Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need therapy?
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 the 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-directing damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

 

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, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors 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 prospective on a difficult problem or point you in the right 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?
Because each person has different issues and goals, 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.

 

Do you provide medications?
The majority of our clinicians do not provide medications; however, we do have a psychiatric nurse practitioner that we work with to help with medication management. 
 

We are also able to coordinate your care with your primary care physician or psychiatrist to assist you in finding a good medication/therapy balance.
 

* It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they
cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptoms, therapy addresses
the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve
sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working
with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

 

 

Is therapy confidential?

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 agencies, 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 themselves or has threatened to harm another person.
   

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychiatrist. 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 notice of privacy practices, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.

 

Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. 

 

What's the deal with my insurance? How does it work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is
call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.

 

Some helpful questions you can ask:

• 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?

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Please be mindful that you are responsible for out-of-pocket costs that your insurance company states that you must pay such as a co-pay, co-insurance, or out of pocket minimum for deductible or non-covered services.