All of us at the Counseling Center Group of Brooklyn want to congratulate you on taking the first step towards living a life you love. You might be wondering what this first appointment will look like. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, so you can arrive feeling more at ease and informed.
Intake Process
You’ve likely been sent an invite via email from TherapyPortal to create an account using our client portal. On the portal, you will find all required paperwork that needs to be completed prior to your first appointment. Paperwork includes:
- CCG Office Policies
- Consent Forms
- Client History Form
- Client Information Form
- Emergency Contacts Form
If you have questions regarding any of these forms, don’t hesitate to reach out beforehand—we’re happy to walk you through them.
Brooklyn Office Location and Parking
Address:
26 Court Street
Suite 1009
Brooklyn NY 11242
[Click here for driving directions]
Metro/Subway Access:
Our Brooklyn office is located on the border of Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. 26 Court Street is a 2-minute walk from the 2/3/4/5 trains (Borough Hall) and the R train (Court Street), and a 5-minute walk from A/C/F trains (Jay St-MetroTech).
Parking:
In addition to metered street parking, there are a number of parking garages within a 5-minute walk of our Brooklyn office, including:
- ICON Parking at 180 Montague Street
- ICON Parking at 85 Livingston Street
- SP+ Parking at 300 Cadman Plaza West
Entry:
The building entrance is fully staffed, and there is no need to check or sign in with the doorperson.
Suite 1009: To find our suite, clients should take the elevators on their left hand side as they enter the building to Floor 10. Once on Floor 10, make a left and you will see 1009 on the right hand side of the left hand hallway. Have a seat in the waiting room and your clinician will come find you at your appointment time.
Have a seat in the waiting room and your clinician will come find you at your appointment time. [Click here for a video tour of the space]
Helpful Tips for Your First Visit
Your first session is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you—what brought you in, what’s been on your mind, and how you’ve been feeling.
- Plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled.
- Bring any questions or notes you want to reference.
- Dress comfortably—this is your space to relax and be yourself.
It’s okay if you don’t know exactly where to start—your therapist will help guide the conversation.
After the Session
It’s normal to leave your first session feeling a mix of things—relief, hope, exhaustion, uncertainty. You might even wonder if you “said the right things.” The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to show up. Just by taking that first step, you’ve already done something brave and important. The CCG clinician and intake teams are also always available to answer any questions and to help you navigate your time at the Counseling Center Group.
