Thread: What kind of information do you have to give when making a counseling appointment?

What will they ask me on the phone? Should I just say anxiety, or should I include my obsessive thinking? I don't want them to ask me about the obsessive thinking, as in, describe it, or something though, so I'm not sure what to say? Do you have to give them your health card information?

It depends on the organization. But at a minimum your name and contact information and a brief description of the problem. From what you have stated you are fine just to say anxiety -- obsessive thinking is usually a symptom of anxiety. They may do a safety assessment in which they might ask if you are going to harm yourself. This is to help them gage if immediate intervention is required or if you can wait until the next available appointment. They may ask for your health card information, place of employment, or nothing depending who is paying for your appointment. They are bound by confidentiality and should not tell your employer anything or anybody else (even that you are visiting) without your consent.

Try and be as truthful and upfront as you can be about your symptoms. This will help the staff prioritize your treatment and selection of the most qualified therapist for you.

The staff at any medical facility are required to maintain patient confidentiality.

Good luck.

just your name address phone number.they should not ask the reason why you are seeing a therapist or doctor they are secretary's.if they ask just tell them you will explain it to the doctor when you see him.it is none of there Business.i have been seeing a therapist for years and i know i don't tell the secretary nothing when i walk in there i give her my name she calls the doctor down and i go in.so they should just ask the basics.