What To Expect at Your First Visit

On the day of your first appointment at FFCP Maryland, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms. Some of these forms are for our business records, so it is important to have your insurance card with you.

Treatment begins with an evaluation. You will meet with a clinician who will ask you about the problems for which you are seeking help. The clinician will determine the services you need and whether our outpatient clinic will be able to provide those services. If we are able to serve you, the clinician will use the information you have provided to develop with you a recommended plan of treatment tailored to meet your individual needs. Every effort will be made to provide you with efficient treatment. The clinician doing your evaluation may continue as your therapist for ongoing treatment, may recommend another clinician with a different specialty to be your therapist, or may recommend some other type of approach for your difficulties. If we are not able to assist you, we will attempt to refer you to another source of care.

Appointments

We will make every effort to arrange appointment times at your convenience. In the event that you must miss a scheduled appointment, please contact our offices at least 24 hours in advance.

What Kind of Treatment Might be Recommended

Individual Therapy:

This type of treatment, in which you meet alone with your therapist, is what most people traditionally associate with therapy. However, other approaches, such as group therapy and/or medication, are becoming the treatment(s) of choice in many cases.

Family or Couples Therapy:

In such treatment the focus is on the relationships involved and finding new solutions to old problems.

Medications:

Often a person’s problem involves chemical imbalances. For example, some types of depression are related to the way brain chemistry affects mood. In such instances, taking a specially prescribed medication may be very helpful.

Other Means of Treatment:

Treatment is not just what you do in the therapist’s office. It may be suggested that you undertake outside activities such as reading, journal keeping, attending self help groups, nutrition, exercise, talking to a dietician, practicing desirable new behaviors, etc.