I’m used to handling things on my own. How can this help?
Everyone needs assistance now and then – kind of like when you take your vehicle to the mechanic, get your hair cut or someone prepares your taxes. Your life and relationships are worth the same kind of professional input. You’ll still be handling you’re your life and making your own decisions. A therapist helps you explore what’s happening and find new ways to handle what you might be facing.
How do I get the most out of therapy/counseling – and how long will it take?
Like in other areas of life – you’ll often get out of it what you put in. The more open and honest you are, even about the tough stuff, the better discussions we’re able to have. This helps inform your progress and whether therapy is addressing enough of what’s really going on.
Consistent sessions also help. Some clients meet just a few times to get relief during a specific or current crisis. Most people decide to work on specific goals and/or healing and sessions may extend over several months or more. Many others are interested in personal development and growth that evolves over a longer stretch of time. It depends on what’s useful to you and what you’re choosing to work on. Therapists have ethical obligations to help our clients accomplish their clinical goals in reasonable timeframes. We’ll check in regularly to be sure about what’s useful to you.
Why talk with a therapist rather than a friend or family member?
It’s confidential, so you can honestly explore your situation without reservation, embarrassment or fear of upsetting or concerning others in your life. Therapists have legal and ethical rules that protect this confidentiality.
You’re getting the benefit of our knowledge, experience and education. While you know your life best, mental health professionals are uniquely trained in matters related to people, life and relationships so can offer different, grounded and neutral perspectives. This can allow you to consider your situation in new ways – whether to learn new skills, to change or discuss things without judgment or expectations. Some friends and family can be great listeners and give excellent advice. It’s just different.
It’s healthy and important to have an outlet where you can openly sort out complicated issues and big decisions. In a small community, it can sometimes be difficult to let yourself change or openly go through struggles. Quite simply, in counseling you don’t have to worry about others “knowing your business” as you sort things out. Allowing yourself some support at times can really help you move forward.
How long are regular sessions?
Most counseling sessions are 50 minutes. I’ve found many clients prefer longer sessions, so extended 90-minute appointments are available at an adjusted rate.
Do you offer free consultations?
I always will want to talk with you before confirming a first appointment to be sure that what you’re needing is something I’m prepared to help you with. The effectiveness of therapy has a great deal to do with how comfortable you feel with the therapist you choose – and the way you decide that is truly up to you. I offer that initial 10-15 minute call at no charge.
How do I prepare for my first session?
I’ll send you some initial documents, just complete and bring those along. Other than that, just this advice: Be you. Allow enough time that you don’t have to rush to or from session. We’ll first sit down and talk things through; then we’ll make a plan for what’s next. That’s it.
How do I pay for Private Therapy or Counseling Sessions?
For privately paid sessions, I accept cash, check, and VISA/Mastercard.
Can I Use My Health Insurance?
Yes, I accept some EAP and health insurance plans. I coordinate with Sondermind, a service that is in accordance with HIPAA privacy rules and is free to you. Together we can work on your behalf to seamlessly handle most insurance-related payments and claims. Should you decide to use your health insurance coverage for our services, we can discuss this further.
Paneled provider for the following insurance panels at this time:
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (HMO & PPO)
- Bright Health Plan
- Cigna
- Optum EAP
- United Healthcare
- United (UMR /GEHA-Shared Services / Oxford / Student Resources)
- United All Savers
What happens if I can’t make it to a scheduled appointment?
Life happens, I understand. Out of respect for everyone’s busy calendars, I keep a consistent schedule and ask the same of my clients. If you’re unable to attend a session we’ve scheduled, please make sure to contact me with no less than 24 hours advance notice. Because our scheduled time is dedicated to you, without this reasonable notice you may be charged for the full rate of our scheduled session. Exceptions may be made for the rare sincere emergency and of course for the big impacts of inclement weather.
How do I schedule a consultation or first appointment?
Simply reach out. Call me at (970) 889-1010 or use the email address or form on the contact page.