mental-health/depression

I finally went to the counseling intake and I don't know how I feel about it

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I finally went to the counseling center on campus after months of putting it off - flat, heavy, sleeping too much, not texting anyone back. The counselor was kind and used my name without a fight. Now I'm home feeling relieved but raw, half wanting to cancel.

Last updated: July 2026

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What this can feel like

I finally did the thing I'd been putting off for months and went to the counseling center on campus. I'm 19. I'd been feeling flat and heavy for a long time, dragging through classes, sleeping too much, not really texting anyone back, and after a friend kept gently pushing me I booked an intake. I was terrified walking in, mostly that I'd have to explain being trans before I could even get to why I was actually there, and that they'd make everything about that instead of the fact that I feel like I'm underwater. The counselor was actually kind, asked what I wanted help with first, and used my name without me having to fight for it, which I didn't expect. She said what I described sounded like depression and that we could work on it, and gave me a couple of options. Now I'm home and I feel this weird mix, relieved that I finally said it out loud, but also raw and unsure, like did I overshare, is it even going to help. Part of me wants to cancel the follow-up. I'm trying to talk myself into going back.

What's a first step I can take?

Normalize that fit builds over a few sessions and switching counselors is allowed Offer an opener for session two ('I felt like I overshared last time')

Common questions

Very. First sessions are mostly intake - a lot of talking about hard things with a stranger - so feeling raw or 'what did I just do' afterward is common. It usually isn't a sign therapy is wrong for you; the working part tends to start at session two or three.

Counselors expect and welcome that - there's nothing you can say that's 'too much,' and it's confidential. If it felt like a lot, you can even open the next session with, 'I felt like I overshared last time,' and they'll help.

Give it a couple more sessions before judging - fit and comfort build over time. If it still doesn't feel right, it's okay to ask for a different counselor; that's a normal request, not a failure.

Related

Say it back

How would you explain this to someone you love?

Two or three sentences, just as you’d say it. Gale reflects back what you focused on — a mirror, not a quiz.

If things feel heavy, a person is available anytime — call or text 988.

Talk to a clinician

Gale can help you find a clinician in your state and request a visit.

Find care →

If things get heavier

  • —low mood that gets heavier instead of lighter after starting care
  • —feeling hopeless or that nothing will help
  • —thoughts that you'd be better off not here

Call or text 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and 24/7. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

This is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a licensed professional.

References

  1. 1. (2024). 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The Trevor Project. linkLGBTQ+ young people report barriers to care and value identity-affirming providers, which shapes whether they return after a first contact

1 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice. AI-assisted editorial content — citations link their sources. Editorial policy

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