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Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of the most common questions that we have received. If you do not find your answer below, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help. 

Counseling sessions:

You have taken the first step by searching on-line to find a therapist you think could help. The next step is to make that first phone call. I offer a free, no obligation, telephone consultation, so that you can ask your questions, and we both can decide if we’d be a good fit. If you decide to make an appointment, we’ll use the first one or two sessions to continue that decision-making process. By the end of the first session, you should have a pretty good idea if you think we could work together. If, at any time, you feel that I am not the right therapist for you, please let me know. In that case, I would be happy to give you some alternate referrals. After all, this is a big step you are taking, and you want to work with the therapist who is right for you.

Starting from the time I meet you in the waiting room, we begin the process of getting to know each other. Between the time we spoke by phone and the date of your appointment, you may have realized you have more questions. That is how we will start – with me answering any other questions you might have. Next, you will have a chance to tell me why you feel you need some help – why you have made that appointment. Even if you have already told me on the phone, it will be important for me to hear it again, probably in more detail. You will have some paperwork to sign and I will take some general information from you for my files. Then, we will just talk. I will have lots of questions to ask you, so that I can get a clear idea of your needs and so I will know if I think I can help. All of this will probably take most of the session time. If you think you would like to return, we will talk about goal-setting and how I think we should be working to help you feel better.

That can vary depending on the issues you are working on and is a decision that we make together. Usually therapy starts with weekly sessions and then may taper down to every other week when you have made significant progress toward solving the issues that brought you into therapy

The length of therapy depends on many factors such as what issues you want to work on and whether you are able to practice in between sessions the ideas and skills we discuss in session. Some families and individuals find that just a few sessions are sufficient to solve or significantly reduce their problems. Others decide to work with me for many months or sometimes a year or more. My intent is for you to experience long-lasting change in the shortest time possible. No matter how long you work with me, my goal is for you to walk away from every session with some emotional relief and a clearer perspective on your situation. I am always for you to take away ideas about strategies to try or skills to practice in between sessions.

We are not allowed (by law) to tell anyone or disclose any information about you. Anything we talk about is just between us. However, there are some exceptions to that requirement. If I think you might seriously hurt yourself or someone else, I must insure that you get help, even if that means telling someone else. If I am aware of abuse of a child, dependent or older adult, that, too, must be reported. When you are in my office, I will more fully explain these exceptions. HIPAA laws protect your privacy and are given with your informed consent at the first session. Your private health information will not be released without your written consent except in the situations outlined by HIPAA.
 
 
Because your appointment time is reserved solely for you, we ask for at least 48-hour notice to cancel or reschedule. This affords the opportunity to offer the time slot to someone on our waiting list. Appointments that are scheduled with more than 48-hours notice does NOT incur a fee. However, if the appointment is canceled or rescheduled with less than 48-hours notice or if the client does not show for the scheduled appointment, there will be a $100 charge. Please understand this fee CAN be avoided by giving ample notice to our office. In the event that a charge is applied to your account, your health insurance company does not pay for missed sessions.

Billing:

Due to the agreement that is signed with your health insurance company, we are obligated to collect the full amount that your insurance shows on the Explanation of Payment (EOP). Therefore, we can not deduct, waive or discount any part of the balance.

We understand that healthcare costs can feel heavy, yet it helps to think of it as an investment in yourself. We accept most major insurance providers and the amount due will vary depending on your insurance plan. Most insurances have a copay, some may require for the deductible to be met before the insurance starts to cover for the services, or other plans may have a co-insurance. Because this can be confusing, the best approach is to contact your insurance directly to become familiar with your benefits.

As a courtesy to our clients, we can file claims directly to your insurance. We appreciate your trust and partnership in working through this together.   

Have a question?

Visit our contact us page to find our contact form and additional ways to get in touch. 

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