Common Queries
All the Answers You Seek, In One Place
Have a question you’d like to ask? We are committed to giving patients the best care and experience we can. There’s no such thing as a bad question when it comes to mental health. Check out the answers to the FAQs below, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions.
1. What is therapy and what can I expect?
Therapy is talking about issues or concerns that an individual identifies as being problematic. The client or individual then decides what they would like to achieve and through skilled questioning, assessment, and guidance the therapist is able to work towards those goals. Therapy can be a lot of work and takes commitment and dedication. Therapy works best when an individual is ready to make positive change to begin healing and/or feeling better.
2. Who is involved in the therapy process?
Every therapy situation is a unique one. If you as a client, would like a friend or family member involved in your therapy session/s, do not hesitate to discuss this with your therapist. It is up to the two of you to discuss the pros and cons of family/friend involvement and strategize a plan of action that will be most therapeutically beneficial to you.
3. What's the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a therapist/counselor?
Psychiatrists attend medical school and have special training in psychotropic medication. They most often evaluate for the need of a medication and prescribe medications. Some psychiatrists; however, do perform psychotherapy (or talk therapy).
Many PhD psychologists are trained in psychological testing. They can evaluate a client using a specific battery of tests that can help clarify a difficult diagnosis, or pinpoint a learning disability. Many psychologists also provide psychotherapy.
A therapist has received Masters Level training in his/her field of choice and then continues to work towards a license that allows him/her to provide psychotherapy. A therapist is usually trained in a variety of treatment techniques and can choose to specialize in a given area of population.
4. How long does therapy take?
Typically sessions last between 45-50 min, however, they can and do vary in duration. Some problems or concerns can be addressed in 6-10 sessions, however, the 'timeline' is firmly based on the individual's needs, willingness to change, and presenting issues.
5. Does each therapist have a specialty?
Most therapists are very knowledgeable and experienced in various mental health issues. However, there are some who have specialties, such as ADHD, marriage, and/or family therapy. Please speak with your therapist about their specific area(s) of expertise.
6. What are the different therapeutic approaches?
There are a variety of therapeutic approaches used in counseling. The determination of which approach(s) would best suit your needs depends on the reason/purpose of therapy as well as your personality. Often an eclectic approach is used, which means a collection of various theories and interventions. However, there are therapists who use specific approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification, Structural Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
7. What do we tell our children if we want to send them to therapy?
One of the biggest mistakes is not informing your child about your intentions to send him or her to a therapist. Therapy is not a punishment and should not be presented as a negative consequence to a child’s behavior(s). It is very important for the child to understand that a therapist is someone they can talk to about any kind of feeling and problem they are experiencing. Talk to your child's therapist prior to bringing him or her into the first session and they can help you explain therapy to your child in a manner that is age appropriate. Show your child the picture of your therapist on the website to help your child “put a face” to the person he/she is about to come and see.
8. Can I review with the therapist what my child said during the appointment?
All sessions are confidential with three exceptions; if a child reports someone is abusing him or her, if a child threatens to hurt him or herself, and/or if a child threatens to cause bodily harm to someone else.
9. How do I pay for services?
We accept most major insurance carriers. Please check to see if you have a deductible that must be met prior to any benefits being paid. Most providers accept only cash or checks for copayments. Please discuss insurance or payment arrangements prior to your first appointment.
10. What if I run into my therapist somewhere outside of the therapy office?
It is not uncommon for a therapist and client to run into one another in a public place. A therapist’s ethical principle states that the therapist does not acknowledge a client unless the client acknowledges them first. It is important to have a conversation with your therapist about how best to handle this situation. Some clients may feel comfortable introducing their friends or family members to “their therapist”; others may not want to be acknowledged at all. Children also have varying responses regarding such an encounter. Please help us respect your wishes and discuss this possibility so as to avoid a possible awkward situation.
11. I tried therapy once before and it didn't work, should I try again?
Yes, successful therapy is based on a comfortable, trusting relationship with your therapist. Sometimes it may take visiting one or two different therapists before finding the right match.