Aren’t people who go to therapy weak or flawed?
Not at all. I believe that therapy is an investment in yourself. Just like you would use a personal trainer to help you change you body or invest in a 401k to prepare for your future. Therapy is no different. Therapy is a choice to make a proactive change to address concerns you are having or it can be a way to heal old wounds. Therapy is a safe place to come, just as you are, to do the work that’s important to you so you can feel better and live a life the reflects your personal values.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A therapist can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
What happens in the first session?
Reaching out for help and initiating therapy is a huge step. It can sometimes feel scary in the beginning. My top priority is to create a safe, relaxed, and non-judgmental place for you to share your story and learn how to make the changes you want to make in your life. The first few sessions are spent getting to know you, what brings you in for therapy at this point in your life, and developing a plan together to reach your goals.
Once an initial appointment has been made, you will be sent online forms to complete in a safe and secure client portal. If you are not able to complete these forms online, just let me know prior to your session. These forms will provide me with some information about you, but also give you additional information about the therapy process with me.
When you arrive for your appointment, please make yourself at home in the waiting room. At your appointment time, I will come greet you and invite you back to my office. Once we are settled into the office, I will complete an intake assessment to get to know you better, learn more about what brings you in for therapy, what your goals are, and other helpful history that will be our guide for treatment. This early time together is significant as I come to understand your history and other factors that relate to your therapy goals. The first session may last up to 90 minutes.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
What is your office setup like?
We are located in a quaint and quiet office building complex located on Cromwell Drive. I share an office space with one other therapist, who also has her own private practice. We want you to feel relaxed and welcomed from the moment you walk in the door. Please have a seat in our lobby when you arrive, and at your appointment time, I will come greet you and walk you back to my office. Feel free to access our restrooms as needed, which are located through the lobby door, down the hallway and to the left. Please help us maintain an environment of calm and healing by being mindful that sessions are in progress when you need to access the restrooms.
Do you accept insurance?
I currently accept the following insurance:
- Medcost
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
I highly encourage you to review your benefit plan and call your insurance company if you have any questions about how your plan works. Sometimes you are only required to pay co-pays and other times you may have to meet a deductible before any of your benefits kick in. Some plans have co-insurance, a shared expense between you and your insurance provider, and this usually starts after your deductible has been met.
I am considered an out-of-network provider with all other insurance companies. This means that I do not have a contract agreement with insurance companies not listed above. If you would still like to work with me, I will provide you with an out-of-network worksheet to guide your conversation with your insurance company. You are encouraged to call your insurance company and find out how much they will reimburse you for sessions with me. Then I provide you with a superbill, a document that has all the information the insurance company requires, and you will submit directly to your insurance company and they will send you reimbursement. If you would like me to email you this worksheet so you can find out what your options are, please call or email me.
How does self pay work?
If you do not have health insurance or would like to self pay for therapy, there are many benefits to doing so. Choosing to self pay puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions about your therapy experience and treatment options. There are no limitations set on your therapy sessions such as how often and how long you can meet with me.
Medical necessity: Did you know that in order for your insurance company to pay for therapy, you have to have a mental disorder diagnosis. While this is very helpful in treating a variety of problems, I do not believe that all therapy is medically necessary. Therapy is also an investment in yourself.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Your insurance company will have access to your symptoms, history, and treatment. The insurance company then decides if they will limit or deny coverage for you. While your insurance company must protect your information due to ethical practices and Federal HIPAA law, there are some circumstances when your information may be disclosed.
Client Choice: If your therapist does not have a contract with your insurance company, you are not able to see him or her unless you choose to file for out-of-network benefits. Your insurance company also decides what type of therapy they will pay for and how long your therapy can last with your therapist.
Testimony for Divorce, Custody, and Visitation
Devoted Mental Wellness, PLLC does NOT participate in custody hearings, custody/access disputes, visitation, or divorce proceedings. These matters are not within our scope of practice. A referral for a forensic evaluation can be provided if needed.
Fees
Legal Fees Disclosure
Devoted Mental Wellness, PLLC has a Legal Fees Policy for any legal or court related involvement with your case. These include a base retainer fee, all time spent preparing records, responding to subpoenas and more. If legal involvement evolves, you will be provided you with our fee disclosure form. These are non-negotiable.
Fees for Forms and Letter Requests
If letters are requested for school, court, or other needs a fee does apply. Any check list letter is assessed at $10 per page. Any letter that requires a narrative such as a treatment summary can be provided for a flat rate of $25.
