Frequently Asked Questions…

How much will therapy cost?

This is usually the first question people ask about

therapy.  There are many different types of insurance

with different mental health benefits. It can be difficult

to get a correct answer.  I will be as helpful as I can to

answer insurance questions.  If your insurance carrier

is United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, or Mines and Associates, you may or may not have a co-pay.  If you have a different insurance provider, check with them to see how much they reimburse for mental health benefits.  My fees generally range between $110 and $130 per session, and I can work with you depending on your individual situation and how much your insurance reimburses you.  Just give me a call and I can answer all your questions about fees and insurance.

What’s your availability?

Please contact me for current availability.

Do you take insurance?

I accept insurance from United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Frontier International Group, and Mines and Associates. 

How do I pay?

Whether you have a co-pay or are paying out-of-pocket, payment can be made to me by cash, check, or online via PayPal at the end of each session.  If you’re paying out-of-pocket, just be sure to send your receipts to your insurance company so they can reimburse you. 

Can I pay for therapy with my Flexible Spending Account?

Yes, you can pay for therapy and all mental health services using your Flexible Spending Account. 

What will be discussed during my free phone consultation?

During our phone consultation, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, and what your expectations are.  It’s your opportunity to ask me any number of questions about therapy and how it may apply to your needs.  We’ll also discuss my fee and any insurance concerns you may have.  Additionally, it’s a chance for us to get to know one another, for me to evaluate possible treatment plans, and to help you decide the most effective approach to realize your goals.   

What’s the difference between an LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?

1. •LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  LCSWs earn a Masters Degree in Social Work, and go on to become licensed with his or her state’s Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Some LCSWs focus heavily on psychotherapy, while others focus on case management.
   

2. •LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  LMFTs are similar to LCSWs, but their Masters Degree is specifically in Marriage and Family Therapy.
   

3. •Psychologists earn doctorates in their selected field of study, which is usually clinical or counseling psychology.  A psychologist will either be a PhD or PsyD.  A PhD is a “Doctor of Philosophy” while a PsyD is a “Doctor of Psychology.” 
   

4. •Psychiatrists are medical doctors who focus on the treatment of psychiatric illnesses.  A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, and may sometimes provide psychotherapy, though many will refer their patients to LCSWs, LMFTs, or Psychologists for therapy treatment.
   

How many sessions will I need?

Typically, patients schedule one session per week at the same time each week.  The number of sessions you may need depends on a variety of factors such as your overall goals, complexity of issues, and how motivated you are to work toward your goals.  Focusing on a single issue could take a few weeks to a few months, while addressing complex issues could take longer. 

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts 50 minutes.  Though depending on your needs, longer sessions may be available.

What if I need to cancel a session?

It’s no problem to cancel or postpone a session as long as you do so 24 hours beforehand.  You will be billed a full session fee for any cancellations less than 24 hours before your session start time. 

Are sessions private and confidential?

All sessions and information are kept private and confidential.  Please be aware, however, that there are situations where I am legally bound to disclose confidential and private information:

1. •Suspected child abuse or elder abuse.  Therapists are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
   

2. •If a patient is threatening to seriously hurt another person(s). Therapists must notify the police and inform the intended victim(s).
   

3. •If a patient intends to harm himself or herself.  I will ask for the patient’s cooperation in ensuring his or her safety. If they do not cooperate, further steps may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
   

I would be happy to answer any further questions you may have about this during our initial phone consultation.

How will I benefit from therapy?  Is it right for me?

It goes without saying that everyone is different.  Much of what you get out of therapy comes from what you put into it.  Your therapy treatment is not limited to the 50 minutes that we’ll meet each week.  I will spend additional time researching treatment options and considering your situation.  At the same time, you will need to make efforts to exercise your treatment, and think about what we discuss during our time together.  The most productive and beneficial results come from those individuals who enter into therapy with an open mind and a genuine desire to benefit themselves. 

What can I expect in my first session?

During our first session, we’ll get to know each other, go over paperwork and any questions you may have.  We’ll also discuss your goals and expectations regarding therapy.  Most importantly, we’ll establish a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel at ease.

I’m ready to start.  What do I do next?

You can call or email me to schedule a 30 minute phone consultation.  (There is no charge for a phone consultation).  From there, we’ll schedule your first session, and I’ll email you some forms to fill out that you can bring to our first meeting.