Frequently Asked Questions

When you come for therapy, you are paying for a service and you need good information to make the best decision about your care. Many of the questions below are frequently asked or discussed in my free initial consult call.

Information You Have a Right to Know

Tell me about your therapy. How does your kind of therapy work?

We will discuss fully what brought you to see me, explore your history and background to understand where problems may have started and what might be maintaining them. We will explore the settings and environments where you struggle the most and discuss anything else so I can fully understand your situation. Please see About Me for more information about my treatment approaches and background.

2. Are there negatives or possible risks to therapy?

Risks involved in therapy can include the risks of not changing, of feeling worse temporarily, possible conflicts or increased stress in relationships with your spouse/partner, relatives or peers. Other possible risks include increased fears, doubts or anxiety. Almost every therapy client is concerned about these things. But most clients do get better, even much better over the course of treatment.

3. About how long will it take?

The answer to this question depends on the presenting problems and prognosis, as well as your goals for treatment.

4. What will I notice when I am getting better?

Symptoms will change in frequency, duration, intensity or latency. You will notice increased self-confidence, courage and consistent softening of anxiety or depression.

5. What should I do if I feel therapy isn't working?

You should discuss this with me (or any therapist you are seeing) first. We may be able to change our treatment, or our expectations might be inappropriate. We may need to add more treatment sessions or different methods. If we are not making progress, I will consult other professionals, and I may ask you to go to another therapist for a consultation. I aim to see clients I believe I can help and I have an ethical obligation to refer those who are not benefiting.

6. Will I have to take any kind of tests or complete questionnaires?

Before our first session, a link to my client portal will be sent to you. You will be asked to fill out basic demographic information, complete a brief history and identify goals you want to work towards in treatment. Symptom checklists may be included which can be helpful for assessing and documenting progress over time.

7. Do you follow a therapy manual with planned steps?

I am EMDR trained and IFS Certified. Both approaches to treatment include planned steps. I ethically adopt these approaches to be suitable for my individual client's needs.

8. Tell me about other kinds of therapy and help.

There are a variety of other therapy approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, etc. I have training in many approaches but I might not be the right fit for you if one you prefer one of these modalities as your primary approach to treatment. I am happy to provide referrals to other therapists who use these modalities if you believe this would be a better fit for your needs. Other kinds of help include psychiatry/medication, support groups/self-help, reading, Community Mental Health clinics, agencies such as Domestic Violence services, etc. As a social worker, I view you as a whole person in your environment and I am happy to link you with resources and other kinds of help either locally in your community or virtually on-line.

9. Do you prescribe medication?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I cannot prescribe medication. If I believe you might benefit from the support of an evaluation for medication, I will provide you with referrals to prescribers. I will collaborate with your prescriber upon your request and your consent.

10. Tell me about appointments.

Appointments are usually scheduled on a weekly or biweekly recurring basis until you complete treatment or transition out of care. Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes long. Extended sessions and more frequent sessions are scheduled on a case by case basis if needed.

11. Tell me about confidentiality

I am ethically obligated to keep records of your treatment. These records almost always include a diagnosis, treatment plan, symptoms, interventions used in session, safety issues and progress.

If you use insurance to pay for your services, the use of those benefits gives permission for me to disclose certain information to the insurance company so you can be reimbursed for services. Information provided on SuperBills to obtain reimbursement for out of network coverage or on claims for in network providers includes diagnoses, date of service and length of session. Insurance plans may also request to view progress notes or treatment summaries as well as treatment plans.

When do you have to tell others about the things we discuss?

The usual limitations to confidentiality are homicidal threats, active suicidal threats, child or elder neglect and abuse, and court-referred cases.

12. Tell me about money matters.

Payment for services is an important part of any professional relationship. You are responsible for paying for your session fees at the time of service. Please see Investment and Fees for more information. My current regular fees are $200 for a 45-60 minute session. You will be given advance notice if my fees should change.