Welcome to Our Practice
New Patient Information
We are glad you are taking this important step toward better mental health. Our team is here to make the process of getting started as smooth and comfortable as possible. Below you will find everything you need to know about becoming a new client at Paula S. Gordy LISW, LLC.
What to Expect
Contact Us
Call us at (641) 856-2688 or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment. Our friendly staff will help you find a time and location that works for you.
Insurance Verification
We verify your insurance benefits before your first visit so you know what to expect regarding coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. Our team handles this process for you.
Complete Intake Paperwork
Intake forms can be completed ahead of time through our secure client portal or in person at the office before your appointment. Completing them in advance helps us make the most of your first session.
Initial Assessment
Your first session includes a comprehensive assessment where your therapist will get to know you, your history, your current concerns, and what you hope to achieve. This session typically lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Treatment Planning
Together with your therapist, you will create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique goals, needs, and strengths. This plan guides the focus and direction of your therapy.
Begin Regular Sessions
Ongoing sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on your needs and treatment plan. Session frequency may be adjusted as you progress.
Be Prepared
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Having these items ready for your first visit helps us provide the best possible care from the very start.
Valid Photo ID
A government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
Insurance Card
Please bring your insurance card with both front and back visible. This ensures we have accurate billing information.
Current Medications
A list of all current medications, including dosages and prescribing providers, helps your therapist understand your full picture of care.
Referral Documentation
If your insurance requires a referral from your primary care provider, please bring the referral documentation with you.
Copay / Coinsurance Payment
Payment for any copay or coinsurance amount is due at the time of your visit. We can discuss payment options with you.
Relevant Records
Any medical or mental health records from previous providers that may be helpful for your therapist to review.
Completed Intake Forms
If you have not completed your intake paperwork through the client portal, plan to arrive early to fill them out at the office.
Your Questions & Concerns
Write down any questions, concerns, or topics you would like to discuss. There are no wrong questions to ask.
Tip: Arriving 15 minutes early for your first appointment allows time for check-in and any remaining paperwork, so your full session time can be devoted to getting to know each other.
Secure Online Access
Client Portal
Our secure client portal gives you convenient, 24/7 access to manage important aspects of your care from any device. Through the portal, you can:
- Complete intake paperwork online before your first appointment, saving time at the office
- View upcoming appointments and manage your schedule
- Send secure messages to your provider between sessions
- Access billing statements and view your account history
- Sign consent forms electronically from the comfort of your home
Your privacy is protected. The client portal uses HIPAA-compliant encryption to safeguard your personal health information. All data is transmitted and stored securely in accordance with federal privacy regulations.
Downloadable Documents
Forms & Documents
The following forms may be needed as part of your intake process. You can download and complete them ahead of time, or fill them out through the client portal.
| Form Name | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| New Client Intake Form | Collects your personal information, history, and current concerns to help your therapist prepare for your first session. | Fill Out Online |
| Consent for Treatment | Provides your informed consent to receive mental health treatment at our practice. | Fill Out Online |
| Notice of Privacy Practices | Explains how your protected health information is used and your rights under HIPAA. | View Online |
| Financial Agreement | Outlines payment responsibilities, billing practices, and financial policies. | Fill Out Online |
| Release of Information | Authorizes the sharing of your records with other providers or parties you designate. | Fill Out Online |
| Telehealth Consent | Required for clients receiving services via telehealth; covers technology use, privacy, and limitations. | Fill Out Online |
| No Surprises Act / Good Faith Estimate | Acknowledgment of your right to receive a good faith estimate of expected charges for services. | View Online |
Complete forms before your visit! Our online forms can be filled out in your browser and then printed or emailed to our office. You can also complete forms through our client portal. If you need assistance, please call us at (641) 856-2688.
Learn & Grow
Mental Health Education & Resources
Understanding mental health is an important part of the healing process. The following resources provide general educational information to help you and your loved ones learn more about common mental health concerns.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. It is a common and serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Depression can develop at any age and can affect anyone, regardless of background.
Common Signs
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite, sleep, or energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities
Depression is treatable — you do not have to face it alone. Effective therapies, including CBT and other evidence-based approaches, can help you find relief and regain a sense of hope.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress, but when worry becomes persistent, excessive, or difficult to control, it may be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can significantly impact daily life.
Common Signs
- Persistent, excessive worry that is hard to control
- Restlessness, feeling on edge, or difficulty relaxing
- Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or stomach upset
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right support, you can learn to manage anxiety and reclaim a sense of calm and control.
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Trauma occurs when a person experiences or witnesses an event that is deeply distressing or life-threatening. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after such events, causing ongoing emotional and physical reactions long after the event is over.
Common Signs
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations related to the trauma
- Feeling numb, detached, or disconnected from others
- Heightened startle response or being easily triggered
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
Healing from trauma is possible with the right support. Evidence-based therapies like EMDR and trauma-focused CBT have helped many people recover and move forward.
Coping Strategies & Self-Care
What you do between therapy sessions matters. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being on a daily basis can strengthen the progress you make in therapy and improve your overall quality of life.
Everyday Wellness Tips
- Sleep Prioritize consistent, restful sleep of 7–9 hours each night
- Movement Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, supports both body and mind
- Connection Stay connected with supportive people in your life
- Mindfulness Practice being present through deep breathing, meditation, or journaling
- Boundaries Learn to say no and protect your energy
Small daily practices can make a big difference. Your therapist can help you identify the self-care strategies that work best for you.
When to Seek Help
It can be difficult to know when it is time to reach out to a mental health professional. If you are wondering whether therapy might be helpful, that alone can be a sign that it is worth exploring.
Consider Reaching Out If You:
- Feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to cope with daily life
- Notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy that persist
- Experience difficulty maintaining relationships or work responsibilities
- Feel increasingly isolated, anxious, or sad
- Use substances to cope with stress or emotional pain
- Have experienced a significant loss, change, or traumatic event
There is no wrong time to seek support. Reaching out early can prevent challenges from becoming more difficult to manage over time.
Supporting a Loved One
When someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, it is natural to want to help but not always clear how. Your support can make a meaningful difference in their willingness to seek and continue treatment.
How You Can Help
- Listen without judgment and let them know you care
- Avoid trying to fix their problems; instead, offer your presence and patience
- Encourage them to seek professional help without pressuring them
- Educate yourself about what they are going through
- Take care of your own mental health as well
Your support matters. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there.
Client Education
Understanding Counseling & What to Expect
Whether you are considering therapy for the first time or returning after a break, understanding the process can help you feel more prepared and at ease.
What Is Counseling?
Counseling, also called therapy or psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between you and a trained mental health professional. Together, you work to identify concerns, explore thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change in your life.
Counseling is not about someone telling you what to do or giving advice. It is a supportive space where you are heard, understood, and empowered to make your own decisions. Your therapist serves as a guide, helping you gain insight, build skills, and move toward your personal goals.
Therapy is appropriate for anyone — you do not need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people seek counseling to manage stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, or simply gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
Your First Session (Intake Assessment)
Your initial appointment is typically 60 minutes. During this session, your therapist will:
- Welcome you and help you feel comfortable
- Review confidentiality and your rights as a client
- Ask about your background, current concerns, and goals
- Begin to understand your strengths and challenges
- Discuss an initial treatment plan together
It is completely normal to feel nervous. You do not have to share everything in the first session — therapy moves at your pace.
Ongoing Sessions
Follow-up sessions are typically 45–60 minutes, scheduled weekly or biweekly depending on your needs. In these sessions, you and your therapist will:
- Explore current concerns and track progress toward goals
- Learn and practice new coping skills and strategies
- Process emotions, experiences, and patterns of thinking
- Adjust your treatment plan as needed
Common Outcomes of Therapy
While every person's experience is unique, many clients report meaningful improvements in the following areas:
Decreased anxiety, depression, anger, and other distressing symptoms
New tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and handle challenges
Improved communication, boundaries, and connection with loved ones
Deeper understanding of your thoughts, behaviors, and patterns
Stronger sense of self-worth, purpose, and personal empowerment
Better sleep, focus, productivity, and overall quality of life
Common Diagnoses We Treat
Our therapists are experienced in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. If you do not see your concern listed, please contact us — we may still be able to help.
Mood Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder Persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty functioning
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Chronic, low-grade depression lasting two or more years
- Bipolar Disorder Episodes of depression alternating with periods of elevated mood or energy
- Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression related to seasonal changes, often in fall and winter
Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Chronic, excessive worry about everyday situations
- Social Anxiety Disorder Intense fear or avoidance of social or performance situations
- Panic Disorder Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with physical symptoms
- Specific Phobias Intense fear triggered by specific objects, situations, or activities
Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Ongoing distress after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
- Acute Stress Disorder Short-term stress response following a traumatic experience
- Adjustment Disorders Difficulty coping with a major life change or stressful event
Behavioral & Other Conditions
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Unwanted repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Difficulty with focus, organization, and impulse control
- Grief & Bereavement Intense, prolonged response to loss
- Substance Use Concerns Unhealthy patterns of alcohol or drug use
- Anger Management Difficulty controlling anger responses
Our Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches
We use proven methods tailored to your specific needs. Your therapist may draw from one or more of these approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifies and changes unhelpful thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors. One of the most researched and effective forms of therapy.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Helpful for intense emotions and relationship difficulties.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
A structured therapy that helps the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. Recognized by the WHO and VA as a leading treatment for PTSD.
Trauma-Informed Care
An approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into every aspect of treatment to promote safety and healing.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Focuses on your strengths and what is already working, helping you build solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Goal-oriented and often shorter-term.
Motivational Interviewing
A collaborative approach that strengthens your own motivation and commitment to change. Especially helpful when you feel ambivalent or stuck.
Want to learn more? Visit our Blog & Insights for articles, tips, and updates from our team.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please use one of the following resources. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If You Are in Immediate Danger
Call 911
If you or someone near you is in immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988
Available 24/7. Free, confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Available 24/7. Free, confidential crisis counseling via text message. A trained crisis counselor will respond to help you through your crisis.
Your Life Iowa
Call 1-855-581-8111
Iowa's 24/7 crisis line offering information, referral, and support for mental health, substance use, gambling, and more.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233
Confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Available 24/7.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance use and mental health disorders.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call 1-800-422-4453
Professional crisis counselors available 24/7 to provide assistance in over 170 languages for child abuse situations.
Current clients: If you are experiencing a crisis outside of office hours, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. Our office is not equipped to provide 24/7 crisis response.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel informed and comfortable before your first visit. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
The duration of therapy varies based on each individual's unique needs, goals, and the nature of the concerns being addressed. Some clients find that short-term therapy over 8 to 12 sessions is enough to address a specific issue or develop new coping skills. Others benefit from longer-term support as they work through more complex challenges. Your therapist will collaborate with you to regularly assess your progress and adjust the frequency and duration of treatment as needed. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and we respect your pace throughout the process.
Yes. Your privacy is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Iowa state law. What you share in therapy stays between you and your therapist, with very limited exceptions required by law. These exceptions include situations involving imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, and certain court orders. Your therapist will explain these limits of confidentiality in detail during your first session. For more information, please review our Notice of Privacy Practices.
We offer a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client's needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-informed care, solution-focused brief therapy, and motivational interviewing, among others. Your therapist will work with you to determine which approach or combination of approaches is best suited to your goals and circumstances. You can learn more on our Services page.
For individual therapy sessions, whether to include another person is something to discuss with your therapist. In some cases, having a support person present for part of a session can be beneficial, while in others, the one-on-one setting is most effective. For couples therapy, both partners are expected to attend sessions together. For minors, a parent or guardian may be involved in the intake process and at certain points during treatment as clinically appropriate. Please feel free to discuss any preferences or concerns with your therapist.
BHIS stands for Behavioral Health Intervention Services. It is a program available through Iowa Medicaid that provides mental health support in community settings such as the home, school, or other locations outside of a traditional office. BHIS services are designed to help individuals, particularly children and adolescents, develop skills to manage their mental health symptoms and improve daily functioning. Our practice provides BHIS services across our service area. For more details, visit our BHIS Services section.
No. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practice, we do not prescribe medication. However, we understand that medication can be an important part of treatment for some individuals. We are happy to coordinate with your primary care provider or psychiatrist regarding medication management to ensure a comprehensive, integrated approach to your care. If you do not currently have a prescribing provider and believe medication may be helpful, we can assist with referrals.
We request at least 24 hours advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to another client who may be waiting for services. Appointments missed without notice, or canceled with less than 24 hours notice, may be subject to a missed appointment fee. We understand that unexpected situations arise, and we encourage you to communicate with us as soon as possible if you are unable to keep your appointment.
Yes. We provide mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. Our therapists have experience working with young people on a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma, family conflict, school-related difficulties, and more. Parent or guardian involvement is an important part of treatment for minors, and we will work together to determine the best approach for your child or teen. BHIS services are also available for youth enrolled in Iowa Medicaid.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step toward better mental health takes courage, and we are here to make it as easy and welcoming as possible. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule your first appointment, we would love to hear from you.