[sassygurlone]

How did you get help:
Well I was kind of forced into help. But it was a good thing.

What happened at the first appointment:
Well I've had many first appointments as I've had many therapists and many case managers. But what usually happens is they ask a lot of questions and try to get to know a little bit about you. They go over confidentiality and what not.

How often:
It really depends on how I am doing. When I first began therapy 7 years ago it was once a week for individual therapy and once a week for group. Then it was twice a week for individual therapy, once a week for group and twice a week with my case manager where my family was included but once they realized that my family being involved only made things worse it my case manager came to see me alone. Now its twice a week for indvidual therapy, once a week for group and three times a week with my case manager. It usually increases after a hospitalization.

How long:
Individual lasts anywhere from an hour to an hour and 10 minutes. Group lasts 1hr and 30 mins. My meetings with my case manager can last anywhere from a half hour to all day long. And like I said I have been in treatment for 7 years and because of the disorders I have I will be in treatment my entire life, but that is not the case for everyone.

Advice:
It may seem scary at first but with the right therapist or psychiatrist its a very safe place to be. Be honest. If you find that the therapist/psychiatrist you start out with isn't right for you switch, its important for you to feel comfortable with them.