What to Expect
Does coming to a counseling center feel overwhelming? You are not alone and we understand. To help you know what to expect and feel more comfortable coming, we have outlined what happens below. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
1. Contact Us
To get started with the Compassion Counseling Center you need to complete an intake form. You can download the form or we can mail one to you if you contact us by phone or email.
- Download the intake form
- (507) 208-8822
- counseling@compassioncounseling.org
Mail your completed intake form to:
Compassion Counseling Center
- Confidential -
5500 25th Ave NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Sending your intake form by email does not keep it confidential.
Once we receive your intake form in the mail, we will contact you to schedule an intake appointment.
2. Intake Appointment
Google Maps
The intake appointment helps us get to know you better and determine if our services are a good fit for you. If we do not have the resources to meet your needs we will try to refer you to a place where your needs would be met. We care about you getting the right care.
Intake appointments are Thursday evening at 7 or 8 pm. We are located at:
Calvary Evangelical Free Church
5500 25th Ave NW
Rochester, MN 55901
5500 25th Ave NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When you come for your intake appointment:
- Let the person at the reception desk know you have arrived.
- You can wait in the hospitality room just to the right of the reception desk where you will find things to drink and snacks.
- One of our trained intake staff will find you there. Because your privacy is important to us, you will meet with the intake person in a private room.
- The intake meeting gives us an opportunity to get to know you more than just what a form can tell us.
- There are also four assessment tests which take less than 30 minutes.
3. Appointment Phone Call
You will receive a phone call with the date of your first appointment and whether you have a 7 or 8 pm session.
4. Your First Appointment with Your Lay Counselor
Check in with the person at the reception desk when you arrive and wait in the hospitality room. Your lay counselor will meet you there.
The first couple of sessions are for you and your lay counselor to get to know each other and to set goals for what you want to accomplish while you are here.
5. During Your Sessions
Always check in at the reception desk so we know you are here. Your lay counselor will meet you in the hospitality room.
You will meet with the same lay counselor at the same appointment time for your sessions. Most people can achieve their counseling goals in 10-20 sessions. Your lay counselor will periodically review progress with one of our licensed professional supervisors.
6. When You Finish
You and your lay counselor will determine when you are ready to complete your sessions. During your last session you will complete the same four assessment tests you took at your intake appointment. This helps us assess the effectiveness of the Counseling Center so we can make improvements.
What Others Have Said
“I didn’t want to go see a counselor but I’m glad I did. He helped me figure things out and how to handle them. I feel free from what was bothering me and I have been able to move forward with my life.”
- Rochester
“After suffering the loss of my mother and my marriage on the same day, I felt as if the bottom of my world had just fallen out. Little did I know that ‘the everlasting arms of God’ were right there beneath me all the time with the strength and grace I needed. Thanks to all the caring staff at Compassion Counseling Center for modeling the love of Christ to me during that difficult chapter in my life! “
- Fountain
“Counseling helped me make healthy boundaries and create a positive self-image. I was able to heal from past hurts and look forward to a bright future.”
- Rochester
“Behind the smile on my face I often felt confused, hurt and angry. I became exhausted trying to mask the pain caused by
deep wounds on my soul. I was
ashamed to ask for help, but
my counseling experience
put me on a road of
healing and hope.”
- Rochester
"Come, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
–Jesus