What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Does therapy for mental and emotional problems always work?

Unfortunately no. It primarily depends on you and the therapist. It is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open can you expect to receive the best support and advice. The better you connect with your therapist, the more likely you are to receive benefit from your services. 

What if I really try, but I still can't feel comfortable with the therapist?

There should be a "fit" between your personality and that of the therapist. Someone else - or some other method - may be more suitable for you. You should always feel comfortable talking with your therapist. If not, a referral to another provider may be in order. 

How can just talking make my problems better?

A therapist with professional training is able to join, connect and see the patterns in your life that have led to your unhappiness. In therapy, the job is to help you recognize those patterns - and you may try to change them. There may be times, however, when you will need a combination of "talk" therapy and medication. A good therapist will recognize you as your own healer, and help you to find the strength and insight needed to process life difficulties. 

• General Questions

  • How can therapy help me?

  • Therapy can help you decrease distress, promote healthy decision making, and allow you to explore the ways in which your thoughts and beliefs have been impacting your behavior. Therapy can help you find a safe and healthy attachment. 

    Therapy can help reduce distress associated with many common mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and co-occurring substance use disorders. 

  • How long will my treatment last?

  • Sessions are anywhere from 30-53 minutes, depending on need, frequency and focus.

    Some clients find that brief, solution focused therapy is needed for only a few sessions, while others enjoy the benefits of therapy over the lifespan. How long you engage in treatment also depends on your current level of functioning, overall stability, the presence/absence of other therapeutic supports and the severity of your symptoms. 

  • How do I know if psychotherapy will be beneficial?

  • According to the American Psychological Association, research demonstrates that psychotherapy is effective for a variety of mental and behavioral health issues and across a spectrum of population groups. The average effects of psychotherapy are larger than the effects produced by many medical treatments.  

    Large multi-site and meta-analytic studies have demonstrated that psychotherapy reduces disability, morbidity and mortality; improves work functioning; and decreases psychiatric hospitalization. 

    Psychotherapy teaches patients life skills that last beyond the course of treatment. The results of psychotherapy tend to last longer than psychopharmacological treatments and rarely produce harmful side effects.

    While medication is appropriate in some instances, research shows that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is often most effective in treating depression and anxiety. It should also be noted that the effects produced by psychotherapy, including those for different age groups and across a spectrum of mental and physical health disorders, are often comparable to or better than the effects produced by drug treatments for the same disorders without the potential for harmful side effects that drugs often carry.

  • Does therapy work for everyone?

  • Unfortunately no. The benefits of therapy are individual and personal. Not everyone needs the same type or level of support. We find that the overwhelming majority of our clients feel that therapy provides relief, support and healing. 

• Cost

  • How much does a therapy session cost?

  • Psychotherapy is covered under most major health insurance plans. If not, private pay is also an option. 

  • Do you take insurance? How does that work?

  • We accept most major insurance plans. When your session is complete, we will file a claim with your insurance company on your behalf to save you time and hassle. Co-payment and co-insurance, if applicable is due at the time of your service. Depending on your plan, if you have not met your deductible, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket for your sessions. Please verify your coverage and plan benefits prior to setting up your appointment. Our billing staff can also help to verify your coverage and eligibility as well.   

  • What is your hourly rate?

  • Our hourly, private-pay rate for psychotherapy is 249.00/hour for the initial diagnostic evaluation and 187.25 per 50 minute session thereafter.