FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone, I’m used to handling things on my own. Does it mean something is wrong with me if I need to go to therapy?

Not at all! People who can ask for help when they need it are strong, and doing this is a necessary and healthy step in working through issues. Our clients are intelligent, driven, and high-functioning, and prioritize therapy to take care of themselves in the same way we should prioritize exercise or eating healthily. Everyone needs support at different times in their life, and in our work together we’ll help you identify what your strengths are and how to implement them.

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

A psychotherapist has the training and experience to provide a different type of support than a friend or family member. 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, therapy is completely confidential and a therapist can help you explore issues in a safe and comfortable way.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy 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 therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. For example, if we see each other for a session a week, it’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

How much will it cost to receive services? (A note on the Public Health Service Act and Good Faith Estimate Law)

The cost of services depends on a number of factors including your provider’s fee, frequency of services, insurance status and type, and duration of treatment. You can receive an estimate of service costs as described below. As of January 1, 2022, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Please note that mental health treatment is highly individualized and dependent on many factors such as: your specific needs and goals, your schedule, therapist availability, ongoing life challenges, and personal finances. We are confident in our communication of private pay rates, as they are listed on our website and in our practice policies, which is a document provided to and signed by each client prior to scheduling any sessions. We also inform private pay clients of the cost of session upon intake. Further, as a client of our practice, while we can make recommendations regarding frequency and length of therapy, you have agency over when and how often you choose to meet, which inherently means that you will not be surprised by amounts charged. This is generally a collaborative process discussed in treatment as the ongoing nature of your needs change.

While we therefore cannot provide exact estimates of the length of time for your particular treatment (as this varies significantly based on the unique needs of each individual client as well as individual circumstances and/or additional issues that may arise), if you ever wish to determine the total estimated cost over the course of a year, you could simply multiply the fee per session by the number of anticipated sessions. For example, if you see me biweekly, then you would multiply my session fee x 26 weeks to get a total annual estimated cost (not including missed sessions for illness, holidays, vacation, etc.).