Taking the first step toward counseling can feel intimidating. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, reaching out is an important first step toward hope, healing, and growth.
At Sunray Family Counseling, we want the process of getting started to feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible. You don't need to have everything figured out before contacting us, and you don't need to know exactly what to say. Our intake team is here to help guide you through the process and answer your questions along the way.
Here's what you can expect when getting started with counseling at Sunray.
Reach Out to Our Intake Team
Getting started is simple! You can reach our office by:
- Phone: 435-283-4690
- Email: intake@sunrayfamilycounseling.com
Once you contact us, a member of our team will walk you through the initial intake process, gather the necessary information, and answer any questions you may have.
There is no obligation to schedule an appointment just because you've reached out. We are happy to help you understand the process and explore whether counseling at Sunray is the right fit for you.
Information to Have Ready
During your initial contact, we'll collect some basic information to help us get your account started. This typically includes:
- Client's full name (and legal guardian's name if the client is a minor)
- Client's address and date of birth
- Client's preferred pronouns
- Insurance provider
- Insurance member ID number
- Policyholder's name and date of birth
- A valid email address
Your email address is especially important because we use it to send electronic intake paperwork for you to review and sign before your first appointment.
This paperwork may include HIPAA acknowledgment, consent forms, demographic information, and other documents necessary to begin services.
Scheduling for a Child or Teen
If you are scheduling counseling for a child or teenager, we may need some additional information.
When parents have a custody arrangement or court order in place, we require a copy of the custody decree or applicable court paperwork. This allows us to understand the legal custody arrangement and ensure we follow the appropriate requirements when providing services to minors.
Our goal is to make sure everyone involved understands the necessary steps before counseling begins.
Finding a Time That Works
We understand that life is busy! Between work, school, family responsibilities, and other commitments, finding time for counseling can sometimes be challenging.
During intake, we'll ask about your preferred appointment times and any scheduling restrictions you may have throughout the week.
While we cannot guarantee a specific time, knowing your availability helps us work toward finding an appointment that fits your schedule as closely as possible.
Understanding Your Insurance
If you plan to use insurance, we'll request your insurance information so we can perform what's called a courtesy insurance check.
This check generally gives us an idea of your current deductible status and estimated copay or coinsurance responsibilities. We'll share the information we receive so you have a better understanding of what to expect financially before beginning services.
Please keep in mind that a courtesy check is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Your insurance company makes the final determination of benefits and coverage.
Coordinating with Caseworkers and Placement Arrangements
If you or your child has an active case involving DCFS, JJYS, or JJS, we'll need a little additional information to help coordinate care appropriately.
Please be prepared to provide:
- Your assigned caseworker's name
- Caseworker's contact information
- A signed Release of Information (ROI)
If a minor has been temporarily placed in your custody, including foster care, kinship placement, or another temporary placement arrangement, we will also need the appropriate placement paperwork or legal documentation. This helps us verify who has the legal authority to consent to counseling and ensures we follow the applicable requirements when providing services to minors.
The Release of Information is included with your electronic intake paperwork. This authorization gives Sunray permission to communicate with your caseworker regarding treatment, as permitted by the signed release.
Having this information available helps us coordinate care appropriately and avoid unnecessary delays.
Before Your First Appointment
Once we've gathered your initial information, we'll provide any additional details you need, including office addresses, contact information, and instructions for completing your intake paperwork.
We'll also help answer any questions you may have about the process, scheduling, insurance, or getting started with counseling.
Our team wants you to feel informed and comfortable before your first appointment. We understand that reaching out for help can be a big step, and we want to make that step a little easier.
You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers
Starting counseling doesn't require having all the answers. You don't need to know exactly what you want to work on, have the perfect words to describe how you're feeling, or know what the counseling process will look like.
That's what we're here for.
At Sunray Family Counseling, we believe everyone deserves a place to feel heard, supported, and understood. Whether you're reaching out for yourself, your child, or your family, we're here to help you take that first step.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call at 435-283-4690 or email intake@sunrayfamilycounseling.com. Our team would be happy to help you begin your journey toward hope, healing, and growth.
Sunray Family Counseling — Hope, healing, and growth.