Do you have to have a specific “problem” in order to come to therapy?

No. A lot of people think that you only go to therapy when things get so bad that it is the last option.  This does not have to be the case.  I have several clients who come in for enrichment therapy for balance, motivation, and organization in their life as well as couples who come in just to learn what they could be doing better even though their relationship is not in “crisis.”  Some of them even use this time as their occasional “date night.” This is entirely dependent upon what your goals for therapy are. 

Is everything confidential?  Yes, with a few exceptions:  I am bound to report any intent to commit a crime, harm self or others, or if I suspect child or elder abuse.  The other exception to this can only occur when the client signs a release of information form authorizing me to share certain information with whatever third party they deem appropriate. 

Do you take insurance?  No, I do not.  There are several reasons for this.  Insurance companies insist that you place a diagnosis on each client before they will pay for therapy.  With the diagnosis, they often times only cover some as opposed to others.  As a result, the therapist must find a diagnosis that is acceptable to the insurance company with which to label their client in order to receive payment.   Once these diagnoses are assigned to you, they go on your permanent record as a part of your medical history.    I do not believe that diagnosis should be thrown around so freely and attached to clients just so the insurance company will agree to pay for therapy. 

Do you prescribe medication?  No, I do not.  Although, there may be rare cases in which medication is the only and/or best option, research shows that it is often times no more effective than any other type of treatment and sometimes even harmful.  To me, this should always be an absolute, last resort and saved for the cases in which it truly is the best option and as such will be the most helpful to the client. Medication must always be prescribed by a Psychiatrist or other medical professional. 

What types of payment are acceptable?  Cash, Check, or Credit Card 

Do you send out invoices?  No.  All payment is due at the time of service. 

How long is a session?   A typical session is 50 minutes.  If clients feel that they need more time, they will often book a 2-session time slot (100 minutes). 

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment time?   As a common courtesy, 24 hours notice is required for all cancellations and reschedules.  Failure to do so will result in the full session fee. 

How often should I come to therapy?  Most of my clients see me once a week.  Sometimes in the beginning of therapy when relationships are on the verge of breakup or if there are other individual needs that warrant it (trauma, anger, etc), therapy will be more often. For example, if a couple is in trouble and on the verge of divorce but really wants to try and make it work, they may meet with me individually as well as as a couple once a week for a few weeks until the relationship becomes more manageable. 

How long will I be in therapy?  This really depends on you and what you need.  Typically, the first 6-8 sessions are diagnostic meaning that it takes more than just a session or two to really get to know someone and help them learn how to get their needs met.  I have clients who come in for a three month period, get what they need, and they are done.  I have clients who choose to come for much longer than that.  Again, this is completely up to the client.