How do I know if I need therapy?
Most people will benefit from therapy. Therapy (or counseling) is sought for numerous reasons: an immediate problem, personal self-exploration, or a response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. And these days, stress is usually a huge component of why people are seeking help.
If you are bothered by problems with emotions or negative behaviors, if your ability to work, to love, or to live is being negatively affected, then you may benefit from mental health intervention.
Therapy can generally help with all of the following: anger, anxiety, child behavior problems, conflicts with coworkers or family, chronic illness, divorce or separation, guilt, life transitions, loneliness, depression, moodiness, grief, sexual abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, and difficulty coping with change.
Therapy can help you develop better coping strategies to deal with life's stressors, to work through the feelings of loss due to divorce, separation, or death. It can help you adjust to tansitions and life changes such as medical illness or becoming a step-parent. Unhealthy or unsatisfying relationship patterns can be addressed through therapy, allowing one to conquer fears of commitment, entrapment, vulnerability or intimacy.
Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. 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. This may include acquiring more tools to avoid triggers and re-direct damaging patterns.
What can I expect from therapy?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions, and it is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. I try to find what works best for each individual client.
What kind of techniques do you use?
See "Services Provided".
Should I consider medication?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action, especially in cases of deep depression or severe anxiety You will need to work with your medical doctor or psychiatrist to determine what's best for you. However, it is well established that medication alone treats the symptoms, but therapy can treat the underlying distress and behavior patterns that will help achieve the mental health and happiness you are striving for.
What about insurance?
My full rate is $100 per 50-minute session.
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- Do I have EAP benefits? (generally 1-6 free sessions)
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- What is my copay? (typically ranges from $0 to $40)
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
- Do I need an authorization number? (such as with UBH or MHN)
I take most insurances (Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Pacificare, MHN and others), as well as many employee assistance programs (EAPs), and Victim Compensation Program.
Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis.
Cash, check and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.
