Getting Started
You can schedule an initial consultation through our website or directly at this link. You’ll be able to select the counselor you’d like to meet with.
If you’re not sure who would be the best fit, you can contact Heather, the owner of Life Chapters Counseling, and she’ll help match you with the right therapist.
You’re also welcome to call our main number and select the extension for the counselor you’d like to speak with, or email them directly — their contact information is listed on each counselor’s page of our website.
After your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive emails from both SimplePractice and, if applicable, Headway with instructions to create your account and complete intake forms.
SimplePractice is our secure client portal used for paperwork, scheduling, telehealth sessions, and secure messaging with your counselor.
If your counselor uses Headway for insurance billing, you’ll receive a separate email from Headway with steps to confirm your insurance, set up a payment method, and complete any required forms.
👉 Tip: Be sure to check your spam or junk folder, as these emails can occasionally be filtered there.
All required forms must be completed before your first session can begin.
Helpful links:
You can also log into your SimplePractice portal at any time by clicking the “Client Login” button at the top right corner of our homepage.
Yes — depending on the counselor you will be seeing, if we are filing insurance on your behalf, you may need to create profiles for both SimplePractice and Headway. While it might feel like a lot upfront, these systems are necessary to support your care.
Not all counselors at Life Chapters Counseling use Headway to file insurance. If your counselor does not use Headway, you will only receive communication from SimplePractice. Your counselor will let you know which systems to expect.
SimplePractice is the secure platform we use for scheduling, telehealth sessions, communication, and intake paperwork.
Headway is a third-party billing service we partner with to file insurance claims for some clients.
Each platform will send you an email with a secure link to create your account and complete their intake steps. If you are not using insurance, you’ll only need to complete the SimplePractice setup.
💡 Tip: Emails from either platform may land in your spam or promotions folder, so please keep an eye out if you don’t see them in your inbox.
Once your accounts are set up and intake forms are complete, the rest of the process is much smoother. We appreciate your patience — these steps help keep your information secure and ensure we’re able to provide you with the best possible care.
Your first session is simply a starting point — and just showing up is something to be proud of. Whether you’re coming in for yourself, your child, or your teen, we understand that the beginning of therapy can feel new and maybe even a little uncertain. That’s okay. We’ll walk through it together.
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare. There may be some initial forms to complete before your session begins (like informed consent and background information), but you don’t need to have all the answers or a detailed plan. You’re welcome to bring questions or goals you’d like to explore, but it’s not expected.
For child clients, the initial intake session is for parents or caregivers only. Children do not attend this first appointment. This session can be scheduled in-person or via telehealth, depending on what works best for your family.
Our practice is to never talk about the child in front of the child — this first meeting allows parents to speak candidly about concerns, goals, and their child’s history. It also gives your counselor time to explain how play therapy works and what to expect moving forward.For teens, you and your counselor will decide whether your teen should attend the first session or whether it’s better to start with a parent-only intake. If your teen does attend, parents will still meet privately with the counselor first to share context, followed by time for the teen to be seen one-on-one.
For adults, the first session is focused on getting to know each other. We’ll explore what brought you in and what support might look like moving forward.
In all first sessions, your counselor will review your intake paperwork with you and make sure you understand:
Informed consent and your rights as a client
Our confidentiality policy and its limits
How we communicate between sessions
What therapy might look like moving forward
The session may include questions about things like your background, daily life, relationships, stressors, or areas where you’re looking for support. The goal is to get a well-rounded understanding of what’s going on, at a pace that feels respectful and not rushed.
You’re always welcome to speak up if something doesn’t feel comfortable or you’re not ready to share about certain things — your counselor will honor your boundaries and celebrate your courage for being here.
At Life Chapters Counseling, we work with clients across the lifespan — starting at age 3 and up.
We have counselors who specialize in different developmental stages, including:
Children (ages 3–10): Through play therapy and creative expression
Preteens & Teens: Support for anxiety, identity development, and emotional growth
Young Adults & Adults: Counseling for trauma, grief, life transitions, and more
Parents & Caregivers: Guidance around parenting challenges and emotional overwhelm
Whether you’re seeking support for your child, teen, yourself, or your family, we’re here to help. If you’re unsure which counselor would be the best fit, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you get matched with the right support.
Yes! Our office is located on the first floor with no stairs or elevators needed. The building, sidewalk entry, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Designated accessible parking is available on the side of the building, and there’s a curb cut for easy access onto the sidewalk. If you or your child have any specific accessibility needs, please let us know — we’re happy to make accommodations whenever possible.
We understand that finding the right counselor can feel overwhelming — we’re here to help. If you’re not sure who would be the best fit for your needs or your child’s, feel free to contact our owner, Heather Pina-McGhee, LPC-S, RPT-S. She’s happy to talk with you about your concerns and preferences, and will help match you with the clinician that best aligns with your goals.
Yes, we offer both in-person and telehealth counseling sessions depending on your needs and the counselor’s availability.
In-person sessions take place at our Mansfield office and are a great fit for play therapy, expressive work, and face-to-face connection.
Telehealth sessions are available for teens and adults who prefer the convenience or comfort of meeting from home.
When scheduling, you’ll be able to select your preference. If you’re unsure which option is best, your counselor can help you decide what will be most supportive based on your goals.