FAQ:
Q. What can psychotherapy do for me that a self-help book can’t?
A. The relationship between a client and their therapist has been found to be one of the most important tools in therapy. The relationship alone can alleviate even some of the most distressing symptoms. While your therapist will likely be teaching some of the tools that can be read in a self-help book, you will also be forming the essential therapeutic relationship with your professional. Additionally, a therapist can tailor their approach and treatment based on the individual needs of their clients, whereas a self-help book targets a broad population.
Q. How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
A. We encourage you to have two or three sessions with your therapist before deciding if they are the right professional to help you. The relationship you have with your therapist is very important in helping you reach your therapy goals. We are always open to feedback and willing to modify our approach based on our clients’ needs. If you decide the match is not ideal, we will be happy to refer you to another therapist, as your treatment and well-being are our main priority.
Q. What can I expect from my first appointment with a therapist?
A. The focus will be on getting to know each other and building trust, which will be the foundation of our work together. Additionally, we will want to gather the relevant background information and presenting problems that bring you to therapy. Together we will discuss therapy goals and how we can help you get there.
Q. How long does it take for symptoms to improve?
A. One of the hardest steps is making the initiative to call to get help. Therefore, your symptoms can be expected to slightly improve as you experience some relief that you have a therapist that is in your corner. That being said, the time it takes for symptoms to improve is different for each client. Your therapist will be monitoring your symptoms throughout treatment and will be discussing your progress with you regularly.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. We are currently in network with Aetna, United Health Care, Tricare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Magellan, and Beacon as well as a handful of EAP companies. If your insurance is not listed, please feel free to give us a call and we can discuss the possibility of getting a special case assignment for your therapy needs.
Q. What if I do not wish to use insurance?
A. We gladly accept self-pay clients. Please call our office and we will provide you with self-pay rates as well as evaluate if you qualify for a sliding fee scale.
Q. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes, we accept most major credit cards.
Q. Do you have evening hours?
A. Yes! A few of our therapists offer evening hours as we know it can be difficult juggling work and making time for appointments.
Q. Do you provide in-person or online counseling?
A. We provide both in-person and telehealth therapy sessions. All telehealth therapy sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant, and easy-to-use telehealth platform. Please feel free to choose the best, safest way for you to have your sessions.
Q. What if my therapist thinks I may need medication?
A. If your therapist believes you need psychotropic medications, they will discuss the potential benefits with you. You will be provided a referral to a medication prescriber for you to further discuss benefits and side effects, should you choose to follow the recommendation. One of the referrals may include our Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. We will be happy to assist you in making an appointment with her if you choose to accept this referral.
Q. How confidential is therapy?
A. We are ethically and legally bound to keep what is discussed in therapy confidential; however, there are some limits to confidentiality required by law that will be discussed with you during your first session.
Q. Who do you work with?
A. We provide assessment and therapy to children, adolescents, and adults from all backgrounds and lifestyles in the state of Florida. Our specialties include depression, anxiety, situational stress, adjustment issues, relationship issues, substance use, trauma, and more.
Q. What can I expect during therapy?
A. You and your therapist will work together to achieve your therapy goals. Your therapist will periodically provide suggestions and recommendations. It is our job to actively listen and provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space. While your therapist is there for support and guidance, you are ultimately the one who will be taking charge in making necessary changes and adjustments to your life.
Q. How long do appointments last?
A. Therapy appointments are typically anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes.
Q. How often will we meet?
A. Typically we will meet once per week. In some cases, we may recommend that you have sessions twice per week. As symptoms improve and treatment goals are met, sessions may be spaced out.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. We value the time we have put aside to meet with you, whether it is in person or via telehealth; therefore, we never double book appointments. If you are not able to keep your appointment, we would appreciate a 24-business hour notice so that we may offer an appointment to another client. In the event that we do not receive that cancellation notice, there is charge of $75.00 for missed appointments or cancellations made with a less than 24-business hours’ notice.
Q. What theoretical approach do you use?
A. We use a variety of evidenced based theories and techniques. Some examples of treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Mindfulness techniques.