HOW DO I KNOW IF THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

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If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need someone to talk to, therapy could be a great option for you. It's helpful for all sorts of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship problems and life transitions. It's totally normal to be unsure! You can always schedule a consultation for us to discuss your concerns and determine if it's a good fit for you. Ultimately, the decision to start therapy is a personal one. If you're curious and think it could be helpful, give it a try! You might be surprised by how much it can improve your well-being!

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HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT THERAPIST?

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Choosing the right therapist is crucial to the effectiveness of your therapy. To find the right therapist, consider your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. 

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Look for a therapist with experience working with concerns similar to yours and whose approach resonates with you. The therapist's office location, availability, and cost are also important factors. Find a therapist whose office is conveniently located if you'd like to be seen in person and whose availability works with your schedule. If you're interested in online therapy, you may be able to see a therapist that is not in your geographic location, depending on local regulations. If cost is a concern, check whether the therapist accepts your insurance or offers a sliding scale fee.

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It's crucial to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. Pay attention to how you feel during your initial consultation and early sessions. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to explore other options if something doesn't feel right. Finding the right therapist can take time, but finding someone to help you achieve your therapy goals is worth it.

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CAN THERAPY BE DONE REMOTELY OR ONLINE?

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I provide online therapy services through secure and confidential video conferencing. Online therapy has become increasingly popular and can be just as effective as in-person therapy. It offers convenience and flexibility, particularly for those with difficulty attending in-person sessions. 

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HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST, AND DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

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My fee is currently $200 for a 50-minute session. Payments are due at the time of service and can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

During your free phone consultation, we can further discuss pricing, which will be established before our first session.

 

I work as an "Out of Network" provider. This means I can provide you with a receipt for services rendered, which you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please note that I cannot guarantee reimbursement or the amount reimbursed.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME TO THERAPY?

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Therapy is most successful when done consistently. Sessions are typically one time per week for a 50-minute appointment. You may need more frequent sessions if you're dealing with a crisis or severe symptoms. Together, we'll determine the appropriate frequency of sessions to achieve the best possible outcomes for you.

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HOW LONG DOES THERAPY LAST?

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The length of therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy (around 8-12 sessions), while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Together, we'll determine the appropriate length to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and continue to reassess throughout our work.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY FIRST THERAPY SESSION?​

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We will discuss your concerns and goals, and I will ask questions to understand your situation better. We'll use this to develop a personalized treatment plan that best meets your needs. It's normal to feel nervous, but remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space. By the end of the session, you'll have a better understanding of how therapy works and what to expect in our work together.

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HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION?

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As a clinical social worker (not a psychiatrist), I cannot prescribe medication. However, I work with clients who are both on and off medication. Therapy can be an effective tool in managing symptoms, but sometimes medication is needed to alleviate distress. If we decide together that medication might be helpful, I can provide a referral to a psychiatrist for an assessment. Additionally, if you are already receiving medication treatment from a psychiatrist, I am happy to collaborate with them to ensure that you receive comprehensive care. It is important for us to have an open and honest discussion about treatment options to determine what works best for you.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?

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I understand that unexpected events and emergencies can arise, but please keep in mind that I require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations and rescheduling requests. You will be charged the full fee for the missed session if you do not provide at least 24 hours notice.

 

This policy is in place to ensure that I can make the most of my time and resources and be fair to other clients waiting for an available appointment slot.

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HOW DO YOU ENSURE CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY?

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 Client confidentiality and privacy are a top priority in therapy. I maintain strict confidentiality and privacy standards and follow all legal and ethical guidelines to protect your personal information. All information shared during therapy sessions is kept confidential, and I only share information with third parties when necessary and with your consent. Additionally, I ensure that all records and documentation are kept secure and confidential.

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ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY?

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I am legally and ethically bound to protect your confidentiality. However, there are some legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality:

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1. If I believe that a child, an elderly person, or a dependent adult is being abused or neglected, I am legally required to take the necessary steps to protect others from harm, and I must file a report with the appropriate state agency.

2. If a client threatens to harm themselves, I may be required to seek hospitalization for the client or to contact family members or others who can provide protection.

3. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take protective actions, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police, or seeking appropriate hospitalization for the client to ensure safety.

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WHAT IF I AM IN CRISIS?

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If you are in crisis or experiencing a mental health emergency, it's important to seek immediate help. Here are some resources you can contact for immediate assistance:

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If you are having thoughts/plans to harm yourself or someone else, please call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call or text the National Lifeline and Text at 988. They have a chat feature that can be found at https://988lifeline.org/chat/. 

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If you are not in immediate crisis but would like to talk to someone immediately, please use one of the following resources:

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• National Lifeline and Text: 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

• Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text 678678

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Seeking help during a crisis is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for help. Your safety and well-being are the top priority. Once you are safe and stable, we can work together to develop a long-term plan for ongoing support.