Your First Therapy Session with Medi-Cal
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Many people wonder: What will happen in the first session? Will it be awkward? Will it really be covered by Medi-Cal? Knowing what to expect can make the process a lot less stressful.
🛑 Myth: “Therapy with Medi-Cal is confusing.”
Truth: It’s actually very straightforward. Your Medi-Cal plan covers everything, and your provider handles the billing. You don’t need to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees — sessions are completely covered.
🧑⚕️ Step 1: The Intake Session
Your first appointment is called an intake session. This is where your therapist gets to know you and your story. You can expect questions like:
What brings you to therapy right now?
What would you like to feel or achieve through counseling?
Have you ever tried therapy before?
What support systems do you have in your life?
Think of it as a conversation, not a test. There are no “wrong” answers. Your therapist is there to listen and understand, not to judge.
🛋️ Step 2: Building Comfort
The first session is also about comfort. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe and understood. Your therapist’s job is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly.
💡 Tip: It’s okay to tell your therapist if you feel nervous. Many clients actually say they feel a sense of relief after the very first session, simply from being heard.
📅 Step 3: Ongoing Support
After the intake, you and your therapist will decide on a plan together. For most Medi-Cal clients, sessions are weekly or every other week, depending on your needs. Therapy is not about perfection in one visit — it’s about steady progress over time.
You may focus on:
Managing anxiety or depression
Healing from past trauma
Improving relationships and communication
Building coping skills and resilience
📱 Step 4: Options for Care
Medi-Cal also covers telehealth therapy in many cases. This means you can have sessions from the comfort of your home using a phone, tablet, or computer. For clients with transportation, childcare, or scheduling challenges, this makes getting support easier than ever.
💡 Final Thought
Your first therapy session is about connection, not pressure. With Medi-Cal covering the cost, you don’t need to worry about the bill — you can focus on yourself, your healing, and your goals.