1.  HOW CAN THERAPY HELP? 

Therapy is a personalized experience, so how it helps differs from person to person. I will identify your personal goals for counseling and then tailor counseling to you and your child's goals. You can expect that as your therapist, I will listen closely to understand your experience and then find ways to assist in moving towards your goals. It will often involve things such as getting a different perspective on your experiences, exploring and discovering things about yourself, making changes in unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving, processing difficult experiences and learning healthy coping tools.

 

2.  HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO COME TO THERAPY?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Though it’s safe to say more than a session or two is necessary to make any headway on what brings someone in, some individuals find a few sessions are sufficient, while others choose to continue long-term (over 20 sessions). Often individuals choose to continue to work with me through additional layers as they arise while others choose to address additional items outside of the therapeutic context. There isn’t necessarily a correct answer, but we can collaborate together to help you make the best choice for yourself.

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3.  WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD YOUR FEE?
Don’t let my fee discourage you from contacting me. I’ve found that more often than not I’m able to come up with an acceptable arrangement with most people. Even when that hasn’t been the case, I’ve been able to refer inquiries to therapists who may be able to accommodate your financial situation.

 

4.  WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROVIDER?

Therapy sessions may be covered in part or in full by your health insurance plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking your provider these questions:

• Do I have "out-of-network" mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• What is my "co-insurance"?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

• What is the coverage amount per session?

• Is approval required from my primary care doctor?

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5.  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PAYING OUT-OF-POCKET  VS. USING INSURANCE?

• Insurance companies mandate a diagnosis and get to determine whether the therapy is "medically necessary" (I know, so silly!).  They (usually) have the right to audit your treatment plan and progress notes, which compromises confidentiality. Also, they may limit your coverage to a set number of therapy sessions per year, regardless of what you may be going through.

• Other things to consider are timing, long-term costs, and availability. Often times your insurance provider may require you to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in, and (depending on the amount) meeting the deductible can take a while. If you have a set number of sessions and a high deductible, using your insurance may not be the most cost-effective option long-term.

• And most importantly, you're limited to therapists that are within the network so finding the "right fit" may prove to be even more challenging.

 

Considering all of the above, paying out-of-pocket may be a better fit for some. And, if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me to discuss further!