Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it’s right for me?
Generally, people seek out a therapist to get help that they haven’t been able to find in another area of their lives. Sometimes education and information are needed, and sometimes symptoms are severe and a referral for additional services like medication or more intensive support is warranted.
Often, the problems can be addressed through a variety of techniques targeted at learning to think or behave in a different way or to manage impulses and emotions differently or to resolve the symptoms of trauma.
Psychotherapists are qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental and emotional disorders. Frequent diagnoses for which people seek outpatient psychotherapy services are anxiety and depression and impulse control disorders or symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Fortunately in recent years the stigma placed on seeking psychotherapy has lessened considerably.
What is the difference between coaching and psychotherapy?
How do I know which one I need?
Coaching is not a medical, mental health or psychotherapy service nor is it reimbursable by insurance companies. Coaching focuses on personal fulfillment and relationships.
As your coach, I will work with you to assist you in developing skills to help you focus on your goals, to improve your self-confidence, to help you communicate more effectively, to establish and maintain better personal and social relationships, to help you to stop repeating thinking and behavior patterns that limit your personal success and success in relationships, and generally to empower you and to encourage your personal fulfillment and self-actualization.
Coaching cannot substitute for, and is not an alternative to, medical or other healthcare diagnosis and treatment when a medical or mental health condition or illness is present. Coaches often work in cooperation with mental health practitioners.
I cannot, however, provide you with both coaching and psychotherapy services. I can provide you with these healthcare referrals at your request.
I hold a Master’s degree and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of New York and Connecticut and in my professional practice specialize in traumatic stress and recovery. However, the coaching services I offer are not medical, psychiatric, psychological, psychotherapy or any type of healthcare or mental healthcare service.
If you struggle with a mental health condition, anxiety or depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress or mood disorder, psychotherapy would be indicated to address and treat those symptoms. Though I do not participate directly with insurance carriers, I can provide reimbursement receipts regarding our psychotherapy that will allow you to work with your company’s out of network benefit plan if you have that coverage.
A brief phone consultation with me will help us both discover what type of service you need to best fit your circumstance.
What can I expect?
Prior to your first appointment, we will have a brief telephone consultation where you may ask questions you may have, and we can begin to determine which type of service is right for you based on your history and your reasons for seeking help. I will then forward you some documents to review and complete in preparation for our first appointment. All services are tailored to fit your specific needs.
What are typical fees like?
- In general, fees for psychotherapy with me are between 200-250 dollars per session (depending upon the type/length of session chosen and individual versus family/couple’s work).
- Fees for psychotherapy groups are 75-100 dollars per meeting, depending upon the type and length of the group service.
- Fees for coaching are between 150-200 dollars per hour session (half-hour and group rates are also available, as are coaching packages, please inquire).
- Fees for creative arts training services vary so please inquire depending on what type of training you are seeking.
Do you accept my insurance?
I am not a direct participating provider on insurance panels at this time but can furnish you receipts for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits to the limits of your plan’s coverage (please consult first with your specific carrier). Many people find they can utilize their Health Savings Cards for out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some helpful questions to ask when you call your insurance carrier to determine the scope of your mental health benefits:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- The reimbursement ratio?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover per calendar year?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is there a maximum allowed out of network per calendar year and what is that limit?
- Is there any approval required from my primary care physician?
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
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 disclosed to others outside of a 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 others unless you provide consent. 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 (your physician, naturopath, nurse practitioner, nutritionist, etc.) 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, Department of Health and Human Services (depending upon the state), 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 threatened to harm another person.
Policies
When we begin our work together, you will be asked to sign a cancellation policy agreement. I require a minimum of 24 hours notice via telephone message for broken appointments. Failure to provide this notice will result in a full charge for the appointment.