How do I find the right therapist for my needs?

The most critical part of therapy is the relationship you develop with your therapist. If you aren’t comfortable, it will be difficult for you to open up and share what’s really going on in your life. A telephone consultation is a good way for you to get some initial questions answered. Please feel free to give me a call and ask whatever questions you may have. I’ll talk to you about my education, training, credentials, and approach to therapy and you can decide whether or not you think we would be a good fit.

Do you offer a free first session?

I believe it is very important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. You are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and will be doing some difficult work. I have found that those who come in for a free first session rarely return to dig into the difficult work of therapy. The best way for you to get to know me is to read through the information I’ve put together on my website. Then, if you like what you read, give me a call and we’ll chat. I think you’ll know then whether or not you are feeling comfortable enough to schedule a first session.

How often will we meet?

Weekly sessions, particularly at the outset of therapy, are helpful in building the trust and rapport necessary for a good therapeutic relationship. Weekly sessions also help you make more rapid progress toward your goals. As therapy progresses, we may find that less or more frequent sessions are needed. Each situation is different, and we will adjust our sessions as necessary.

What will the first session look like?

During our first session, you will be asked to complete some necessary intake paperwork. If it is easier for you, I am happy to email this paperwork to you before our first session so that you can fill it out at home. Once I have taken a few minutes to review your paperwork, we will spend the rest of the session getting to know one another and talking about the reasons you are seeking therapy at this time and your goals for our time together. I will answer whatever questions you may have about the therapy process, techniques, the duration of therapy, confidentiality, and any concerns you have about the time we will be spending together.

How many sessions will I need?

Each person is unique so it is difficult to estimate the length of your therapy—there is no average number of sessions. Some clients come in for just a few sessions (3-5) and feel their concerns have been addressed. Others work more long-term in therapy. Your treatment will continue until you decide your goals have been reached. My goal is to help you gain the skills to successfully maneuver the challenges that life brings.

What about confidentiality?

Therapy is a safe place to work through the issues and challenges you are facing. What gets shared in therapy is legally confidential to you, within certain limits. I am legally mandated to report certain information that is disclosed to me–past or present abuse of a child or an at-risk adult, threats of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, when a client is dangerous to him/herself or makes a threat against property, when there is a threat to national security, or when I am mandated by a court of law to disclose certain information.
If you have concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to mention it to me at our first meeting and we will discuss it further.

Do you take insurance?

I do not bill insurance but I am happy to provide you with a monthly receipt of our sessions that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please note that insurance companies vary widely on their policies regarding repayment for therapy services and many require clients to receive a diagnosis in order to be reimbursed for therapy. Your confidentiality is also somewhat less protected as insurance companies often require disclosure of certain information in order to receive benefits. If you are concerned about having a mental health diagnosis on your permanent health record or about your confidentiality in therapy, please let me know so we can discuss your options.

How do I pay for my sessions?

I accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and most HSA (health savings account) cards. Payment is expected at the close of each session.