What to expect
What to expect when you reach out
Starting at True North Vitality takes three steps: a call, email or form, a free 20-minute consultation by phone, and a first session in Greensburg, Irwin, Ligonier or online. There is no pressure to commit, and nothing happens that you haven’t agreed to.
Reach out
Call, email or send the short form. Tell us which office or online, and whether you have a counselor in mind. We’ll set up your free 20-minute consultation.
Free 20-minute consultation
A short phone call about what’s going on, how we work, insurance or self-pay, and which counselor fits. No pressure and no commitment.
Your first session
Complete the intake paperwork beforehand, then meet in Greensburg, Irwin, Ligonier or online. Together you set goals and a plan, at your pace.
The consultation call
A short phone call about what’s going on and what you’d like to be different. You’ll hear how the counselor works, talk through insurance or self-pay, and choose an office or online. If it isn’t the right fit, we’ll try to point you somewhere better.
Paperwork
Intake forms are sent after the call through SimplePractice, the secure system we also use for reminders, payments and online sessions. They need to be complete before your first session starts; if you can’t fill them in at home, you can complete them at the office.
Your first session
The first session covers what’s happening in your life now and what to work on first. By about the second session you and your counselor agree on goals and a plan. Sessions are 55 minutes.
When we refer you elsewhere
Weekly outpatient counseling is not the right level of care for everything. We refer these to services better placed to help, and we will help you find one:
- Active psychosis or active suicidal thinking. We can see clients whose symptoms are stable enough for weekly outpatient counseling.
- Substance use that needs detox, residential or intensive outpatient care
- Medication management (there is no prescriber on staff; we coordinate with your doctor or psychiatrist)
- Court-ordered co-parenting counseling or family reunification
We do see anger management and general substance use concerns alongside counseling. There is a fee for any letter written for a court, such as proof of attendance.
Getting ready for an online session
- A private room where you can talk freely and won’t be interrupted
- Headphones if you have them, and notifications off
- A steady internet connection on a laptop, tablet or phone
- Never join a session while driving
- Be located in Pennsylvania at the time of the session
Online sessions are by secure, encrypted video through SimplePractice.
Questions
Do I have to know what to say?
No. Plenty of people start with “I’m not sure where to begin.” Your counselor will ask questions and help you find the thread. You decide how much to share and when.
Will faith come up?
Only if you want it to. Tell your counselor on the first call or in the first session, and it will be included or left out.
What if the counselor isn’t a good fit?
Say so. Fit matters, and the office can help you switch to another counselor at the practice or find someone outside it.
See also insurance & payment and the FAQ. Ready? Book a consultation or call (412) 328-2819.
Ready to take the first step?
Call, email or send a short message to book a free 20-minute consultation. We’ll help you choose a counselor and an office in Greensburg, Irwin or Ligonier, or meet online anywhere in Pennsylvania.