Photo of Sylvester R Smith - Inclusion Counseling Services, LLC., MSRC, LCMHCS, CRC, LCAS, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Inclusion Counseling Services, LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSRC, LCMHCS, CRC, LCAS, MAC
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27260
I have been working in the counseling profession for over 16 years. My area of expertise is People With Disability, children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. In my work, I utilize an eclectic style of counseling; continuing this further, I do exclusively support family system therapy, person centered and solution focus therapy. I believe that family interactions and communication patterns are important to understanding current issues. I look at evidence-based approaches as tools to help you reach your goals with the intentions of long-term growth and change.
I have been working in the counseling profession for over 16 years. My area of expertise is People With Disability, children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. In my work, I utilize an eclectic style of counseling; continuing this further, I do exclusively support family system therapy, person centered and solution focus therapy. I believe that family interactions and communication patterns are important to understanding current issues. I look at evidence-based approaches as tools to help you reach your goals with the intentions of long-term growth and change.
(336) 589-6025 View (336) 589-6025
Photo of Celeste Hope Nettles, MBS, MS, LCMHC
Celeste Hope Nettles
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MBS, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Serves Area
Stressed, anxious, feeling overwhelmed? I can help you gain a better sense of control in life, and of your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. I provide the guidance needed for you to improve your communication and relationships and help you move past challenges that are blocking you from achieving your personal goals.
Stressed, anxious, feeling overwhelmed? I can help you gain a better sense of control in life, and of your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. I provide the guidance needed for you to improve your communication and relationships and help you move past challenges that are blocking you from achieving your personal goals.
(336) 793-2797 View (336) 793-2797
Photo of Katie Vermette, MA, LCMHCA, Counselor
Katie Vermette
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I do not take for granted the strength it takes to seek support. I wholeheartedly believe in the process of mental health counseling and am excited to come along side those who would choose to participate in this journey. I understand that each client brings a unique perspective, set of experiences, and personality. Therefore, I seek to meet each client right where they are, partnering with them to tailor the counseling experience to best fit their goals.
I do not take for granted the strength it takes to seek support. I wholeheartedly believe in the process of mental health counseling and am excited to come along side those who would choose to participate in this journey. I understand that each client brings a unique perspective, set of experiences, and personality. Therefore, I seek to meet each client right where they are, partnering with them to tailor the counseling experience to best fit their goals.
(336) 536-6723 View (336) 536-6723
Photo of Lesia Lancaster, MA, LCMHC, NCC, NPT-C
Lesia Lancaster
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC, NPT-C
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Traumatic experiences or challenging life events may leave you feeling confused, anxious, agitated, or numb. These feelings may be so overwhelming that you might not even remember a time when things felt better. One thing you can count on is that you are eager to find a sense of safety, security, and peace. Most of all, I understand that you want to possess the confidence and skills to redefine your life. Clients seeking services want to establish a sense of safety, develop a sense of power, and gain the ability to reconnect with others. They come to learn more about how to be more present and less focused on past experiences.
Traumatic experiences or challenging life events may leave you feeling confused, anxious, agitated, or numb. These feelings may be so overwhelming that you might not even remember a time when things felt better. One thing you can count on is that you are eager to find a sense of safety, security, and peace. Most of all, I understand that you want to possess the confidence and skills to redefine your life. Clients seeking services want to establish a sense of safety, develop a sense of power, and gain the ability to reconnect with others. They come to learn more about how to be more present and less focused on past experiences.
(336) 203-8828 View (336) 203-8828
Photo of Lyndsay Wilcox, MS, LCMHCA, CRC, Counselor
Lyndsay Wilcox
Counselor, MS, LCMHCA, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is a journey that is unique to each person. It can help you learn more about yourself, your relationships, and how you interact with the world. Lyndsay’s approach is integrative and tailored to fit client’s specific needs and goals. She has a strong belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and is dedicated to creating a safe, creative space in which clients can process and share with empathy and without judgement. She works to encourage and support clients in better understanding their story and breaking unhelpful patterns. Lyndsay hopes that clients leave with tools to use in and out of session.
Therapy is a journey that is unique to each person. It can help you learn more about yourself, your relationships, and how you interact with the world. Lyndsay’s approach is integrative and tailored to fit client’s specific needs and goals. She has a strong belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and is dedicated to creating a safe, creative space in which clients can process and share with empathy and without judgement. She works to encourage and support clients in better understanding their story and breaking unhelpful patterns. Lyndsay hopes that clients leave with tools to use in and out of session.
(336) 649-4525 View (336) 649-4525
Photo of Brianna Garcia, LCSWA, MSW
Brianna Garcia
LCSW Associate, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I value the power of kindness, compassion, and validation. Using the liberation psychology framework, I believe that by acknowledging the impacts and limitations from various systems, we can reframe narratives of our lives to unpack shame, self-blame, and increase understandings of our locus' of control and rediscover our own autonomy and confidence. I do not judge anyone for being who they are. I only seek to assist in another’s journey of self-discovery and self-actualization by guiding them on the healthiest and safest path that they have chosen for themselves. I maintain my social work ethics of social justice in my practice.
I value the power of kindness, compassion, and validation. Using the liberation psychology framework, I believe that by acknowledging the impacts and limitations from various systems, we can reframe narratives of our lives to unpack shame, self-blame, and increase understandings of our locus' of control and rediscover our own autonomy and confidence. I do not judge anyone for being who they are. I only seek to assist in another’s journey of self-discovery and self-actualization by guiding them on the healthiest and safest path that they have chosen for themselves. I maintain my social work ethics of social justice in my practice.
(336) 891-9010 View (336) 891-9010
Photo of Caitlin Murphy, MA, LCMHCA, Counselor
Caitlin Murphy
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m grateful you’re here. I commend you for taking the first step toward building a better relationship with yourself and deepening your self-awareness. Therapy is a wonderful gift to give to yourself. My ideal client is anyone at a crossroads in their life who is in need of a safe harbor. No struggle is too big or small, or layered or strange. I especially enjoy working with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, life transitions, relational concerns, and the queer community. I am person-centered at my core and approach therapy from a feminist lens. I also like to implement aspects of mindfulness with my clients.
I’m grateful you’re here. I commend you for taking the first step toward building a better relationship with yourself and deepening your self-awareness. Therapy is a wonderful gift to give to yourself. My ideal client is anyone at a crossroads in their life who is in need of a safe harbor. No struggle is too big or small, or layered or strange. I especially enjoy working with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, life transitions, relational concerns, and the queer community. I am person-centered at my core and approach therapy from a feminist lens. I also like to implement aspects of mindfulness with my clients.
(336) 664-8660 View (336) 664-8660
Photo of Rossana L Magalhaes, MS, EdS, LCMHC, NCC
Rossana L Magalhaes
MS, EdS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Rossana's special interests include adults, couples, and family counseling, adjustment concerns, depression, anxiety, spirituality, attachment, and self-esteem. Rossana graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. EdS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNC-G. Rossana also graduated with a B.A. in Education and Student Orientation from a university located in Southeast of Brazil.
Rossana's special interests include adults, couples, and family counseling, adjustment concerns, depression, anxiety, spirituality, attachment, and self-esteem. Rossana graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. EdS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNC-G. Rossana also graduated with a B.A. in Education and Student Orientation from a university located in Southeast of Brazil.
(336) 656-2080 View (336) 656-2080
Photo of Dortch Mann, LCMHC, Counselor
Dortch Mann
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We are currently in very stressful times. In our work together, you will be preparing to navigate through difficult challenges. We will build up your resilience. Resilience allows us to accept the difficulty of the situation and bolsters our belief that we can grow into the people we need to be to meet the challenge. Whether you're a young adult headed for autonomy, a parent supporting a young person's growth, a couple embarking on a life together or needing to remember "why" you're a couple, or an individual ready to "rethink, re-orient, and re-evaluate", this is your opportunity to prepare for the journey.
We are currently in very stressful times. In our work together, you will be preparing to navigate through difficult challenges. We will build up your resilience. Resilience allows us to accept the difficulty of the situation and bolsters our belief that we can grow into the people we need to be to meet the challenge. Whether you're a young adult headed for autonomy, a parent supporting a young person's growth, a couple embarking on a life together or needing to remember "why" you're a couple, or an individual ready to "rethink, re-orient, and re-evaluate", this is your opportunity to prepare for the journey.
(336) 485-4629 View (336) 485-4629
Photo of Mat Sandifer, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mat Sandifer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I have been a therapist and consultant for 32 years, supporting those that are looking for solutions to life's difficulties. Whether it is relationships, internal struggles, career guidance, or family conflicts, I love using evidence-based tools to support the discovery of your solutions. Having worked in the substance use disorder and mental health profession and at the executive level of larger organizations, I have years of practice allowing me to be creative and individualized in supporting your needs.
I have been a therapist and consultant for 32 years, supporting those that are looking for solutions to life's difficulties. Whether it is relationships, internal struggles, career guidance, or family conflicts, I love using evidence-based tools to support the discovery of your solutions. Having worked in the substance use disorder and mental health profession and at the executive level of larger organizations, I have years of practice allowing me to be creative and individualized in supporting your needs.
(336) 939-0230 View (336) 939-0230
Photo of Marty S Rosser, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marty S Rosser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a therapist with over 40 years of experience, I specialize in working with individual adults, couples and families. Working from a family systems perspective, I build on my clients' capacities to bounce back from hard times. I engage each unique client in a way that facilitates their being able to challenge their patterns of dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. Clients have shared that they appreciate the empathy and understanding that I bring to our work together.
As a therapist with over 40 years of experience, I specialize in working with individual adults, couples and families. Working from a family systems perspective, I build on my clients' capacities to bounce back from hard times. I engage each unique client in a way that facilitates their being able to challenge their patterns of dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. Clients have shared that they appreciate the empathy and understanding that I bring to our work together.
(336) 502-2764 View (336) 502-2764
Photo of Dominique Hickman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dominique Hickman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people who are struggling with saddens, anxiousness, anger and relationship troubles. Life can be messy and sometimes you just need a space to unravel the mess. My goal is to create a safe space by providing unconditional positive regard for all of the situations that you are willing to discuss. My ideal client is someone that desires to find their best self and wants to achieve their idea of happiness and peace. Someone that believes that it is possible to achieve life goals and near-perfect situation with help from the right person.
I work with people who are struggling with saddens, anxiousness, anger and relationship troubles. Life can be messy and sometimes you just need a space to unravel the mess. My goal is to create a safe space by providing unconditional positive regard for all of the situations that you are willing to discuss. My ideal client is someone that desires to find their best self and wants to achieve their idea of happiness and peace. Someone that believes that it is possible to achieve life goals and near-perfect situation with help from the right person.
(336) 276-2619 View (336) 276-2619
Photo of Monique T. Crutchfield - Piedmont Counseling & Development Services, PLLC, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Piedmont Counseling & Development Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have had the opportunity to assist people in obtaining their personal goals since 1994.
I have had the opportunity to assist people in obtaining their personal goals since 1994.
(336) 814-9941 View (336) 814-9941
Photo of Robert Elliott Owens, EdD, MEd, Counselor
Robert Elliott Owens
Counselor, EdD, MEd
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I work primarily with first responders, business/healthcare executives, athletes, and performing artists.
I work primarily with first responders, business/healthcare executives, athletes, and performing artists.
(336) 396-2704 View (336) 396-2704
Photo of Dennis L. McKnight, PhD, Psychologist
Dennis L. McKnight
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Psychologists Dennis L. McKnight, Ph.D. and Erik Nelson, M.A., have a combined 30+ years of experience as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy specialists. State of the art treatments are utilized for the treatment of Mood Disorders: including Depression; Dysthymia; Bipolar I and II and Cyclotymia. Anxiety Disorders: including Panic Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Generalized Anxiety; Social Anxiety; PTSD; and Phobias. ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment for individuals and families. Also Stressful Life Situations; Marital Therapy and Relationship Counseling; Personal Growth; Self-Esteem Issues; Anger Issues; Family Therapy; Codependency; and Blended Family Counseling.
Psychologists Dennis L. McKnight, Ph.D. and Erik Nelson, M.A., have a combined 30+ years of experience as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy specialists. State of the art treatments are utilized for the treatment of Mood Disorders: including Depression; Dysthymia; Bipolar I and II and Cyclotymia. Anxiety Disorders: including Panic Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Generalized Anxiety; Social Anxiety; PTSD; and Phobias. ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment for individuals and families. Also Stressful Life Situations; Marital Therapy and Relationship Counseling; Personal Growth; Self-Esteem Issues; Anger Issues; Family Therapy; Codependency; and Blended Family Counseling.
(336) 297-1060 View (336) 297-1060
Photo of Edward Franklyn Morris - Agape Psychological Consortium, PLLC, PhD, HSP-P, LPC-S, Psychologist
Agape Psychological Consortium, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD, HSP-P, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Within our practice, we have a passion for providing competent and compassionate services to those individuals who trust us with their concerns, fear, and disappointments. Within a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach that is tailored to client's unique situation and needs. Through our services, we work with children and adolescents (ages 3 through 18) with various emotional, educational, developmental, and behavioral challenges. We also work with adults with various psychological, interpersonal, and "life related" struggles. As part of our comprehensive assessment process, we provide an objective assessment of your presenting issues.
Within our practice, we have a passion for providing competent and compassionate services to those individuals who trust us with their concerns, fear, and disappointments. Within a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach that is tailored to client's unique situation and needs. Through our services, we work with children and adolescents (ages 3 through 18) with various emotional, educational, developmental, and behavioral challenges. We also work with adults with various psychological, interpersonal, and "life related" struggles. As part of our comprehensive assessment process, we provide an objective assessment of your presenting issues.
(336) 441-5981 View (336) 441-5981
Photo of Melanie Coble Paschal, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melanie Coble Paschal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
If you are looking for someone with a diverse background with many years of experience. I am here to help. I have worked with a variety of people with diverse issues. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Abuse Professional. I graduated in 1991 with my BSW and after working for a few years returned to school and obtained my MSW in 1996. I obtained my LCSW in 2004 and my LCAS in 2018.
If you are looking for someone with a diverse background with many years of experience. I am here to help. I have worked with a variety of people with diverse issues. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Abuse Professional. I graduated in 1991 with my BSW and after working for a few years returned to school and obtained my MSW in 1996. I obtained my LCSW in 2004 and my LCAS in 2018.
(336) 656-2574 View (336) 656-2574
Photo of Kim O'Neill, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kim O'Neill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, relational issues and trauma. I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist and I’m passionate about supporting all people on their journey. I also utilize mindfulness and self-compassion to help promote healing and self-acceptance. I’m particularity interested supporting others in understanding and developing a greater connection between their mind, body and soul. Whether you are on a path of healing or a path of self-actualization, psychotherapy can be an opportunity to grow beyond your current experience.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, relational issues and trauma. I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist and I’m passionate about supporting all people on their journey. I also utilize mindfulness and self-compassion to help promote healing and self-acceptance. I’m particularity interested supporting others in understanding and developing a greater connection between their mind, body and soul. Whether you are on a path of healing or a path of self-actualization, psychotherapy can be an opportunity to grow beyond your current experience.
(336) 863-3417 View (336) 863-3417
Photo of Dr. Rebecca Levy, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Rebecca Levy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
We all deserve a safe space to understand and take care of our health. Many times a new physical diagnosis is given and treated but a big part of your health is forgotten, your mental health. My approach to your health is holistically. Physical health diagnoses can impact how we feel and interact. We forget that our brain lives inside of our body and to heal we must think about the entire body. Using this lens, I work with those struggling with a new physical diagnosis, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions and family distress. I have also worked with various healthcare workers in navigating burnout and healthcare challenges.
We all deserve a safe space to understand and take care of our health. Many times a new physical diagnosis is given and treated but a big part of your health is forgotten, your mental health. My approach to your health is holistically. Physical health diagnoses can impact how we feel and interact. We forget that our brain lives inside of our body and to heal we must think about the entire body. Using this lens, I work with those struggling with a new physical diagnosis, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions and family distress. I have also worked with various healthcare workers in navigating burnout and healthcare challenges.
(336) 742-1958 View (336) 742-1958
Photo of Cheri B Henry, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cheri B Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The therapeutic relationship can provide an opportunity for you to process emotional, relational, and spiritual issues in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I incorporate a wide range of strategies in my therapeutic philosophy and style based on your need. In addition to individual therapy, I provide marital and family therapy, including mutli-generational family sessions. Much of my previous professional experience has been with relationship issues, grief, women's issues and trauma. I am currently accepting new patients.
The therapeutic relationship can provide an opportunity for you to process emotional, relational, and spiritual issues in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I incorporate a wide range of strategies in my therapeutic philosophy and style based on your need. In addition to individual therapy, I provide marital and family therapy, including mutli-generational family sessions. Much of my previous professional experience has been with relationship issues, grief, women's issues and trauma. I am currently accepting new patients.
(336) 899-7113 View (336) 899-7113
1

See more therapy options for 27260

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 27260

70+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in 27260 who prioritize treating:

93% Depression
90% Anxiety
81% Relationship Issues
79% Coping Skills
79% Self Esteem
75% Trauma and PTSD
69% Stress

Average years in practice

15 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

90% BlueCross and BlueShield
79% Aetna
60% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in 27260 see their clients

81% In Person and Online
19% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
21% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 27260?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.