COMMON QUESTIONS
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,
marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh
perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the 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:
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
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 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-direct damaging
patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.
Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new
job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need
assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression,
anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative
blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with
skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they
are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their
goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the
challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, 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.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
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 symptom, 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.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
YES, most insurances are accepted:
Aetna (out-of-network)
Amerigroup/Health Plus
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Cigna
Emblem Health
Fidelis
GHI (Out-of-Network)
Health First
Health Republic
HIP
Magnacare
Medicare
Value Options
Local Unions
PLEASE NOTE: Some of you may hold two insurances, but it does NOT automatically mean that your secondary insurance will pay your copay. So, please be prepared to pay your copay unless you obtain a certified letter from your secondary insurance assuring their promise to pay your copay.
Some insurance have a deductible, so you will be responsible to pay out of pocket until your out-of-network deductible is fulfilled.
Additionally, please indicate which insurance is your primary. Primary insurance is determined by the insurance companies, not you.
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 them:
What is my copay?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a
client and psychotherapist. 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
confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in
session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”.
Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an
update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath,
Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without
obtaining your written permission.
However, 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, 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 him/herself or has threated to harm another
person.
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,
marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh
perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the 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.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
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 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-direct damaging
patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.
Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new
job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need
assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression,
anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative
blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with
skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they
are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their
goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the
challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, 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.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
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 symptom, 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.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
YES, most insurances are accepted:
Aetna (out-of-network)
Amerigroup/Health Plus
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Cigna
Emblem Health
Fidelis
GHI (Out-of-Network)
Health First
Health Republic
HIP
Magnacare
Medicare
Value Options
Local Unions
PLEASE NOTE: Some of you may hold two insurances, but it does NOT automatically mean that your secondary insurance will pay your copay. So, please be prepared to pay your copay unless you obtain a certified letter from your secondary insurance assuring their promise to pay your copay.
Some insurance have a deductible, so you will be responsible to pay out of pocket until your out-of-network deductible is fulfilled.
Additionally, please indicate which insurance is your primary. Primary insurance is determined by the insurance companies, not you.
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 them:
What is my copay?
- 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?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a
client and psychotherapist. 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
confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in
session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”.
Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an
update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath,
Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without
obtaining your written permission.
However, 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, 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 him/herself or has threated to harm another
person.
