Getting Started at the Manhattan Center for CBT

Reaching out to a therapist for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Many people wonder what happens during the first phone call, what the initial consultation involves, or whether CBT is even the right fit for them. This page walks you through the process step-by-step so you know what to expect. If you’d like to learn more about CBT itself before considering treatment, you may also find our “What Is CBT?” page helpful.

Get Started with CBT

Deciding to seek help can be difficult. The therapists at the Manhattan Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy understand that and are committed to making the process as helpful and supportive as possible.

Get In Touch

If you think cognitive-behavioral therapy might be helpful for you, contact us. You can do this by calling us at 646-863-4225 or by visiting our “Contact us” page to submit an electronic request.

If you call, you can speak with the intake psychologist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for CBT. You’ll also learn what your treatment options would be. During this call (typically five or ten minutes long) the intake psychologist may recommend a therapist for you, or offer you other options that would meet our needs. There is no charge for this initial call.

The Initial Consultation

The next step would be doing an initial consultation appointment with a therapist. This appointment would be 50-60 minutes long, and there is a fee for this appointment. During the consultation, the therapist will be asking you several questions about your current difficulties. You will also be asked a bit about your past and background, and about your goals for therapy.

When possible, at the end of this consultation, the therapist will make his or her recommendations for whether and how CBT might be helpful for you. The therapist may provide you with a diagnosis. You will also learn what CBT will involve for you, since CBT looks different for different people and for different problems.

RELATED: How to Find a Therapist

During the consultation, the therapist will assess your concerns and discuss whether CBT is likely to be a good fit for your needs. If CBT is not the best option, we are happy to discuss other treatment approaches and referrals.

At or after the end of this initial appointment, you will decide whether you want to do a course of CBT treatment with the therapist or not. If so, you’ll have the option to start within a week. If not, we are happy to discuss and facilitate other options for you.

If you’re ready to get started, please get in touch with us.i