Common Questions

Is therapy right for me?
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
How can therapy help me?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Is therapy confidential?



Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a psychologist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives. Psychologists spend extra time in specialty training beyond many licensed counselors and this breadth and time is brought to the client.

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Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. Think of us as your mental health primary care giver.

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How can therapy help me?


A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Psychologists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that psychologists can be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Psychologists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a 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 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 relationships or environment
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

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What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for psychologists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

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Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely and often not as long-term 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 and/ psychological approach to wellness.

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Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

We are a self-pay practice. This means payment is expected at the time of services; we accept checks, credit cards, and cash. Practice policy can require a valid credit card be on file to handle charges in the absence of other client payment at the time of services. Please see our Rates & Insurance Link for additonal information and service fees. We do have infrequent allowances for payment plans and sliding scale services available on a case by case basis, pre-approved by the clinician prior to appointments.

We are more than happy to fill out paperwork so that you can be reimbursed by your insurance company, but payment is due in full at the time of your appointment. We do not accept payment from insurance companies, but will see insured clients who can later seek reimbursement through their insurance company.

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • 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?
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours notice, by the clinician's watch, you will consent to be billed for a full session as a client in this practice.


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Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or neglect or dependant adult or elder abuse or neglect. The therapist is required to report this to the designated authorities immediately.
  • If a client threatens serious bodily harm to another individual, the therapist may choose to notify law enforcement.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, additional measures may need to be taken.
  • In an emergency, at the office, the therapist will work to maintain confidentiality, but may need to break confidentiality to assist the client.
  • In some cases, privacy may not be protected if a court of law subpoena's records.
  • Clients can sign an authorization to relase information and their information can be shared.
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We are committed to your privacy. Do not include confidential or private information regarding your health condition in this form or any other form found on this website. This form is for general questions or messages to the practitioner.