Appointment

Your First Appointment

Coming to your first appointment can be anxiety provoking. Just remember that we are both meeting for the first time to begin a serious journey together so I may be a bit nervous too!

The following information will help you to be prepared and more relaxed.


What to Bring

Complete the Adult Registration Form and read the Informed Consent for Treatment and the Signature page documents at the bottom of this page.  Review this document and bring a signed copy to your first appointment or return via email.  If you have questions, please bring those to the first appointment for clarification before signing the document. Complete the Pre-Authorization to Charge and bring it with you or return via email.

Complete the Adult Registration Form and print the Informed Consent for Couples and review this document.  Bring a signed copy to the first appointment or return the permission by email. If you have questions, please bring those to the first appointment for clarification before signing the document.  One of the processes that facilitates the couples work is to video tape the session so that I can review the work and refine the processes.  Please consider giving permission for this by reading the Video Permission for Dr. Vanderhorst. Complete the Pre-Authorization to Charge and bring it with you or return via email.

  • Copies of Records (Medical/Psychological/School/Employment).  Any prior records that you deem relevant will be helpful.   Please bring photocopies of these reports rather than original copies. Your original copies should stay with you for safe keeping.
  • Authorization to Exchange Information:  If you have other therapists, doctors or other professionals that you believe I should contact, please complete this form for each person and bring the completed forms with you or return them via email.

1) Copies of your divorce decree and all court orders relevant to the divorce.

2) Copies of any records that you deem relevant regarding your children and the issues to be discussed relative to your children.

3) Download and review the Parent Coordination Information packet at the bottom of this page.

4) Authorization to Exchange Information: If you have other therapists, doctors or other professionals that you believe I should contact, please complete this form for each person and bring the completed forms with you or return them via email.

5) Credit card – the practice accepts payments by cash, check or charge. Credit card information is kept on file for each parent. Download the Pre-Authorization Form Permission to Charge Services at the bottom of this page and complete the credit card information. In the event that there is an outstanding balance, your credit card will be charged.

What will happen during your first Appointment

The first consultation will be a 90-minute clinical interview in which you will be asked about your current concerns, your reason for scheduling a consultation, and your family, educational and employment history. In many cases it is necessary to continue this interview process for a second appointment, which would be scheduled at the end of your first visit.

A joint session for couples will be followed by scheduling individual sessions for each person. Individual sessions will give each person an opportunity to explore individual needs and history.

Often, you will be asked to complete questionnaires following your initial consultation. These responses will be reviewed and discussed with you at your second appointment. If psychological testing is needed, you will be referred for an evaluation and the results will be discussed at a later appointment.

The initial session is scheduled for 2 hours. During this time, we will go over the Parent Coordination Information Packet that may be downloaded from the bottom of this page. The processes for parent coordination will be outlined and an initial plan for addressing current issues will be developed. The Contract for Parent Coordination will be tailored for your case and signed by all parties. After reviewing and signing this document, a retainer fee will be collected.

Many people come from other parts of the U.S. or from abroad to request an evaluation. When a client travels from a distance, the clinical interview time is extended. You may expect to spend 2 to 4 hours at the office, perhaps with a break for lunch

For certain cases, psychological testing may be recommended. In these case,test results will be discussed with the psychologist performing the testing. Dr. Vanderhorst will consult with the psychologist administering the testing and you will have a feedback session with the psychologist performing the testing. Following the feedback with the testing psychologist, Dr. Vanderhorst will meet with you to plan continuing treatment based on the test results.


Patient Forms

Download The Patient Forms For Your First Appointment With Me!

Patient Form Download