What to Expect at Your First Mental Health Intake Appointment
Mental health care can be life-changing, but that first appointment? It can feel intimidating. At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we understand that the first step toward support is often the hardest. Whether you’re a young adult facing anxiety or a parent seeking help for your child, knowing what to expect at your first mental health intake appointment can ease stress and help you feel more prepared.
This guide will walk you through the intake process, explain what questions you might be asked, share what happens next, and highlight how our integrated care model simplifies the journey, especially across our nine locations in Utah.
What Is a Mental Health Intake Appointment?
An intake appointment is your first official meeting with a mental health professional. It’s designed to gather background information, understand your needs, and determine how Bridgeway can best support you.
Think of it as the foundation of your care plan. Your clinician gets to know your story, and together, you begin mapping a path forward.
At Bridgeway, intake sessions are available for both individual therapy and family-based care, and they often include coordination with our other services, such as ABA therapy or primary care.
Who Needs an Intake Appointment?
Intake appointments are the first step for anyone seeking:
- Mental health therapy in Utah
- Behavioral therapy for children
- Anxiety, depression, or trauma counseling
- Autism support services
- Medication management for behavioral health
- Family therapy or case coordination
If you’re unsure what type of care you need, that’s okay. Our intake process helps figure that out with you, not for you.
How to Prepare Before Your First Visit
Whether your appointment is in Taylorsville or St. George, the process is the same. Here are five easy ways to prepare:
What to Prepare | Why It Matters |
Completed intake forms | Speeds up your appointment and gives context for your provider |
List of current medications | Helps with potential coordination with primary care or psychiatry |
Insurance information | We verify eligibility before treatment starts |
Notes on symptoms or concerns | You won’t forget what you want to bring up |
Questions you want to ask | This is your chance to get clarity |
You can download our intake forms or complete them online through our patient portal:
Schedule a Free Consultation
What Happens During the Appointment?
Your intake appointment typically lasts about 60–90 minutes and follows a structure designed to make you feel heard, not judged.
You’ll meet with a licensed mental health therapist or clinical intake specialist. They will:
- Review your forms and history
- Ask questions about your current mental, emotional, and physical health
- Explore any behavioral concerns (for yourself or your child)
- Discuss your goals for therapy or services
- Offer suggestions for care and next steps
Bridgeway’s family-centered model means parents or guardians are involved in child-focused intakes, especially for ABA therapy in Utah and pediatric behavioral therapy in cities such as Lehi and Richfield.
What Types of Questions Will They Ask?
You won’t be “tested.” Intake questions are simply conversation starters to help us get to know you better. Here are some common areas covered:
For Adults
- Have you been feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed?
- Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating?
- Have you experienced any significant life changes recently?
- What has helped you cope in the past?
For Parents (Of Children Receiving Care)
- What behaviors are you noticing at home or school?
- Has your child been diagnosed with autism or another developmental condition?
- Are there any triggers or routines we should be aware of?
- How does your child communicate?
For Teens & Young Adults
- Are you dealing with stress from school, work, or relationships?
- Do you have a support system?
- What are you hoping to get out of therapy?
After the Appointment: What Happens Next?
Once your intake is complete, you’ll receive a care recommendation. This could include:
- Weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions
- Referrals for ABA therapy or autism support services in Utah
- Coordination with Bridgeway’s in-house primary care for families
- Case management, educational support, or psychiatric evaluation
We’ll work with your insurance provider, including Medicaid, to confirm coverage. You’ll also have access to our digital portal to manage appointments and communicate with your care team.
How Bridgeway Supports You at Every Stage
At Bridgeway, we go beyond mental health therapy. Our integrated approach means your care team can coordinate across services like:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Evidence-based treatment for autism
Medical / Primary Care
Onsite in many of our locations
Educational Support (Academy)
Academic and behavioral support for children
Case Management
For families navigating multiple systems
This integration is beneficial for parents managing multiple appointments and for young adults balancing care with school or work.
Local Help: Where to Find Bridgeway in Utah
We serve families and individuals across nine Utah locations. Each center offers intake appointments and tailored services for its community:
Location | Local Keywords to Use |
Taylorsville, UT | Integrated healthcare near Taylorsville • ABA therapy Taylorsville |
St. George, UT | Autism support services in St. George • Mental health therapy St. George |
Cedar City, UT | Behavioral therapy for children in Cedar City |
Lehi, UT | Pediatric behavioral therapy Lehi • Primary care for families Lehi |
Roy, UT | ABA therapy near Roy • Child therapy services in Roy |
Brigham City, UT | Autism support, Brigham City • Mental health counseling, Brigham |
Richfield, UT | Integrated healthcare, Richfield • ABA therapy Richfield |
Salt Lake City, UT | Mental health therapy Salt Lake City • ABA therapy Salt Lake |
Riverdale, UT | Primary care for families Riverdale • Child behavioral therapy Riverdale |
Contact your nearest Bridgeway office here
FAQs About Intake Appointments
1. How Long Does The Intake Process Take?
Typically 60–90 minutes. It may vary based on your needs.
2. Do I Need A Referral?
Not always. Many services can be accessed without a referral. Call or use our online form to check.
3. Does Insurance Cover This?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid. We’ll help you verify coverage before you begin.
4. Will My Child Be Diagnosed At The First Intake?
Not necessarily. Diagnosis is often a longer process that includes assessments and observations. Your intake will help begin that journey.
Take the First Step With Confidence
Your Journey Starts With One Appointment
Taking that first step toward mental health care doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we’ve helped thousands of Utah families and young adults find the support they need, whether for therapy, ABA, or complete integrated care.
Our intake appointments are designed to be approachable, informative, and the beginning of a trusted relationship.
Ready to take the first step?
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Let’s build a care plan together centered on you and your family.