On this page you’ll find important details to help you prepare for your intake, what will happen during, and what to expect after. We also share essential information for families starting services.
Scroll down for guides, tips, and next steps.
How to Prepare For the Intake
Share about the current behavioral and mental health concerns affecting your youth in the referral.
Ensure that you and your youth are both available during the intake appointment time. The referred youth will need to be present for at least part of the intake, or the appointment cannot take place.
Prepare the following documents to bring with you or send ahead of time if your appointment is virtual. *Intake cannot proceed without all required documents submitted before or provided at intake*
Birth Certificate
Parent/Guardian ID
Insurance/AHCCCS Card
Any relevant legal or custody papers involving member. If you have joint custody,
both parties must consent to treatment.
Vaccine records (optional)
Contact Touchstone Health Services or your assigned intake provider if you have any questions prior to the intake appointment or if you need to reschedule.
What to Expect at the Intake
Appointment lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Questions will cover family history, medical history, behavioral health history, current concerns, academic performance, strengths of member, family culture/cultural considerations, and more.
Accessing Telehealth Intake
If your intake appointment will take place via telehealth, you will be sent an invite and instructions on how to join. If you need help with technology or need access to technology for the intake, reach out to Member Services to ensure you are prepared for the intake. If you are unable to get into the appointment, contact Touchstone Member Services or the intake provider to further troubleshoot.
Other Telehealth Considerations
Find a spot that is good for audio and video and will not be too distracting, public, or loud in order to help the intake go smoothly.
Make sure your child is present and able to participate in the intake as needed.
Get into the intake a few minutes early to be ready on time and address any technology issues that may come up.
What to Expect After the Intake
Once your child has completed the intake process, the next steps are designed to ensure your family receives the support and services that best meet your needs. Here's what you can expect:
1. Introduction Call
A behavioral health professional assigned to your child will reach out to introduce themselves. During this call, they will:
Share their role and how they’ll support your family.
Schedule the initial Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting.
2. Initial Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting
This meeting is a collaborative session where the team—including your family, your youth, anyone else the family wishes to be part of the process, and THS professionals—will:
Review the full needs of your child and family.
Develop a Comprehensive Service Plan tailored to your goals.
Discuss strengths, concerns, and priorities.
3. Planning Services
The team will work with you to determine:
Where services will take place (home, clinic, virtual, school, community).
When services will occur (days, times, and frequency).
Who will be involved in delivering services.
4. Scheduling Next Sessions
Once the plan is in place, the team will help schedule the next appointments and ensure everyone is aligned on the timeline and expectations. You will also schedule the next CFT meeting where you can review progress and determine if any other services or needs arise in the course of treatment. Service implementation should begin and be ongoing until goals are met or member is discharged for any pertinent reason.
5. Referrals for Additional Services
If your child or family needs additional support (e.g., specific therapy, psychiatry, community resources), the team will:
Discuss available options.
Make appropriate referrals.
Help coordinate those services to ensure continuity of care.
6. Reassessment of Services: To ensure ongoing progress and that services continue to meet your needs, reassessments are completed at both the 6-month and 12-month marks. These reviews help us stay engaged, purposeful, and aligned with your goals throughout care.
Family Engagement
Family engagement is essential to the therapeutic process for youth, as families play a central role in guiding services and supporting long-term progress. Through family therapy, in-home services, and ongoing support, caregivers help identify goals, reinforce coping strategies, and create healthier dynamics within the home. Families are experts in their child’s needs and experiences, and their active involvement leads to stronger outcomes and more personalized care. By working together, therapy becomes more sustainable—empowering families to maintain positive changes, strengthen relationships, and build resilient, supportive environments that promote lasting emotional and behavioral growth.