What to Expect from Your First Integrative Intake at A.O.S

This is likely something you have been contemplating.

Perhaps life has been a bit difficult recently or somebody close to you has said it might be beneficial. Whatever brought you here, we're glad you're considering it.

If you are wondering what that initial visit to A.O.S. Healing Center LLC will be like, we get it. Stepping into something new when you are already handling a lot can be intimidating.

To help you come in a bit more relaxed, let us discuss how this will go.

What Your First Visit Is Really Like

Your first appointment won't feel like a typical doctor's visit. We're not just looking at one piece of what's going on with you, we want to understand the whole picture.

Your first visit is actually the beginning of a comprehensive assessment that helps us understand exactly what's happening and what might help. 

Rebecca Morgan Brown, the founder and lead clinician, brings over twelve years of experience in integrative mental health care to this process. 

She takes time because she wants to get this right for you.

How We Look Deeper

More than the essentials, we will get into things that may surprise you, such as how your family deals with emotions or what your daily routine is.

We may discuss what makes you feel most like you, or see links between symptoms in your body and stressful situations in your life.

Even the most minor details will give the most significant insights into the kind of support that makes a difference.

What we'll cover:

• Your mental and emotional experience and what brought you here

• How your body has been feeling and any physical symptoms

• Your nutritional habits and how they might connect to your mood

• Any lab work or medical factors that could be relevant

• What healing and wellness mean to you personally

Rebecca's diverse background and cultural sensitivity mean she truly understands that feeling better looks different for everyone. 

Regardless of whether it is trauma, anxiety, relationship issues and struggles, or life changes, she treats everyone with sincere concern and professional knowledge.

The Assessment Phase - Getting the Complete Picture

Your first visit is actually part of a thoughtful assessment process that helps us understand exactly what kind of support would be most helpful for you. Here's how it works:

Your comprehensive assessment includes:

• An integrative evaluation with one of our certified mental health professionals

• A diagnostic session with the therapist who might work with you on an ongoing basis

• A team consultation where our mental health professional and registered dietitian nutritionist discuss about your care

• A nutritional evaluation to see how what you eat might be affecting how you feel

• Lab reviews with our nurse practitioner to see whether there is anything physical causing your symptoms

This may seem excessive, but it all blends together naturally. We are careful not to overlook anything that may make you feel better.

Moving Into Treatment When You're Ready

When we have all of that information, we will discuss what your long-term management can look like.

Again, nothing happens without your input.

As part of your ongoing treatment, you might work with:

• Your assigned therapist for regular psychotherapy sessions

• Specialists we refer you to when additional expertise would help

• Our nurse practitioner for periodic check-ins about how you're feeling physically

Your treatment plan will evolve as you do. We'll regularly revisit what's working and adjust things based on your progress.

We want you to feel completely comfortable with whatever we decide together.

How to Get Ready

You don't need to do anything special to prepare, but here are a few things that might help:

Bring with you:

• Any medications you're currently taking

• Previous therapy notes or medical records if you have them (but don't worry if you don't)

• A sense of what you're hoping for, even if it's just "I want to feel better"

Think about:

• What your days have been like lately

• What's been hardest for you

• What's been helping, even a little

• What you wish was different

Last and most importantly, just come as you are. You do not need to have all the answers. We are not here to judge, but rather to hear and know.

What Comes Next

Once you have taken an intake, you will be able to gain a better understanding of how we may collaborate. 

We will make your follow-up visits and ensure that you understand how to call us if anything happens.

This is only the start. Recovery is a process, and there are days when it will be easier than others. You won't be on your own anymore to solve it.

Next Steps

Should what you have read here suit you well, we welcome you to meet us.

We live by the belief that when you are supported in the right way, feeling better just comes naturally. 

Once you are ready to start your intake, contact us to get started.