Welcome to River Wards
We are here to assist you in navigating your options for therapy
Our intake specialists are trained in identifying your clinical needs and connecting you with the best fit therapist.
The intake specialists are Sarah DiSanto, Nikita Mahon, and Nicole Lewis. The intake specialist will not be your ongoing therapist.
Having trouble with the Client Portal and Self Scheduling? Click Here for further instructions:
Client Portal Self-Scheduling an Intake
Why do an Intake?
Our intention is to make our clients feel empowered in choosing a therapist that is the best fit for them, both clinically and financially. We want our clients to feel supported in this process, and to go into their first therapy session feeling confident that they are in the right spot. For our clients that are new to therapy, have had a previous negative experience, or have been to therapy for years, we are here to help navigate the options with you to find a good fit for you to move forward with a successful therapeutic relationship.
What is an Intake Assessment?
The intake assessment is also called a BioPsychoSocial. The assessment will explore your reasons for seeking therapy at this time, your history with therapy, likes and dislikes of previous experiences, and goals. The assessment will also touch on the following areas: family history, trauma/adversity history, substance use, work/education, needs for referrals or resources, high-risk assessment, and any other salient areas of concern. If you would like to skip the intake process and receive a list of therapists that match your availability and clinical needs, please email Hello@riverwardswellness.com and request to skip the intake.
What happens during the intake?
Our intakes are completed by either one of our group owners, Sarah or Kara, or our senior clinicians, Nikita or Nicole (these options are intake therapists and will not be your ongoing therapist). Although we offer in-person and teletherapy, our intakes are all virtual. Our intake takes place in our confidential client portal.
The intake process begins with a review of the consents and scales completed prior to the intake appointment. You’ll be able to ask any of your questions about the therapeutic process and identify your goals. Most importantly, we will be able to get greater details on what is bringing you in at this time so we can hopefully match you with the best fit for a therapist. This process allows you to go into your first session with the confidence that you will be able to build a relationship with a therapist that specializes in your presenting concerns, and therefore you will have the best chance for success. After we get a better understanding of your needs, we will provide you with options that will fit your clinical needs, financial needs, and scheduling needs.
What happens when I click the button to schedule my intake?
You will be redirected to a website called Theranest. This website is HIPAA compliant and you will be asked to create a client portal account. Please complete the demographic information, and select “complete forms” at the top of the page. You’ll be asked to complete a brief intake questionnaire and sign your consents for therapy. On the billing tab, you can add your insurance information and credit card information (for copays, deductibles, and private pay). To schedule the appointment, please go to appointments, then schedule new appointment. You’ll see an option for intake therapist (these options are intake therapists and will not be your ongoing therapist), selecting the insurance you’ll be using, and scheduling the appointment. Once you submit the appointment request, the therapist will email you to let you know that they received your request and next steps!
How much does an intake appointment cost?
The intake appointment is a billable service to your insurance company, or private pay ($180). Please call your insurance company and request information on coverage for CPT code 90791, and make sure to ask about any copays (money you’ll owe toward the appointment total cost), or deductibles (paying the total fee until a sum is met and insurance financial coverage kicks in).