CHAPTER TWENTY ONE – THE FIRST PATIENT

Monday morning arrived with a mix of nervous excitement and trepidation for Joan. She stood outside the mental health center, smoothing down her freshly ironed blouse and taking a deep breath. "Okay, Joan," she muttered to herself. "You can do this." As she pushed open the heavy door, she was immediately hit by a wave of noise and activity. The waiting room was already half-full, and the phone at the reception desk was ringing off the hook. Joan approached the desk, where a lanky man with thinning hair was juggling the phone and a stack of files. "Excuse me," Joan said hesitantly. "I'm Joan Keppler, the new—" "Hold on," the man cut her off, holding up a finger as he spoke into the phone. "No, ma'am, we can't just prescribe medication over the phone. You'll need to come in for an appointment." Joan waited awkwardly as he finished the call. Finally, he turned to her with a weary expression. "Sorry about that. You said you're Joan?" She nodded. "Yes, I'm starting my placement toda