Great news! You finally found a therapist you feel really connected to! During your consultation phone call, they answered all of your questions, they were really present, they even specialized in the very specific thing you are going through! One catch, though, is that they only see clients virtually. You decide to give it a try, but you have no idea what to expect, or how to prepare for your first session. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try virtual therapy because it fits better with your schedule and lifestyle! Either way, you probably have a lot of questions.
At Root & Rise Collective, we believe that meaningful, trauma-informed care doesn’t depend on being in the same room, it’s built through connection, presence, and attunement. Our online therapy sessions are designed to help you feel grounded and supported from wherever you are. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student balancing classes, or someone who simply feels calmer in their own space, Telehealth can be a powerful way to access care that truly fits your life.
Here are four things to do to prepare for your first virtual therapy session.
Most virtual therapy sessions will require you to log into a client portal of some kind. The portal is where you can access your paperwork and find the link to your virtual session. Some platforms allow you to have sessions from the portal itself. The reason for this is because all virtual sessions should be held on HIPPA compliant platforms in order to do their best to ensure your sessions remain confidential. Be sure to check out where and how to access your virtual session ahead of your session. Most platforms will also allow you to test your device to make sure your camera and microphone are working. Taking this step ahead of your appointment can reduce anxiety about where to access your session.
While paperwork, like filling out your intake and uploading insurance cards, is not exclusive to virtual therapy, it’s still an important step. Most therapists require paperwork be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first appointment so they can review it and plan for your session. This allows your therapist to focus on you, not troubleshooting.
At Root & Rise, once you complete your consultation and are matched with a therapist who fits your needs, we will guide you step-by-step through the onboarding process. From insurance verification to portal access, we make it simple so you can spend less time figuring out logistics and more time focusing on your care.
One really great thing about virtual therapy is that you have control over your environment. One challenge about virtual therapy is that you are responsible for your environment. While it may be tempting, and at times necessary, to have your virtual session from your car in the parking lot at work, it isn’t the most ideal setting.
Think of prioritizing your virtual appointment like you would an in-person therapy session. Maybe that means arriving a few minutes early, logging onto the portal, and waiting in the virtual waiting room. Sometimes life happens and you can’t get there early, and that’s okay, but if you are able to get set up even just a minute or two before your appointment start time, it gives your nervous system a chance to transition more smoothly into therapy.
Think of this step as an invitation to make your space as supportive and cozy as possible. When therapists decorate their offices, they often focus on lighting, artwork, temperature, and furniture with clients’ comfort in mind. We try to create an environment that feels safe and comforting so you and your nervous system can unwind. So this one extra step of building yourself a “nest” where you feel most supported and safe can make all the difference in how virtual therapy feels for you.
Wherever you start your session is where you will be for the next hour, so take the time to grab that extra blanket or cup of tea. Maybe even take the time to declutter your desk at home so you can just relax while in session and focus on you. Therapy, and especially trauma work, requires a lot of your nervous system, so anything you can do in your physical environment to support your nervous system will ultimately support your ability to show up for yourself in therapy as well.
Virtual therapy is a great tool that can make therapy accessible to more people, and it can be incredibly effective and supportive, especially if you take the extra step to be intentional about your space.
At Root & Rise Collective, many of our therapists offer virtual sessions to clients across Colorado, and several also provide in-person therapy at our Fort Collins office. Click here to get started and schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
This blog is part of our clinician-led series at Root & Rise Collective, designed to share insight, tools, and understanding around the emotional and relational roots of mental health challenges. Our goal is to offer perspective and guidance while encouraging you to connect with care that feels aligned, safe, and attuned to your story.
Root & Rise Collective is a trauma-informed therapy practice serving adults, couples, teens, and children. Our therapists combine somatic and talk therapy approaches to help clients feel grounded, supported, and empowered. We offer in-person sessions in Fort Collins and Telehealth counseling throughout Colorado.
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