All of us at the Counseling Center Group 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.
Washington, D.C. (L Street) Office Location and Parking
Address:
1660 L Street, N.W.,
Suite 503
Washington, D.C. 20036
[Click here for driving directions]
Metro Access:
If you are taking the metro our DC office is easily accessible. You’ll want to exit at Farragut North on the Red Line (take the L Street exit), or at Farragut West on the Blue/Orange Line (take the 17th Street exit, and walk diagonally across Farragut Square).
Parking:
On-street meter or pay parking is difficult during the day, but becomes available briefly at 9:30 AM and again at 6:30 PM, after the end of rush hour, until 10 PM every evening except Sunday. Beware of rush-hour, evening, and other parking restrictions.
Parking garages are readily available but are expensive for short-term use. If you are scheduled to begin or end a session at rush hour, it is usually better to take the train, or plan to stay later until rush hour passes. Many professionals working downtown, both in public agencies and private firms, can walk to the Counseling Center Group L Street office.
Entry:
The Counseling Center Group at L Street shares space with another practice and is located in downtown Washington, D.C., at the corner of 17th and L Street, NW, just off Farragut Square. The White House is three blocks away and the Mayflower Hotel and National Geographic headquarters are within sight.
The building at 1660 L Street, N.W., has a 24-hour security guard, who will admit clients to the building’s front doors if you arrive after 6pm. For security and safety the building front doors are locked after 6pm. If you arrive downstairs at the ground level after 6pm, catch the eye of the security guard through the glass outer door. If the security guard steps away, please await the guard’s return. The guard will let you in and operate the elevator for you to the fifth floor. At Suite 503, you will buzz from the outer office door. Your therapist will buzz you in, and will meet you in the waiting room for your scheduled appointment.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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
As you leave, you’ll find a “scan to open” tool to the right of the door. Simply wave your hand to unlock it, and you’ll be all set to exit.
After the first session it is also normal to feel 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.
