New to PTW
New to PTW
Simple steps to schedule your first appointment and begin your mental health journey with Paving the Way MSI.
Start Your Journey
Getting Started: 6 Simple Steps
Follow these steps to schedule your first appointment and get set up in our system.
Step 1: Complete the Registration and Appointment Request Form
Appointment Request & Account Registration Form→Fill out our online appointment request form or call us at (202) 724-7666 to schedule your first session.
Step 2: Receive Portal Access
Within one (1) business day of submitting your appointment request form, a member of the Paving the Way Multi-Service Institute (PTWMSI) team will send you an email invitation to activate your Patient Portal account. The email will be sent from our electronic health record system and may come from a "Do Not Reply" email address.
Please click the link provided in the email to access and activate your Patient Portal account. For the best experience, WE RECOMMEND GOOGLE CHROME when accessing the portal.
If you do not receive the invitation email, cannot locate it in your inbox or spam folder, or if your activation link has expired, please contact our Front Office team at office-admin@ptwmsi.org for assistance.
Step 3: Insurance Verification
Our intake coordinator will verify your insurance benefits and explain your expected copay or payment responsibility.
Step 4: Get Matched with a Therapist
Our clinical team will review your request and match you with an appropriate therapist or psychiatrist.
Step 5: Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Someone from our front office or your assigned therapist will call to schedule your first appointment. You'll receive an email confirmation.
Step 6: Complete Intake Forms & Payment Setup
Sign in to your portal and complete consent forms. Set up your payment method to ensure smooth billing.
Your card on file will be securely charged for your expected copay shortly after each visit. In addition, any applicable coinsurance, deductible, or patient responsibility balance remaining after your insurance claim has been processed may also be charged to the card on file in accordance with your financial agreement.
If you are registering multiple children or are participating in services as a couple, you will receive a separate email invitation for each individual. A unique username must be created for each account. Please follow the instructions provided and activate all accounts prior to the initial appointment. Once all accounts have been activated, our staff can link the profiles together for your convenience. To request account linking, please email frontofficeadmin@ptwmsi.org. After the accounts have been linked, you will be able to access all associated profiles using a single login.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about scheduling, your first appointment, and getting set up.
How long does it take to get an appointment after I apply?
We typically contact new clients within 1 business day of receiving the appointment request form. Scheduling depends on therapist availability, but we aim to see new clients within 1–3 weeks of initial contact.
What if I have multiple children or am applying as a couple?
For couples, you'll receive separate email invitations to create accounts for each person. Each account needs a unique username. Once all accounts are set up, contact us to link them for convenient access under a single login. For families, the parent or guardian will receive one email. Once the account is set up, each child will be placed under one guardianship account by the front office.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a valid photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and be prepared to discuss your personal history, current challenges, and therapy goals.
Can I bring a support person to my first appointment?
For adult clients, this is typically discussed during scheduling. For children and adolescents, a parent or guardian usually attends at least part of the initial session.
What if I didn't receive my portal email?
Check your spam or junk folder. If you still don't see it, email office-admin@ptwmsi.org or call (202) 724-7666 and we'll resend it.
What happens if I need to reschedule my appointment?
Contact your therapist directly or call our office at (202) 724-7666. We ask for at least 24 hours notice to avoid potential cancellation fees.
Still Have Questions?
Our intake team is happy to help guide you through the process.