Getting Started: What to Expect
Starting therapy here takes three steps: a short adaptive intake that takes about five minutes, a personal match from our intake coordinator team within 1 to 2 business days, and a first session that works like a clinical consultation. No bots, no waitlist purgatory, no forms that ask everything and promise nothing.
Step one: tell us about you
The intake asks what brings you in, what you are looking for, your insurance or self-pay preference, and your schedule. About five minutes. Share as much or as little as you want; there are no wrong answers.
Step two: a person reads it
Our intake coordinator team reviews every request personally and matches you with the clinician whose specialties, style, and openings fit. You will hear from us within 1 to 2 business days. If insurance needs verifying, we will walk you through it. For the plan-by-plan detail, see our guide to finding a therapist in Philadelphia who takes your insurance.
Step three: the first session
Your first 53-minute session is a working consultation: your therapist asks what brought you in and what you want to be different, and you get a feel for how they work. Fit matters more than anything else we can measure, and if it is not right, we will rematch you without ceremony. Curious what actually happens in that first hour? Read what to expect in your first therapy session.
After that
Most clients meet weekly. Some work with us for a season, many for longer; depth work is not a sprint, and things that grow slowly tend to grow well.
If you are in crisis now, do not wait for an intake: call or text 988, or call the Philadelphia Crisis Line at (215) 685-6440.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I see a therapist?
You will hear from our intake coordinator team within 1 to 2 business days, and most clients have a first session within the same week or the next, depending on schedules.
What if my therapist is not the right fit?
Tell us, or tell them. Rematching is normal here and nobody will be offended.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral to start?
No. You need only the five-minute intake, or a phone call to (215) 399-4128.
Request your match.
The intake takes about five minutes and asks only what applies to you.
BEFORE REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT
We are not accepting new clients with Medicare or Medicaid, including Medicare Advantage, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance and NJ FamilyCare. This applies to primary and secondary coverage, and we do not offer private-pay appointments for new clients with these plans. Please contact your plan for help finding a participating therapist.
If you are already a Turning Leaf client and your coverage changes, please contact your therapist and our intake team so we can discuss your situation individually.
HIPAA-secure. Reviewed personally by our intake coordinator team. Response in 1 to 2 business days.