How do I know if I need therapy?

Everybody experiences challenging situations.  Psychotherapy is a way of getting feedback from a professional trained to provide support when you need it.  If you are feeling unmotivated to engage in your normal routine or notice changes in sleep pattern or appetite, you may be experiencing depression.  Relationships go through changes and a psychologist can help improve communication and reconnection with people you care about.

 

How long will I be in therapy?

Each person will reach his or her goals on an individualized time frame.  Some issues can be addressed in one or two sessions while others may require support for a longer duration.

 

Will I be prescribed medication?

Psychologists are licensed mental health providers trained to treat psychiatric disorders with therapy.  In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialized training in psychiatric disorders.  While involved in therapy, your psychologist will monitor whether or not you might benefit from medication to treat your condition.  A referral may be made to a psychiatrist, primary care physician or pediatrician, when appropriate.  It is common to be involved in psychotherapy while also taking medication to ease your symptoms.

 

Do you take insurance?

Many insurance plans cover psychotherapy.  In order to confirm your benefits, it is suggested that you call your insurance carrier to understand your co-pay responsibility and whether you have approval to see a psychologist out of the network.  While psychotherapy is often covered by medical insurance, the fee for psychological evaluations is generally not a service that is covered.  Fee arrangements can be made with your therapist and the office accepts cash, check or credit cards.

 

Is what we discuss confidential?

Confidentiality is an important component of the therapeutic relationship.  Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust between you and your therapist.  Sometimes, a person is referred for therapy by the court system or their job with the requirement that the psychologist provide progress updates.  Additionally, state law and professional ethics require your therapist to report suspected past or present abuse of children or the elderly to the appropriate authorities.  If your therapist has reason to believe that you are a danger to yourself or somebody else, confidentiality will also be breached.  Otherwise, what you discuss with your psychologist will remain confidential, unless you provide written permission to coordinate treatment with other professionals or school personnel.