FAQs

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

To determine whether your insurance covers mental health services, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly. Coverage can vary widely depending on your specific plan, so it’s important to understand your benefits before beginning treatment. When speaking with your insurance carrier, consider asking the following questions:

• What mental health benefits are included in my plan?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions are covered each year?

• Does my plan cover out-of-network providers, and if so, at what rate?

• Are referrals or prior authorization required from my primary care physician?

Our office is also happy to help guide you through this process and answer general questions about billing, self-pay options, or insurance documentation.

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of mental health care. Therapy is most effective when clients feel safe sharing personal and sensitive information. All providers follow strict confidentiality standards, and what you discuss during sessions is kept private. You will receive a written confidentiality and informed consent agreement explaining how your information is protected.

Your information will not be shared with anyone outside your care team without your written permission, except in situations required by law. These include:

• Suspected abuse or neglect of children, vulnerable adults, or elders, which must be reported to appropriate authorities

• Situations where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

If you have questions about insurance, privacy, or how your information is handled, we encourage you to contact our office for clarification. We are committed to transparency, trust, and your peace of mind throughout your care.

Medication management is a specialized mental health service focused on evaluating, prescribing, and monitoring psychiatric medications to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. It is not simply about prescribing medication, but about creating an individualized treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Medication management can help by:

• Reducing the intensity and frequency of symptoms

• Stabilizing mood and emotional regulation

• Improving focus, sleep, and energy levels

• Supporting long-term symptom control and relapse prevention

Your provider carefully considers your diagnosis, medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors before recommending treatment. Ongoing follow-ups ensure that medications remain effective and safe over time.

Medication may be recommended when symptoms significantly interfere with work, relationships, or daily life, or when therapy alone has not provided enough relief. Some individuals benefit from medication early in treatment, while others add medication later as part of a combined approach.

Your provider will:

• Conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

• Review your symptom history and previous treatments

• Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives

• Consider your preferences and comfort level

Medication decisions are collaborative, and treatment plans are adjusted as your needs evolve.

During an initial medication management appointment, your provider will complete a detailed assessment of your mental health symptoms, medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. You will discuss medication options, expected benefits, possible side effects, and any questions or concerns you may have. Follow-up appointments focus on monitoring how the medication is working, assessing side effects, making dosage adjustments if needed, and ensuring ongoing safety and effectiveness. These visits are collaborative and tailored to your progress.

Therapy and medication address different aspects of mental health and often work best together, but therapy is not required for everyone receiving medication management.

Medication helps by:

• Regulating brain chemistry

• Reducing symptom severity

• Improving emotional stability

Therapy helps by:

• Teaching coping and stress-management skills

• Addressing thought patterns and behaviors

• Supporting long-term emotional growth

Your provider will help determine whether medication alone or a combined approach is best for you.