This article provides a step-by-step guide to your first appointment at Rula, from before you start the telehealth session to the steps you must complete immediately after.
Step 1: Your Client is Sent an Intake Packet
When starting at Rula, clients are sent an intake packet which includes:
- Consent forms
- Measurement-Informed Care (MIC) survey bundle (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7)
- New Patient Intake Survey (with questions like "Why are you seeking therapy?" and "Have you been in therapy before?")
- You can scroll down to the bottom of this article to view a PDF example blank Patient Intake Survey
- For new in-person clients, you will receive an email notifying you that includes the client's response to the "Danger to Others (DOT)" question on their registration form.
Please note that at this time, the ability to offer appointments in person is only available to CA CO, DC, MD, VA, GA, FL, TX, HI, WA, IL, AZ, IN, NC, NY, and OH providers. You can read more about in-person offerings here and find which insurances you are credentialed with in the Rula provider portal.
We require the client to sign and return the consent forms. If a client has not signed their consent forms, they will be prompted to agree to them while in the waiting room for their initial appointment. Clients will not be able to join their initial appointment without agreeing to the consent forms. Please note that other documents (i.e., MIC survey bundle, and New Patient Intake Survey) are not required.
| Note: All clients must complete registration to confirm their first visit |
You can always email your clients and ask them to fill out the forms before they see you. If the client completes the intake packet, they will be listed in the client's chart in the provider portal.
- Check out this article for more information about viewing documents, such as the consent forms, in the Rula provider portal.
- Check out this article for more information about viewing your client's measures surveys in the Rula provider portal.
- Check out this article for more information about intake guidelines specifically for in-person appointments.
Step 2: Start the Telehealth Session
When it is time for your first client session at Rula, you can access Telehealth sessions from inside the chosen appointment on your calendar in the provider portal.
| Note: You’re able to join the appointment up to 30 minutes before its starting time. |
- Check out this article for more information about starting a telehealth session from the Rula provider portal.
Step 3: Complete the Initial Assessment
Every client receiving treatment at Rula must have an initial assessment completed during their first visit in order to identify treatment needs, establish a diagnosis, and determine a therapeutic fit.
- Check out this article to learn more about completing an initial assessment.
- Check out this article for sample initial assessment documentation.
Step 4: Document Your First Session
We often get questions from therapists about what to do directly after their first client session at Rula. There are a few tasks you must complete in order to properly document the session and be compensated for your time.
- Check out this article and video to learn more about Viewing signed notes in the Rula provider portal.
- Check out this article to learn more about creating and signing a session note in the Rula provider portal.
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