FAQs

Many people struggle with the decision to seek out therapy. Often they will go back and forth between thinking they need help and the thought “I’ve always gotten through things myself before”. Either way, therapy can help with long term problems such as chronic anxiety or depression, or recent life changes and challenges like new job, moving, loss of a loved one, divorce, illness, financial stresses, and traumas. If you are looking to make changes, or would like to just handle things better, therapy may be right for you.

Therapy can help by giving you an unbiased view of the situation or situations you are concerned about.  Talking to a friend or loved one about your problems is helpful at times, but when there is an emotional connection with them, judgement can be clouded.  Therapy is a place where you can process your thoughts and feelings without worrying about being judged or hurting anyone’s feelings while you figure things out.  Therapy can help you:

• Gain a better understanding of who you are.
• Increase communication skills to strengthen relationships.
• Work through a difficult situation.
• Learn new ways to deal with and manage stress and emotions.
• Improve your self-esteem.

Therapy sessions are different depending on what your needs are.  Generally, you will work with the therapist to meet your specific needs and goals.  Initial sessions are used to discuss some basic background information, specific goals for treatment, and the primary issue that led you to seek treatment.  Each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.  You may be given items to practice outside of your therapy session to work towards the goals you have defined.  What you get out of therapy is often equal to what you put into it. You will be treated with respect and understanding while you work towards making the changes you want to see in your life.

Medication is not a substitute for therapy.  Working with your medical doctor will determine if medication is right for you.  Research has shown that a combination of medication and therapy is likely to produce better outcomes than medication alone.  Medication addresses the biological problems.  Psychotherapy addresses the underlying perceptions, beliefs, and patterns of behavior.

Insurance is accepted for most treatments. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
• 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?

For more information go to the  Rates and Insurance Page

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
•  If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
• And in some instances if subpoenaed by court

Standard rates are $90 – $120 per 50 minute session.  Sliding fees may be available.  For more information go to the  Rates and Insurance Page

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you may be required to pay the full cost of the session or a cancellation charge.

You can call (484) 819-0771 to schedule an appointment or set up your own. For more detailed information go to the Getting Started Page

Questions? Please contact me for further information.