Starting therapy can bring relief the moment you put it on the calendar. At Crossroads Counseling in Lexington, your first session is built to give you clarity and momentum. You will walk out with a simple plan, not a pile of jargon. Care is available in person at our Lexington office and via secure telehealth anywhere in South Carolina. We are in network with most major insurance plans and verify benefits up front.
Before the Appointment
Once you schedule, you will receive short intake forms that cover symptoms, history, and goals. If you take medication, note names and doses. If you plan to meet online, test your device and choose a private space. On the day of the visit, arrive a few minutes early or log on five minutes before start time.
What Happens in the First 60 Minutes of Your Therapy Session
Orientation and consent. Your therapist explains confidentiality and its limits and outlines the hour so you know what to expect.
Assessment and story. You describe how anxiety shows up at home, work, or school, what triggers it, and what you have tried. Your therapist may use brief measures like the GAD-7 to track change over time.
Approach and first tools. You learn how treatment will work and practice one or two skills that fit your life so you can try them this week.
Plan and next steps. You agree on session frequency, usually weekly at first, and confirm how you will measure progress.
Evidence-Cased Care You May Try in Anxiety Therapy
Your plan is tailored, not one size fits all. Clinicians commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to map patterns and test new actions, Behavioral Activation to restart energy and routine when mood drops, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you act on your values even when anxiety is loud. We integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotion regulation and boundaries. For panic, OCD features, or health anxiety, your therapist may include gradual exposure, including Exposure and Response Prevention when indicated. If medication might help, and with your consent, we coordinate with your prescriber.
How Progress is Measured
You will choose two or three indicators that matter in daily life. That could be sleeping through the night, driving on the interstate again, or returning to social plans without canceling. We pair those with short check-ins or brief scales to show what is changing. Many people notice early traction in six to eight sessions, then taper as skills stick. Timelines vary based on severity, stressors, and practice between visits.
In Person or Telehealth?
See your therapist in our Lexington office or meet by secure video anywhere in South Carolina. Telehealth can be effective for anxiety and depression when privacy and internet quality are stable. We will help you choose the format that supports your goals. Insurance benefits are verified up front and costs are explained before you begin.
How to Prepare in Five Minutes
Make a short list of your top concerns, current medications, and one change you want to notice in the next month. Bring any questions about fees, scheduling, and telehealth. If a parent or partner helps with logistics, you are welcome to invite them to the first few minutes for coordination.
What Comes After the First Anxiety Therapy Session?
You will leave with a clear practice to try and a plan for the next visit. As you notice what helps, we refine the approach. When stress spikes, we add brief check-ins to keep momentum going. If you later need support for related issues like grief, couples conflict, or burnout, your therapist will help you add targeted care.
Reach Out for More Information
For more information on how Crossroads Counseling helps patients work through and conquer anxiety, give our team a call today at 803-303-6770.