What benefits can therapy provide?

 

Therapy can help with coping strategies and problem-solving skills and provide needed support for a variety of issues including weight loss, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, difficulties in relationships, LGBT concerns, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, career changes, and stress management. Those who get the most from it actively participate, attending sessions regularly, and putting into practice techiques learned. 

 

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?  

 

For most people, long-term success in managing mental health and emotional problems involves working with a psychotherapist to address and improve patterns of behaviors. Medication alone may not be sufficient to keep optimal mental health. However, upon a doctor's recommendation, medication may be indicated to help stabilize mood or address other symptoms that may be interfering with the therapeutic process. This practice, with your permsission, will work with your doctor or may help connect you to a psychiatrist if you do not have one, if you wish to puruse medication in conjunction with psychotherapy. 

 

Is everything in my therapy kept confidential?

 

Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust and confidentiality is a key component. Therapists should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or a vulnerable adult (such as frail elderly)

• If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an in-network provider with Carefirst and an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies.  For Carefirst, please confirm the benefits for your specific plan and mental health coverage. Carefirst co-pays, if applicable, would be expected to be paid at the end of each session.

 

For out-of-network, at the end of each session  you will be responsible to provide payment in full.  I provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Contact your insurance company about how much they reimburse for out-of-network mental health providers.  Some reimburse up to 80-100% for mental health services.  

Here are some questions to ask your health insurance provider:

1. What are my out-of-network mental health insurance benefits?
2. What is my deductible and has it been met?
3. How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
4. What is the coverage amount per therapy session? (It is usually expressed as a percentage, like 80% or a flat rate, like $80.)
5. Is preauthorization (e.g. preapproval, precertification) required from my insurance company or primary care physician?

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, check, and major credit cards.  

 
Hours of Operation

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By appointment only--Monday through Friday day and evening hours available.   

What is your cancellation policy?

I require 24 hours notice to cancel appointments. If you do not show up to your appointment and have not notified me by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full amount of the missed session.