FAQ

Therapy is an opportunity to discuss/talk about issues that are important to the client while having a trained objective person (Therapist) help work through not only the current situation but in dealing with similar situations in the future. Therapy can be about one specific problem, or it can be about multiple. Something to mention is that therapy is a collaborative event, it requires an active role from both the client at the therapist for change to occur.

Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for a wide range of issues. Therapists, being objective, can provide a different or a fresh perspective on a problem that you have been struggling with. The benefits of therapy depend on your commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include, boosting self-confidence or improving self-esteem, improving communication skills, learning/finding new coping skills, attaining a better understanding of yourself, changing old patterns and developing new ones, or managing your emotional feeling such as sadness, anger, or other highly charged emotions you may be feeling.

LPC, LCSW: Licensed therapist (Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker), completed supervised hours

PLPC, PLCSW: Provisional therapist, working on supervised hours after obtaining graduate degree

The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss the client’s history and needs for treatment. The first session is usually about 90 minutes. During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not they are comfortable with the therapist.

Side note: It’s vital to have a positive working relationship with your therapist, so it’s recommended that the client and therapist meet 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship will continue.  The therapist will provide the client with referrals of specialists or trusted colleagues if they feel someone else might better be able to work with the client.

The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss the client’s history and needs for treatment. The first session is usually about 90 minutes. During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not they are comfortable with the therapist.

Side note: It’s vital to have a positive working relationship with your therapist, so it’s recommended that the client and therapist meet 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship will continue.  The therapist will provide the client with referrals of specialists or trusted colleagues if they feel someone else might better be able to work with the client.

For mental health therapists / counselors, the scope of treatment is talk therapy.  Typically, therapists have their master’s degree, and yearly continuing education. 

While psychologists also provide counseling services they also provide psychological testing for schools, courts, and other entities.

Psychiatrists tend to limit their talk therapy / counseling services and are typically available for medication management. If your therapist feels that you may need medication, they will provide you with a referral to doctors that they may recommend. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in behavior. If medication is necessary, medication and talk therapy are typically used together. Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your unique plan and coverages. The best way to avoid any unexpected costs is to call the number on your insurance card before your therapy session. Be sure to ask about mental and behavioral health benefits, as those can differ from other medical benefits.

Medication can often be helpful in supporting a person to feel a greater sense of well-being. If you are suffering from persistent or debilitating depression, anxiety, or other troubling symptoms, you may be interested in discussing the benefits of medication with your therapist. If you are interested in exploring this option, your therapist will either refer you to a psychiatrist for a consultation or help you in obtaining a referral through other means.

If you wish to consider other methods of symptom management, such as the use of alternative remedies available through non-medical sources like homeopathy, they may also have recommendations or referrals.

The length of therapy is dependent on many factors, including your goals, how frequently and consistently you attend sessions, your level of motivation for change, and the type of concerns or issues you are addressing in therapy. In general, recent situational stresses or problems can be addressed in fewer sessions than longer-standing issues, or situations involving trauma or abuse.

Of course, therapy is a collaborative process, and we encourage you to share your preferences with your therapist. Even longer-term goals can be pursued in “chapters” if you prefer.

We keep your credit card information securely on file just in case you are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or no-show fees. A care coordinator will always notify you at least 3 days before your appointment of your copay, coinsurance, or pay rate amount. The day of your appointment necessary charges or fees are made to your card.

Sometimes insurance benefits don’t cover the full cost of a session. Every insurance plan varies and depending on your plan, you could be responsible for certain fees like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your unique plan and coverages. The best way to avoid any unexpected costs is to call the number on your insurance card before your therapy session. Be sure to ask about mental & behavioral health benefits, as those can differ from other medical benefits. We also need your credit card information in case you do not show up to your session. If your session is not canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours before the original session date and time, you may be charged a no-show fee. These fees can be up to the full session cost.

To avoid no-show fees, be sure to cancel or reschedule your appointments at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel or reschedule appointments directly with your therapist. If you’re responsible for any payment, we’ll let you know by email three calendar days before any charges. We keep your credit card information securely on file, just in case you are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or no-show fees. And if, at any point, you’d like to pay for sessions without using insurance.