Frequent Questions

The initial intake generally lasts about 75-90 minutes. During the intake, we conduct a thorough clinical interview in order to gather more detailed information about presenting concerns and background information. The initial intake is not a typical representation of follow up weekly therapy sessions. ​If you are seeking therapy for your child, depending on the age of the child, we may prefer to meet with the parent(s) alone for the intake appointment.  This will allow us the opportunity to discuss your concerns privately.  For adolescents, we may offer the opportunity for the adolescent to participate in a portion of the intake in order to begin to establish rapport. This is typically discussed with the parent, prior to meeting for the intake.

Because each individual has different concerns and goals, there is no set time frame for therapy.  The length of treatment varies based on a number of factors, including presenting problem(s), commitment and motivation to practice skills, and the nature of the treatment methods being implemented.  You and your psychologist will continuously work together to best decide the length of treatment for you/your child. Therapy is a process with gradual progress that allows you to take the skills that you learn in session and apply them to your everyday life.

Each therapy session is unique to individual and specified treatment goals are outlined by the individual/parent(s) and therapist. The content of sessions may vary based on your individual needs, yet we will continue to work on helping you reach your treatment goals.

Sessions are usually held once per week. However, frequency of sessions may vary based on each case. The frequency of sessions can be determined after further discussion during the initial intake session.

Because each individual has different concerns and goals, there is no set time frame for therapy.  The length of treatment varies based on a number of factors, including presenting problem(s), commitment and motivation to practice skills, and the nature of the treatment methods being implemented.  You and I will continuously work together to best decide the length of treatment for you/your child. Therapy is a process with gradual progress that allows you to take the skills that you learn in session and apply them to your everyday life. 

Confidentiality is an essential aspect of the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.  The content discussed in each session remains confidential. If you’d like us to share information or provide necessary updates (i.e. other health care providers or schools), we will ask you to provide your written informed consent, authorizing contact with you/your child’s healthcare and/or academic team.  Although, as your therapeutic provider, we are not authorized to share information without your consent, there are state laws and professional ethics regulations that require a therapist to breach confidentiality. These circumstances include disclosed reports of suspected or actual abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders, and if the therapist has reason to suspect that the client is at serious risk of harming self or others. You can feel free to ask more specific questions about confidentiality at any time during your therapy services.

Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We accept cash, check, or credit card. We do not currently offer a sliding scale for services.

We do not participate on any insurance panels; therefore, we are considered to be an out-of network practice. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to obtain information about your out-of-network benefits and rate of reimbursement. If you choose to use your out-of-network coverage, you will have access to your session invoices (billing statements), which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

The No Surprises Act (NSA), effective as of January 2022, is a law that was enacted in an effort to reduce the possibility of patients receiving unexpected medical bills. Under NSA, healthcare providers and facilities are required to inform individuals, who are not enrolled in an insurance plan (uninsured individuals), or not seeking to file a claim with their insurance plan (self-pay individuals), of expected charges for healthcare services to be rendered.

Under the NSA, patients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate, which offers an estimate of how much your treatment/care will cost. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.  You can ask your healthcare provider and any other provider you choose for a Good Faith estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute or appeal the bill.  Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions and/or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gove/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based psychotherapy approach that utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches to treat a range of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma and more.  DBT focuses on using the biosocial theory to inform treatment intervention. The biosocial theory states that some people have a higher sensitivity to their emotions, are prone to have heightened intensity in their emotional reactions, and experience a slower return to baseline. DBT is a skills-based approach that allows a person to manage difficult emotions, improve impulsive behaviors, and increase positive interpersonal experiences through the use of cognitive behavioral (change-based) strategies and mindfulness (acceptance-based) strategies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy approach that is utilized to treat a range of psychological issues, including symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance use disorders, relationship issues, and more.  The effectiveness of CBT is supported by numerous research studies, indicating that CBT leads to significant improvement in emotional, behavioral, and social functioning and overall quality of life.  CBT stems from the basis that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. It highlights the notion that a person’s perceptions/thoughts influence their emotional and behavioral reactions; therefore,by modifying negative, unhealthy thinking patterns, we effectively change our feelings and behaviors.

Play therapy is a theoretically-based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983). Play therapy allows children to use their natural method of communication and self-expression to explore their inner world, process thoughts and feelings, and build mastery and self-esteem. Play therapy helps children use a healthy way to express feelings, problem solve, and learn adaptive coping mechanisms.

Jon Kabbat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”  In other words, mindfulness means maintaining awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily and physiological sensations, and environment in the moment with a nurturing, kind, and curious manner. Research has demonstrated that mindfulness is particularly helpful with stress management and reduction, coping with anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges, increasing focus and attention, showing compassion to ourselves and others, separating thoughts from emotions, and bringing awareness to our experiences and surrounding environment, as well as improving our overall quality of life. 

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness

Teletherapy consists of therapy services being offered through technological modalities, such as phone or video (internet). Confidentiality guidelines are maintained through the use of a HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform, and you must provide your informed consent to participate in telepsychology sessions.  Teletherapy provides access to effective treatment services with the convenience of remaining where the individual feels most comfortable.  Teletherapy is appropriate for most people and in many cases; however, there may be circumstances when in-person therapy is preferable and recommended.