Clients planning to use Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) benefits are required to complete an intake appointment before beginning ongoing therapy sessions. This intake may be completed by a different clinician than the provider the client plans to see for ongoing care. Per BCBS requirements, intake appointments must be completed by an independently licensed clinician. Associate-level clinicians are not permitted to complete this portion of the intake process. During the intake appointment, the clinician will review the client’s history, current concerns, symptoms, and treatment goals in order to complete the required clinical documentation. Once the intake is completed, the client may transition to their ongoing provider. There must be at least 48 hours between the intake appointment and the first ongoing therapy session to allow time for documentation and the transition of care to be completed. We understand that this process may feel repetitive or frustrating, especially for clients who have already selected the provider they would like to work with. However, this requirement was implemented by BCBS in January 2026, and our practice is required to follow it in order to provide and bill for services appropriately. If the required intake is not completed, we may be unable to move forward with services using BCBS benefits. Clients with questions about the intake process, insurance benefits, or billing are welcome to contact our billing team, billing@brazentherapy.org, at any time. Our team is happy to provide additional clarification and assistance.