FAQs about therapy and my practice
Here are some of the most frequent questions I have received over my career. It’s normal and encouraged for patients to ask many questions when choosing to work with a Licensed Psychologist. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch with me.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Psychologists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues or trauma, grief, stress management, body image issues and spiritual crises. Many people also find that psychologists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the challenges of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or assist you in discovering your new solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution or solutions to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-confidence and self-awareness
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Â Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.  Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual crises and loss of life purpose or meaning. Psychotherapy can help provide some much needed education and encouragement to help with skills for getting through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective in reaching their goals in life.  Ultimately, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to approach the challenges in their lives with the goal of creating change and improving life satisfaction and wellness.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
As you can see from my website, I accept most major insurance plans. To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. It is always best to confirm that a provider is in network with your plan. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Do I have a deductible that applies to my therapy sessions?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
I offer a sliding scale rate for clients who are actively in treatment and find themselves in a financial crisis such as loss of employment or health insurance