Can you provide counseling or psychotherapy even if I have not undergone a psychological assessment?

Yes. You can receive counseling or psychotherapy even without a psychological assessment. A psychological assessment is not always required before talking with a psychologist about your concerns, feelings, thoughts, or life challenges. During the first sessions, the psychologist can learn about your situation through conversations, observations, and questions about your experiences. This information is often enough to begin providing support and guidance. However, if the psychologist believes that more information is needed to better understand your concerns, a psychological assessment may be recommended later. This can help in planning the most appropriate treatment or support for you.

What do I need to do before my appointment?

Before your scheduled session, please complete the Informed Consent Form and any required screening forms or questionnaires that may be sent to you, depending on your reason for consultation. These forms help the psychologist better understand your concerns and prepare for your session. To avoid delays, kindly answer and submit all required forms at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you have any questions regarding the forms, please contact us for assistance.

How long does a typical session last?

A typical session lasts around 45 minutes per client. It can take longer depending on the case and needs of the client, at most 1 hour to cater to other clients.

Do you issue Medical Certificates?

Only Medical Doctors are authorized to provide medical certificates. As a Psychologist, we can issue a Mental Health Certificate. Mental Health Certificates shall only be provided for particular valid reasons and/or after follow-up sessions/consultations/psychological evaluation have been attended. A full diagnosis can only be given after the patient has undergone Psychological Assessment. A referral letter or form will be given to the patient together with the MH certificate.

How long do I need to wait to get a psychological report/evaluation?

A psychological evaluation must be completed in the clinic to ensure accuracy and proper assessment procedures. Once the evaluation has been conducted, the typical turnaround time for the psychological report usually takes 1–3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific assessments required. For more details, please contact Mapagkalinga Psychosocial Services.

What can I expect from my first session?

Your first session is primarily a guided clinical intake interview designed to help your psychologist understand you and your concerns in a safe, structured, and non-judgmental space. You are not expected to share everything at once. The pace will be guided by your comfort level, and you may ask questions at any time. The first session focuses on understanding your needs and building a therapeutic alliance, rather than immediate problem-solving. However, the clinician may offer feedback and/or recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

Can I book a schedule today?

Yes. As long as there is an available schedule, requests for appointments will be immediately accommodated. If not accepted within 24 hours, your request will be automatically cancelled by the system.

Can I book a face to face consultation with you?

Yes, you may contact the given Viber or SMS number in our posted clinic here for an appointment.

Can I message you on your social media accounts?

You can message our clinic in social media namely, Mapagkalinga Psychosocial Services for more details aside from the consultation.