I have never talked to anyone. I am use to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy considered weak?

Not at all, people who ask for help recognize when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you have used before, that for whatever reason are not working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In your work together, a therapist will work with you to help you identify what those strengths are and how to engage them again in what is happening now.

How can Therapy Help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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 and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage 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

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've 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're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What is Therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

What is the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way, teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations and help you to listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is confidential so there is no worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion and you have been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you may find yourself avoiding that person because they remind you of that difficult time in your life.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you both agree to come to counseling together, a therapist would generally work with both of you together in couples counseling. After the couples work, if one of you would like to switch to individual sessions, That therapist would work with only one of you. Due to potential trust issues, it is not helpful to move from Individual sessions into couple’s work with the same therapist. In that event, the therapist would be happy to provide referrals either of you to assist you with continuing your therapeutic journey.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare insurances.  I am also a Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider.   I am considered an Out-of-Network mental health provider for all other insurance providers.  If I am paneled as an in-network provider with your insurance I will file for payment through your provider.  

To find out if your insurance will cover my services or to find out how much you can expect to be reimbursed, prior to our consultation or first appointment, please call your insurance company to discuss the specifics of your mental health coverage.

Below are some questions you should ask your insurance company regarding your mental health insurance benefits:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the reimbursement amount (usually a percentage of cost) per therapy session?
• Is prior approval required from my primary care physician?
• Do I need a certain type of diagnosis in order for my sessions to be covered?

Confidentiality is one of the most important component between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. 

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations: 

 * Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. 

 * If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of schedule health care items and services, to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure you save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

How do I use the Client Portal?

Please view this how-to guide