Frequently asked questions

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

In the first few sessions (1-4), you will tell your story, determine the goodness of fit between yourself and your therapist, discuss goals and treatment plans, and build rapport. Effective long-term progress occurs after these items are established and cannot occur without them.

The Treatment Phase:

After the first few sessions, active engagement in the treatment goals and plan begins. This varies depending on the client’s presenting problem and the therapist’s training and clinical orientation.

In these sessions, you will work toward gaining insights, learning skills, expressing emotions, and more, which will help you make progress and see progress for long-term change. The therapist can guide you, but you are responsible for engaging in the practice. Your progress is directly related to your commitment to work outside the counseling office.

How do I choose the right therapist?

Consider your goals to choose the right therapist. Find a therapist who specializes in your specific concerns and goals. It is also important to find a therapist who is approachable and easy to talk to.

Therapists often have bios online that you can read to determine what their training, education, and specialties include. These biographies give you insight into who the therapist is and what their style might be.

Do I need a referral to start therapy?

No, you do not need a referral to start therapy.

What is your cancellation policy?

The fee for any Late Cancellation or No-Show is $75. Appointments that are canceled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice are late cancellations.

Appointments not attended or 15 minutes late are considered a NO SHOW.

Is what I tell my therapist confidential?

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

Are there any limits to confidentiality?

Yes, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. These exceptions include:

Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

Suppose a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will try to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

By using insurance, the client allows their insurance company to access confidential information. This is the only way insurance will pay for sessions.

How long does therapy usually last?

The length of the counseling cycle, from start to finish, depends on many factors. Questions to ask yourself: How long has this problem been occurring? How ingrained are my habits related to this problem? Has this problem ever had flair-ups after periods of feeling better? Suppose your presenting problem is related to a relatively new situation and set of symptoms that you have never experienced in your history and have relatively little to no habits associated with this. In that case, your cycle may be short (a few months). However, if you have long-term concerns, please recognize that counseling will help you experience and maintain long-term progress, which will take time. Therapists may give you a timeframe. Still, they cannot guarantee any specific timeframe as progress is predominantly determined based on how much effort is made to engage differently daily or even minute-to-minute outside of the office, based on what you learn in the appointments.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

In cases of emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do you offer after-hours support?

No, we do not offer after-hours support.