I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. You may have been feeling stuck or stressed. You have tried to fix your problems and asked for support from friends or family, but it feels like you only get temporary relief. You’re tired of being on the hamster wheel of trauma, anxiety, or depression and have decided to try therapy or counseling. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How long does it take? How does it work?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

Will my insurance cover my sessions? How does that work?

Unfortunately, the answer varies quite widely. Some insurances are accepted please visit Rates & Insurance page for more details.  To better understand your out-of-network benefit, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask to speak to a specialist who will help you understand your out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental/behavioral health services. One important caveat to keep in mind is that using insurance to pay for therapy requires you to receive a mental health diagnosis. That information is passed along to your insurance company. Some people are not comfortable with this and decide not to seek reimbursement from their insurance companies.

Why would I pay privately for therapy?

There are a few reasons why you might be interested in paying privately for therapy. You can have increased privacy, receive more unique services, and you may even save money depending on your insurance plan. Many clients choose not to involve insurance companies in their mental health care. They do not want their therapy experience to be limited by the diagnosis, treatment plan, or session limits that most health insurance companies allow. Insurance companies can limit the number of sessions and even the type of therapy used in sessions.

To have therapy services covered under insurance a mental health diagnosis is required. This becomes a part of your permanent health care record. This can cause denial for quality life insurance, future opportunities or health insurance later on. Since a mental health diagnosis must be made to obtain reimbursement, the insurance company has to know a lot of information about you to be covered. The insurance company can review all of your records at their discretion. By paying privately or out-of-pocket, you can assure the highest degree of privacy, confidentiality, and flexibility with your mental health records.