ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the objectives of the first phone call, which are to make a connection with the caller, understand the reason for their call (presenting problems), identify the members of the household and other people involved with the problem, identify any imminent danger or risks, briefly describe the IST approach, decide who will be invited to the first therapy session, build confidence in the decision to seek therapy, and schedule the first session. It is worth noting that what is called a first phone call in this chapter may also be accomplished by means of HIPAA-compliant video conferencing.
