The Hardest Part Is Deciding to Start
Deciding to try therapy is often the hardest part. After that, a lot of people just aren’t sure what actually happens next. Here’s what to expect.
It starts with a contact form. New clients typically hear back from a therapist within 24 to 48 hours.
Choosing How and Where You Meet
From there, you can choose to meet in person at our Troy or Detroit location, or virtually from anywhere in Michigan, including evening and weekend appointment times if your schedule doesn’t allow for typical weekday hours.
Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, your history, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. There’s no pressure to have that fully figured out on day one.
What It Costs and How Coverage Works
From there, care is individualized. No two treatment plans look the same, because no two clients are the same.
On the practical side, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, United Healthcare, Ambetter, Priority Health, Aetna, and Medicare. Not all therapists accept every plan, so we’ll help verify your specific benefits.
Cash-pay rates are $180 per session with a fully licensed therapist or $150 with a limited-licensed therapist, and sliding-scale options are available based on income. Payment plans are also available.
Common Questions Before Your First Session
A lot of first-time clients wonder what to actually say when a session starts. There’s no required script, most sessions open with a simple check-in, like how your week went, and the conversation grows from there.
It also helps to know that nothing is locked in after one session. If your therapist or format doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s an easy adjustment to raise directly.
What Happens After the First Session
After your first session, your therapist will typically propose a general plan, though it stays flexible as they learn more about you. Some clients meet weekly at first, then move to every other week as things stabilize.
That pacing is always a conversation, not something decided for you without input.
What If Your First Match Doesn’t Feel Right
Finding the right therapist sometimes takes more than one try, and that’s a completely normal part of the process, not a reflection of something wrong with you or with therapy itself.
If a first match doesn’t feel right after a session or two, it’s worth saying so directly. We can help match you with a different therapist on our team who might be a better fit.
How Often You’ll Meet
Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially early on, since that consistency helps build the relationship and momentum faster. As things stabilize, many move to biweekly or monthly check-ins.
That pacing is always a conversation between you and your therapist, adjusted based on what’s actually happening in your life at a given time.
Whatever’s kept you from starting until now, a short consultation call is a low-pressure way to see what’s actually involved, without committing to anything beyond that first conversation.
Learn more: American Psychological Association
CTA: Take the first step toward meaningful change today. Reach out to schedule your session — 313-451-3315 or embracechangetherapy.com.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. You can also contact Common Ground at 800-231-1127, or visit the crisis walk-in center at 707 W. Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202.
