Why should I go to therapy?

Everyone has different reasons for going to therapy. Some people might need help feeling more confident, others might be struggling with major life stressors (i.e. starting at a new school, experiencing unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) Individuals might be coming to gain more understanding of themselves or explore topics that perhaps have not been safe for them to discuss with others in their life (i.e. sexuality and gender identity, past traumas, etc.). Whatever the reason, there is never a wrong time to start therapy and you can always have your counselor assist you in figuring out what you want to focus on.

Can therapy actually help me?

Therapy has been effective for a lot of people but it does require some willingness to be uncomfortable. During therapy you might process or explore things or emotions that you have never spoken about with anyone else which might feel poorly to start. However, overtime as you learn more about yourself it will become easier to move through these difficult subjects towards personal happiness.

What can I expect when coming to an appointment?

Since every person is unique and coming in for their own reasons, therapy looks very different depending on who you are, as well as the counselor you pair with. However, in general, most therapy session center around working towards your therapeutic goals which might change and adjust over time the longer you are in therapy. Meaning you might sometimes be discussing your past, present or future depending on what is most important at that time.

Is what I say in therapy really confidential?

The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. As a client you are protected by several laws that require us as providers to keep your information completely safe using encrypted programs and secure means of communicating with you.

There are only a very small number of exceptions to this and they are as follows:

1. If a client threatens or attempts to die by suicide or otherwise conducts themself in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm. This does not mean if you express suicidal ideation that we will immediately request you go to an inpatient psychiatric unit. As your providers, we will spend time exploring all options to keep you safe and a hospital admission would be an absolute last resort if we determine other alternatives are not safe enough.
2. If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
3. If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
4. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
5. Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
6. If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
7. If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.

Occasionally your clinician may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

Should information pertaining to mandated reporting arise during session, your provider will discuss with you what the next steps are and will not report without your knowledge.

If we are subpoenaed by a court, we must respond to it. However, ethically we assert our duty to the client and keeping their information safe and will not provide records of your treatment unless court ordered to do so.

If you have concerns about your confidentiality or rights as a client, you can ask your counselor to discuss in further detail or answer any questions you have.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. As psychologist and counselors, we do not prescribe any medications. We are more than happy to help you connect with someone who does have the ability to prescribe and can collaborate with them on your treatment, if you desire.

Can I friend you on social media or say hi to you if I see you out in public?

Unfortunately, your provider will decline any friend requests on all social media platforms. Additionally, if your clinician sees you outside of the therapy office, your clinician WILL NOT acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance, whether it is online or in person, and your clinician does not wish to jeopardize your privacy. If you do happen to see your clinician outside of therapy, you can certainly say hello and they will be more than happy to speak briefly with you, but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.

Do you take insurance?

Some providers at our practice are paneled with a few insurance companies (mainly Blue Cross Blue Shield) but others are self-pay. However, with self-pay clinicians most insurance policies (usually not HMOs or EPOs) have “out-of-network” benefits plans which will reimburse patients directly for session fees.