What Can I Expect at my First Appointment?
Welcome to the Counseling Center of Maryland — we’re glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward a life worth living is something to be proud of. You might be curious about what your first in-person appointment will involve. Your first session is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you—what brought you in, what’s been on your mind, and how you’ve been feeling.
- Plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled.
- Bring any questions or notes you want to reference.
- Dress comfortably—this is your space to relax and be yourself.
It’s okay if you don’t know exactly where to start—your therapist will help guide the conversation.
How do I enroll in a group?
In order to enroll in a group, you will complete an intake session with the group leader and will receive an orientation to the group before joining. To enroll in a group, please email [email protected], or call: 888.604.6776
What is DBT?
Adherent to the Linehan DBT model, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment program that consists of weekly individual therapy, weekly DBT Skills Group, phone coaching between sessions when needed, and your therapist’s weekly participation in a DBT Consultation team. To learn more about DBT, click here.
Do you take insurance?
The Counseling Center of Maryland is an out-of-network provider. We don’t work directly with insurance, but our services may be covered by out-of-network benefits for mental health if that is part of your plan. Check the details of your individual plan to see what your coverage is for out-of-network services.
What are the benefits of seeing an Out-Of-Network provider?
While in-network providers can be good options for specific cases, there are several advantages to working with OON providers:
- Greater Control Over Your Treatment
In-network providers are limited by the constraints of what your insurance plan will agree to provide coverage for. These constraints may dictate session frequency, duration, or service type. In contrast, OON providers like CCM can tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs without insurance interference. - Access to Specialized, Evidence-Based Treatment
At CCM, all of our providers are trained in the gold-standard of treatments that they provide. Specialized modalities, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), may not be available treatments within your plan’s network. Or, when they are, providers may not meet adherence standards required for effectiveness. - Shorter-Term Timelines and Investments
When using evidence-based modalities, treatment is generally more goal-oriented and short-term than traditional talk therapy. These quicker results not only save your time, but also may reduce longer term costs of untreated mental health conditions. - Transparent and Predictable Costs
Insurance billing can run on an unpredictable timeline and with varying frequency. At CCM, we charge the business day after each session, reducing surprises and helping you budget accordingly. - Shorter Wait Times with the Best Fit
In-network providers often have long waiting lists due to limited availability which may lead you to opt for the first therapist who is available. At CCM, priority is matching you with the provider who is the best fit for you as quickly as possible.