How to Become a Client
The short answer is to contact me directly, Bill McDonald. You may use the Contact Me form, or phone me at 810-730-9454. (Leave a phone message if I can’t answer immediately.)
Here’s a longer answer:
Step One
Contact me, Bill McDonald
I’ll gather some brief information concerning
- What kind of therapy do you want or need?
- My policies on fees and insurance.
- What dates and times are available for an initial appointment
- Make sure you know the location of my office.
Once we’ve set an appointment date and time, please be diligent about keeping it—or let me know otherwise as soon as possible.
It has become my policy to send reminder text messages the previous evening (once I have a phone number or email address). But still, my “late cancel” fee of $15 is for cancellations less than 24 hours.
Step Two
What to bring to your first appointment
Simply showing up is the primary task here.
There’s a certain courage involved in first walking into this office. In most cases, you have never met me, except on these website pages – and there may be some anxiety about what this will be like. Will I decide you are too ‘crazy’ for any help? Maybe I won’t even understand you or your problems. Am I knowledgeable and powerful enough to help you?
Oh yes, you can also print out the New Client Information Form from this website (under Forms) and fill it out ahead of time (there’s also one for minors). Also, consider the 4-page Personal Information Form. If you can’t download it, don’t worry. I’ll have a copy for you.
Step Three
Just get here. (If you get lost trying to find my place, just phone, and I’ll guide you in.) You may be surprisingly comfortable—though it’s not always easy to begin. Perhaps you’re in for some interesting and challenging life changes.
If you spend time in my waiting room, you’ll find it quite comfortable. Also, most of the magazines are up to date! If someone comes with you, the waiting room is a quiet place for them to spend time—sometimes even to nap. There’s no TV (on purpose).
This office is comfortable and quiet. It’s my job to provide a place of comfort and safety—a space apart from the “outside” world.