Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Are The Benefits of Therapy?

Therapy gives you an opportunity to share, but also to gain new understanding and perspective. Life can be hard sometimes and difficult circumstances can be beyond our control, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Therapy is beneficial in helping you feel validated, understood and supported. Like any growth process, therapy can be difficult at times but can also provide understanding and fresh perspectives. Treatment can help you navigate changes in family, personal life, or professional life. Therapy helps you set achievable goals and begin to make lasting changes to help you reach them.

 

What Happens in a Therapy Session?

The first session is really about getting to know each other and determining whether you and your therapist are a good fit. During the first session, we will briefly review the forms you filled out ahead of time and answer any questions you may have. You are welcome to provide feedback and share only as much information you feel comfortable sharing.

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Since the needs and goals of every client are different, therapy sessions vary in format and approach. Sessions progress based on the needs of the client at the time, but active participation and collaboration is important. Our job as therapists are not to solve your problem, but rather to facilitate awareness and insight.

For virtual sessions, we do have a set of guidelines that you can view here to ensure your sessions remain private and confidential. Click here to see how you can best prepare for your virtual session.

 

Privacy

It is very important to us that we maintain confidentiality and privacy for you and your family. Laws are in place to protect this relationship and we cannot disclose any information without your written consent. However, as mandated reporters, we are required by law to disclose information in specific situations to protect individuals. The following are the limitations and exceptions to confidentiality:

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• Suspected child or elder abuse

• A client intends to harm him/herself or another person

• A judge orders us to disclose information

• Some insurances that request information

 

Is This Covered by My Insurance?

Coverage from insurance companies vary greatly. We are in network with some insurances and for those we aren't in network with, we can serve as out-of-network provider in order to accommodate your particular insurance. There are many clients prefer this option so that information is not disclosed to insurance companies. For out-of-network services, we can provide you with a receipt of services (a “Super Bill”) for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. CLICK HERE for specific information regarding rates and insurance information or call us at (619) 500-4637.

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What if I Need to Cancel My Appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance of your session. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate.

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What is Telehealth and who can benefit from it?

Teletherapy is providing therapy through a live video connection, over the internet. You receive the same treatment as you would in person, it’s just done through a computer! If you’ve ever used Skype on your computer or FaceTime on your iPhone, you’ve used the same type of technology teletherapy uses.

 

For virtual sessions, we do have a set of guidelines that you can view here to ensure your sessions remain private and confidential. Click here to see how you can best prepare for your virtual session.

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Who benefits from online therapy?

Online services can be utilized by most clients, though there are some limitations because it will require a strong internet connection and a computer, phone, tablet, or other internet-connected device. Here is a small example of those who benefit from doing online therapy:

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• Busy parents

• Those with transportation or mobility difficulties.

• Those who live in rural areas or too far from the office.

• Those who are living apart who want to do joint sessions.

• Those who are housebound

• Those with chronic illness

• Career professionals during the lunch break

• Those not wanting to spend time commuting

• Coordinating schedule with a spouse problem? – both can attend from different locations

• Convenience

• College transition

• While you're on vacation

 

What are the Benefits of Telehealth/Teletherapy?

1. Convenience: Have you ever been drawn to a therapist but their office is too far away? Feel more comfortable in the comfort of your own home?Telehealth can resolve that by bringing therapy to you through your computer, phone, or other device.

2. Efficient: Time is perhaps our most precious resource.  As such, commutes can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you are already prone to anxiety.

3. Flexible: Relatedly, teletherapy allows for maximal flexibility for people who are overworked, overcommitted, or who live too far away from your therapists office.

4. Access for College Students: The fact that college counseling centers are more and more swamped is hardly news to those who have worked in such settings.  Further, not all colleges are in towns with access to private providers, nor do all college students even have cars.  Enter the beauty of access to a wide network of providers without any transportation hassles.  Teletherapy brings services to college students who either could not be seen at the college counseling center or who did not feel comfortable walking into the center and being seen by friends.

5. Access for Disabled Populations: In many scenarios, those who are bedridden, have chronic illness, have agoraphobia, or otherwise can be major beneficiaries of online treatment options.