Frequently Asked Questions
If you are wondering about it, chances are someone else has too! If this doesn’t answer your question, please feel free to contact me.
How long is each therapy session?
Each session is 45-50 minutes long. We usually meet once a week, but depending on the support required, some patients choose to meet twice a week, once a week, every other week, and even once a month. Remember, treatment is tailored to what you need!
How long will I be in therapy?
The number of sessions varies depending on the treatment and support you need, as well as other considerations, such as finances or insurance guidelines. We can talk about this during our initial appointment and determine what you are comfortable with.
What is your availability?
I am available Monday - Friday and have flexible hours throughout the day to accommodate for people’s varied schedules. I have made some exceptions and made Saturday appointments when needed for online sessions. Online therapy, because of its nature, is more flexible.
What’s the difference between a therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?
There are very few differences between a therapist and a psychologist. Both have a clinical degree and hold active licensure to practice as mental health professionals.
A therapist holds a graduate/master’s level degree and focuses on practical clinical work and therapy. While a psychologist has a PhD or PsyD and focuses more on research, assessment or teaching. Both are qualified to provide psychotherapy.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a trained medical doctor, and as such, can prescribe medication for complex and serious mental illnesses.
What if this isn’t right? What other support can I expect?
Therapy is so individual. If for whatever reason, you are not getting what you need or what you expected from our sessions, you can be 100% honest with me! I am happy to revise my plan to better suit what you need.
Furthermore, if we don’t click - no hard feelings! I would also be happy to recommend other therapists or other services I think you might benefit more from, such as a specific niche treatment of therapy, a psychiatrist, couples counseling, family therapy, etc.
Ultimately, this is about you and what you need!
What is the difference between insurance and private pay?
Due to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), insurance companies are required to offer the same benefits for mental health treatment than for physical health and no one can be denied for pre-existing conditions. Using health insurance for mental health benefits means that services must be deemed “medically necessary” however, which means a mental disorder diagnosis is required for insurance to approve services. The insurance company dictates how long sessions can be, how long someone can receive services, and what kind of therapy is covered for any given diagnosis. Furthermore, they require progress notes. Patients are responsible for copays, co-insurance and deductibles. Many people benefit from this discounted out-of-pocket cost as it is a very viable and accessible option to many. If you are worried about cost, this is a very good option for you!
Private pay, on the other hand, is not dictated by anyone except the patient (with clinician recommendation, of course). A diagnosis is not required to seek support, there is no cap in the amount of sessions, and it offers added privacy as mental health concerns will not be made a part of the individual’s medical file. If you are worried about confidentiality or don’t meet diagnostic criteria, this is a better option for you!