New Patients
New Patients
Welcome! Everything you need to begin your therapy journey with confidence.
Welcome! Everything you need to begin your therapy journey with confidence.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Ready to Start Your Journey?
You are in the right place! We are thrilled that you are considering Stafford and Associates Counseling for your mental health needs. Our practice is dedicated to supporting people at all stages of life, helping you navigate challenges, and fostering personal growth and healing. We understand that starting therapy can feel like a big step, and we are here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. The resources on this page will help you be ready to begin feeling better!
What to Expect
at Your First Appointment
What to Expect
at Your First Appointment
At Stafford and Associates, we believe that every individual’s story is unique and deserves to be heard with empathy and understanding. During your first appointment, our priority is to get to know you, understand your current situation, and listen to your personal story. This initial session is an opportunity for us to build a strong therapeutic relationship and create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings.
At Stafford and Associates, we believe that every individual’s story is unique and deserves to be heard with empathy and understanding. During your first appointment, our priority is to get to know you, understand your current situation, and listen to your personal story. This initial session is an opportunity for us to build a strong therapeutic relationship and create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings.
-
Yes. Most of our therapists offer both options, and you can switch depending on your needs. Simply let us know if you prefer to meet in person at our Mooresville office or virtually through our secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
-
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. Many clients start with weekly sessions, but frequency is flexible depending on your needs and progress.
-
Yes. Your privacy is a top priority. All of our records, communications, and virtual sessions are handled through SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF Certified, and PCI Compliant. What you share in therapy stays private, except in rare situations where we are legally required to act to protect your safety or the safety of others.
-
Finding the right therapist is an important part of your healing journey. If at any point you feel your therapist isn’t the best fit, you’re welcome to request a change. We understand that comfort and connection matter, and we’ll work with you to match you with another member of our team whose style and expertise align better with your needs. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.
-
Potential new clients should request an appointment through our secure Get Started Form or call our office directly. We’ll match you with a therapist who best fits your needs.
-
Yes, some of our therapists offer evening and weekend availability. Contact us for current openings.
-
We understand life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice by phone, email, or through your patient portal.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and no-shows will be charged the full session fee.
Insurance does not cover late cancellation or no-show fees.
-
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule, and our standard cancellation policy may apply. If you’re running behind, please call us — whenever possible, we’ll do our best to still accommodate your session.
Helpful Information for New Patients
-
Potential new clients should request an appointment through our secure Get Started Form or call our office directly. We’ll match you with a therapist who best fits your needs.
-
Yes, some of our therapists offer evening and weekend availability. Contact us for current openings.
-
We understand life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice by phone, email, or through your patient portal.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and no-shows will be charged the full session fee.
Insurance does not cover late cancellation or no-show fees.
-
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule, and our standard cancellation policy may apply. If you’re running behind, please call us — whenever possible, we’ll do our best to still accommodate your session.
-
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card (often listed under “Behavioral Health” or “Member Services”). Ask about:
Your copay or coinsurance per session
Any deductible you need to meet
Whether we are in-network or out-of-network
If you pay out of pocket, you may be able to request reimbursement from your insurance company by filing a claim with an itemized receipt. Please note: we do not accept EAP codes for services.
-
Our therapists do not prescribe medication. If you and your therapist decide medication may be helpful, we can refer you to a trusted psychiatrist or primary care provider.
-
Yes, we provide therapy for children and teens, offering support for challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, school stress, and family dynamics.
-
It’s normal to feel uncertain. That’s why we offer an initial consultation to help you decide if therapy is the right fit for your needs.
-
Yes. Most of our therapists offer both options, and you can switch depending on your needs. Simply let us know if you prefer to meet in person at our Mooresville office or virtually through our secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
-
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. Many clients start with weekly sessions, but frequency is flexible depending on your needs and progress.
-
Yes. Your privacy is a top priority. All of our records, communications, and virtual sessions are handled through SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF Certified, and PCI Compliant. What you share in therapy stays private, except in rare situations where we are legally required to act to protect your safety or the safety of others.
-
Finding the right therapist is an important part of your healing journey. If at any point you feel your therapist isn’t the best fit, you’re welcome to request a change. We understand that comfort and connection matter, and we’ll work with you to match you with another member of our team whose style and expertise align better with your needs. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.
Still have questions?
-
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card (often listed under “Behavioral Health” or “Member Services”). Ask about:
Your copay or coinsurance per session
Any deductible you need to meet
Whether we are in-network or out-of-network
If you pay out of pocket, you may be able to request reimbursement from your insurance company by filing a claim with an itemized receipt. Please note: we do not accept EAP codes for services.
-
Our therapists do not prescribe medication. If you and your therapist decide medication may be helpful, we can refer you to a trusted psychiatrist or primary care provider.
-
Yes, we provide therapy for children and teens, offering support for challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, school stress, and family dynamics.
-
It’s normal to feel uncertain. That’s why we offer an initial consultation to help you decide if therapy is the right fit for your needs.
If you’d like more details about our practice, policies, and services, visit our full FAQ page for additional answers and resources.
Ready to get started?
Healing starts here.
Ready to get started? Healing starts here.
We are honored to help our clients journey to more healthy and happy places. We’d be honored to help you on your journey too.