How do I choose a therapist?

Choosing a therapist can be daunting. It is important for you to find someone that you feel comfortable with and safe sharing your thoughts and feelings. Research indicates that the most important indicator of success in therapy is a good fit between client and therapist (Yalom, 2001). As trust unfolds and develops over time,  it make take time to feel fully comfortable with your therapist. However, often clients report having an initial feeling of whether or not they connect with me after 1-3 sessions and if they feel comfortable moving forward in therapy.  Together we will discuss your expectations and needs, and create a plan for our work if we together decide we are a good fit.

What should I expect in our first session?

We will meet for 45 minutes. The first session is usually different from later sessions. I will inquire about what brings you to therapy, what you are looking for, what has been troubling you, and about how you have been dealing with your difficulties.  We will use the time in our session to get to know one another and decide together how to proceed.  The initial evaluation process usually takes about one to three sessions.

What can I expect in a therapy session?

Each person experiences therapy in a unique way. During our sessions you will have the space to talk about your concerns, thoughts and feelings.  As we explore these together, we may discover certain patterns and themes that arise.  This will help us better understand the nature of the problems you are experiencing.  We will help you to practice self-reflection, understand how you relate to others, and learn how to implement effective coping strategies.  Weekly sessions are usually most helpful. Depending on your needs, I also offer sessions more than once per week.

How do you feel about medication?

I am a clinical social worker (not a psychiatrist) so I do not prescribe medication. I work with clients who are on medications and those who are not.  Therapy can be effective in managing symptoms, however there are times when medication is necessary to alleviate distress.  If we agree that you may benefit from medication, I will provide a referral to a psychiatrist.

If you are currently working with a psychiatrist, I am happy to collaborate with him/her to facilitate your care.

Do you accept insurance?

I currently do not accept private insurance, however most insurance companies offer partial reimbursement for therapists that are not within their network of providers. I recommend checking with your insurance carrier to determine your out of network benefits. You may wish to consider some of the following questions:

• Do I have mental health coverage?
• How much does my plan reimburse for an out of network provider?
• What is my deductible? Has it been met?
• Does my carrier require pre-certification for out of network providers?

If you are interested in utilizing out of network benefits, I will provide you with an invoice that contains all necessary documentation that insurance companies require to process your claim.

How much do you charge? What form of payment do you accept?

Please give me a call or email me to discuss my fees.  I accept cash, checks, and credit cards.  I offer a 6% discount for cash payment. Payment is due at the time of your appointment.