation starts before the first appointment. We'll ask you to:*

- Complete some intake paperwork before your first session
- Share relevant records or prior evaluations if you have them
- Let us know about any other providers involved in your child's care



![Mom and daughter](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/11c1jkfadRY7a55wE0WiV6/1acfd35c0289471b5a5e147062177b2d/AdobeStock_600562905.jpeg)


- [Preparing for your first appointment](/care/care-experience/before-your-visit/) 

## Scheduling your evaluation


- [Learn more about the diagnostic evaluation](/what-we-treat/evaluation/) 

Care at Brightline begins with a diagnostic evaluation, a series of three appointments scheduled as close together as possible. Here's what those three appointments look like:

   - A session focused on you, so we can hear your concerns and your child's history
   - A session focused on your child, so we can get to know them directly
   - A feedback session where we share our impressions, discuss next steps, and build a care plan together

Appointments are available in-person at our Brightline clinics and online. For children under 5, we recommend starting in person.


![Evaluation Overview Hero](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/7hqPUiNsouhuEewtfYo4u0/3ab8d7af436bff6b936df745a87b000e/Hero_Image_Evaluation.png)

## Getting matched with the right clinician

After your intake call, our team works to match your child with a clinician who is the right clinical fit for their needs. Your child's evaluation clinician and the clinician to provide ongoing care may be different people. 

![Girl in psychiatry](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/3QmDbKaGopunBmKG1fGVlq/41e6b87203ce21f5011196d23f70cd83/3_Psychiatry.png)


- [Learn more about our clinicians](/providers/) 

## What are specific types of anxiety?

Brightline accepts most major insurance plans. Before your first appointment, we'll verify your coverage and let you know what to expect out of pocket, so you don’t have to deal with any surprises.


- [Learn more about cost and insurance](/pricing/) 

## 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.


- [I’m ready to schedule](/care/appointment/)