Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you’d like to ask? I’m committed to giving folx the best care and experience I can. There’s no such thing as a bad question when it comes to mental health.
Feel free to get in touch with any additional questions.
Do I really need therapy? The thought of it makes me feel weak.
Everyone could benefit from some form of assistance at some point in their lives. Meeting with a therapist doesn’t make you weak! If anything, it demonstrates your strength by reaching out to someone for help when you’re feeling vulnerable. Sometimes having an outside party listen to your struggles with an unbiased outlook can prove to be helpful and be that extra push towards overcoming obstacles.
How long does each therapy session take?
Each session is about 45-55 minutes in duration. During your initial visit, we’ll spend some time going over intake forms. The following visits are up to you! Dependent on what you bring into the session guides how our time will be utilized.
How long should I expect treatment to be?
There’s no fast and easy answer to this. Your counseling goals determine how long you may benefit from some guidance. Your time in counseling can be as straight-forward as one month to several years
That being said, most folx notice effective, stable change within 3-6 months.
Do you accept insurance?
I am currently accepting, Highmark, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Capital Blue, United Behavioral Health/United Health Care/Optum & Optum EAP, and commercial Aetna plans.
What is confidentiality? And what does that mean for me?
Laws are also in place to protect your privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and personal health information, including information about psychotherapy and mental health.
(via http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/confidentiality.aspx)
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule.
Exceptions include:
– If the therapist suspects child abuse/ dependant adult/ elder abuse
– If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person
– If a client intends to harm their self, I will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, the therapist is required to break confidentiality.
Will you complete “XYZ” forms?
No. I do not provide: custody evaluations, legal guidance, disability forms/assessments or court testimonies.
How often will we meet?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer here either. Most folx like to begin their therapy journey meeting weekly or biweekly as scheduling and finances allow.
As folx sense stability and change, some choose to lean back on sessions to once a month and/or as needed.