Frequently
Asked Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Whether to get therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people choose to have therapy. Sometimes they want to deal with lingering psychological concerns. Others need help in adjusting to shifts in life, such as a divorce, increasing responsibilities or other changes at work. Others find counseling helpful as work for general self-improvement and growth.

Working with a therapist can help provide support, insight, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, grief, trauma, psychosis and general life transitions. Therapy is the right choice for anyone who is interested in taking an active role in self-improvement, creating greater self-awareness, working towards change, and living an emotionally health and full life.

How will therapy help me?

Psychotherapy can result in numerous benefits. The help you obtain from therapy depends on how your readiness for and commitment to the change process. Some of the benefits can include:

  • Developing a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

  • Learning communication tools and other skills for improving your relationships

  • Learning appropriate ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Better management of difficult emotions such as anger, grief and depression

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

  • Interrupting and replacing maladaptive behavior patterns

  • Boundary setting

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 abuse of children, dependent adults or the elderly. As mandated reporters, therapists are 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 themself. 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.

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Your treatment team will work with you and your MD you to determine what’s best for you. It is well established that mental and emotional problems, and the pain they cause, cannot be solved solely by medication in the long-term. Instead of treating the symptom, therapy addresses the root cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that interferes with our progress. When medication is necessary, you will get best results by including psychotherapy to your treatment.

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is individually tailored to the needs of each client and their specific goals. During sessions, you and your therapist will discuss the major concerns in your life. Sessions are weekly and lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex psychological concerns or ongoing personal growth and development.

There may be times when you are given “homework” such as reading a book or tracking certain behaviors. For therapy to be most effective you must be actively engaged in the process, both during and between the sessions and work to utilize the tools provided during therapy and integrate the lessons learned into your daily life.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

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?

  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

  • Find out more about my rates and insurance here.