Clinical Assessment
Your clinical assessment is the first step on your counselling journey with Strive. It is not a test or evaluation of how well you are doing. It is a friendly, focused conversation where we learn what has brought you to therapy, what support you are looking for, and how we can match you with the right counsellor. Our goal is to create a space where you feel heard, safe and understood.
What is a clinical assessment?
At Strive, clinical assessment helps us get to know you a little and to think about the practical side of your care. We look at things like risk, your current wellbeing, and any preferences you have for the person you work with. This allows us to match you with a counsellor who feels right for you, whether that is within Strive Core or Strive Pro. It also ensures that we can offer the level of support you need. Everything you share is held with care, respect and confidentiality.
Assessments can be self-booked with as little as 48 hours notice through our booking system.
What is covered in a Clinical Assessment?
A chance for you to talk about what you’re finding difficult and why now feels significant
A review of your current wellbeing and any previous counselling or therapy experience
A gentle discussion about your safety, coping and what helps you feel supported
Your preferences for a counsellor (availability, style, identity) so we can match you well
A brief questionnaire (the CORE 10) to help us understand where you are now and later track your progress
Information about counselling at Strive (Core or Pro) and what comes next
How long does it take and what does it cost?
The assessment lasts approximately 30 minutes and takes place online.
Our fee is £25, which is credited to your 12th counselling session if you go ahead (see our fees page for full details).
If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice the standard cancellation policy applies.
What will I need?
A private, quiet space where you can speak freely.
If online: a device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) with a stable internet connection and preferably earphones for privacy.
Nothing else to prepare. You do not need to bring papers, answers or decide everything ahead of time.
Most importantly: come as you are. We will work at your pace.
What will my assessor ask me?
As well as getting to know you a little, your assessor will have some standard questions to ask, which may include:
- How are you currently feeling, and how have you felt over the past few weeks?
- Do you have any support in place to help you?
- Have you had counselling or psychotherapy before? What was your experience like?
- How are your sleeping habits and appetite currently?
- Are you taking any medication or supported by medical services at present?
- Do you currently have, or have you in the past, had suicidal thoughts or self-harmed?
- What has brought you to counselling at this time, and what do you hope for as an outcome?
- What days and times would you be available for weekly sessions with a counsellor?
What happens after assessment?
After your assessment, we take a little time to reflect on everything you have shared and make sure we understand what you need from therapy. This is not a long process. It is simply a careful, thoughtful step to ensure you are matched with the counsellor who feels right for you. We look at your preferences, the themes you talked about, and the level of support that suits you, then identify a therapist in either Strive Core or Strive Pro who can meet those needs.
Once your match is confirmed, we will send you a welcome email with the name of your counsellor, what to expect in your first session, and the practical details you need. Your counsellor will also receive information from your assessment so they can prepare to meet you with understanding from the outset. You will never need to repeat your story in full unless you want to, and your counsellor will already have a sense of how to help you settle in.
Most people are offered their first session very quickly. The time between assessment and therapy is usually short, and we aim to keep everything clear and grounded so you know exactly where you are in the process. It is a simple transition from being heard for the first time to beginning a therapeutic relationship that supports your wellbeing, your pace and your goals.