Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an important decision. It requires a real commitment of time and resources, yet there can be benefits that result in powerful and lasting change. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times, it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek counsel as they pursue personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is a valuable opportunity for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and stress management, and age issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the challenges of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your relationships, family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do you prescribe medication?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am not licensed to prescribe medication. Some individuals make use of medication in conjunction with therapy to control symptoms that would otherwise hinder progress in talk therapy. Medication alone is rarely sufficient to address the challenges most people face. For individuals taking medication, I’ll work closely with their prescribing doctor to ensure coordination of care.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am in-network for Aetna, Aetna EAP, Alliant Health Plans, Anthem, Anthem EAP, Beacon Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield EAP, Cigna, Cigna EAP, HealthOne Alliance, Humana, Humana EAP, Magellan Health, Magellan Health EAP, MultiPlan/PHCS, and United Behavioral Health/UHC/Optum.. Many insurance policies provide benefits that reimburse a portion of the cost of services provided by licensed mental health professionals who are out-of-network. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is imminently threatening serious bodily harm to a specific person. I am required by law to notify the police.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. I will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken to protect their safety.