Common Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek out counseling to further pursue their own personal exploration and growth.

Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives. Note, that what you do between the sessions will facilitate your growth, I'm here to help you, guide and walk with you on this journey.


Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking out therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct unhealthy patterns of behavior, and overcome whatever challenges you face.


How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marital issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence


What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around 50- minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.

There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions . People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to highlight persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

The total time you are in therapy is ultimately up to you. Throughout the therapeutic process we will evaluate what your needs and goals are, as they can change over the course. Some clients need only a few months of therapy and others may continue for several years. On average, clients have remained in therapy for approximately 1-2 years which equals about 1-2 weeks of the average work week (40-50 hours).

What is the cost of therapy?
The cost of services are within the usual and customary fees for professional therapeutic services in our community. The price for individual psychotherapy is $250 per 53-minute hour .

Payments Accepted
Cash, Check, Visa/Mastercard/Discover, PayPal, Zelle,  FSA/HSA cards

It is my practice’s policy is to securely store a form of payment on file for all of your sessions. I am deeply committed to the therapeutic climate and want your therapeutic experience to be focused on you and your treatment goals. By allowing me to use a credit or debit card, I can avoid taking time away from your therapeutic work to check you in and process payment. You can elect to receive a monthly an automated statement by email.  Statements will show that you have paid for your services in full and are ready for you to forward to your insurance company if you wish to seek reimbursement .

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Although some insurance is accepted there are some advantages to NOT utilizing your insurance company.  The basis of your treatment depends on your needs as the client, adapting an approach to each and every client and your unique situation. I am guided by what is in the best interest and welfare of you as the client  -- not an insurance company's.

If you would like to seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier for my services, I will be more than happy to provide courtesy billing or supply you with a superbill that includes the insurance information you need to help expedite your claim. However, full payment is expected after each session.

Some of you may opt to use your insurance due to economic limits. In this case, I ask you do the following to verify your coverage.

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • Are my mental health benefits subcontracted to another company and if so, whom?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much of my deductible is met?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is pre authorization required from my primary care physician?
Insurance Accepted
Please see my page on Insurance

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

 Billing Policy Effective March 1, 2023

  • There will be at least a  $100 cancellation charge for any session canceled without 24 hour notification or when there is no call to cancel session.
  • The session will be charged to the credit card on file or will be due within 7 days of the schedule appointment.
  • All phone calls that are over 15 minutes will be billed at $125 up to 30 minutes. Calls over 30 minutes are charged $250. 
  • Please note, that I cannot bill insurance for canceled visits or phone sessions.

 

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