What is typical required by most providers for screenings?

What information is typically needed? How does this process work? How is discreetness and security handled.

Since being new with no provider references.

Other than TER?  P411 is another good one, and you should be able to find newbie friendly girls so that you can build your portfolio of references.  
 
I have reached out to girls on P411 when I'm under their +whatever requirement.  So far I've been OK with having the presence on P411 AND TER.  I think it also helps that I have a twitter presence as well.  
 
Short of that, you're going to have to give up some personal information.  Come up with your own thresholds of what you're willing to share, and you'll line up with someone great I'm sure.  Remember the girls are doing this for their own safety, physically and legally.  So be courteous and polite when dealing with the screening process.  

provider. P411 is your best bet as was pointed out previously.