The following are the most important steps you should take prior to engaging in any service you hope will be covered by your insurance company:

1) Contact your insurance company via telephone and verify that mental health services are covered by your specific policy.

2) Inquire as to whether your specific insurance policy has a deductible and the exact amount of the deductible, e.g., 2,000.00 per calendar year. You should inquire about how much of the deductible has been met. Typically, certain services such as Mental Health will not be covered at the agreed upon rate until such time that you have met your deductible. If you have not met your deductible, you will have to pay out of pocket for non-covered services.

3) Please confirm the amount of the co-pay you will be required to pay at the end each of your therapy sessions. This is often listed on the front of your insurance card, but not always. Often it is listed but not clear as to what your co-pay is for Mental Health services.

4) Once the above items have been verified, you will then have the information you need to schedule an appointment with your therapist with the full knowledge and understanding of what you will owe. This will prevent confusion and from you from receiving any surprise bills in the future.

Not at all. 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 utilize them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.