What should I expect when I start working with my therapist?
We usually start with an initial phone consultation. This provides you a great opportunity to begin asking questions and getting a feel of what it would be like to work together with that therapist. After your consultation, your therapist will send you a link to a client portal site where you complete intake paperwork before attending your first session. The paperwork includes information about the practice policies as well as information about yourself. Most people find this very helpful to getting started.
In the first session, you will be invited to talk about what you are looking for and your therapist will be open and transparent if for any reason they believe they may not be the best therapist for you. The relationship you develop with your therapist is crucial to your progress so it’s important to have a good fit.
Will I have to relive and talk through the details of past trauma?
No, and for many people, retelling the trauma narrative and reliving the trauma can be activating and, at worst, retraumatizing. For this reason, we are a practice of therapists trained in somatic and energy therapy so that you do not have to discuss traumatic memories in detail in order to move towards healing. We utilize a range of somatic and energy modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Trauma Resolution Energy Therapy. These modalities involve focusing on your inner experience (EMDR, Brainspotting, and Trauma Resolution Therapy), the physical sensations and unfinished movements/actions held in your body (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy), or moving energetic blockages of trauma through your energy centers (Trauma Resolution Energy Therapy) as a means of processing and releasing trauma. When using these types of therapies, it not necessary to share details of past trauma.
What if I need to talk to my therapist in between my sessions?
It is helpful to discuss with your therapist the best means to reach out to them for scheduling and other items that need brief discussion outside of sessions. If you feel the need for many phone calls in between weekly sessions, your therapist can also explore the option of scheduling more frequent sessions to address your needs.
If you are experiencing an acute emergency and need to talk to someone right away, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What is your cancellation policy?
We request 48 hours notice of a cancellation otherwise you will be responsible for the full cost of the session for the time reserved for you. If you are filing reimbursement claims with your insurance, please note that insurance carriers do not reimburse for missed appointments.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and Zelle. Payment is due by the conclusion of each session.
Why do you ask for credit card preauthorization and information with your intake paperwork?
Like most doctors or professional where you book an appointment time, we keep a credit card on file to reserve your time spot. Your time is your time. If you do not cancel your appointment with at least 48 hours notice, your credit card will be charged the full session fee.
Can I use my insurance?
While we do not accept insurance, you can use your “out-of-network” mental health benefits. At your request, your therapist will give you a copy of the billing statement that you can send to your insurance company to request reimbursement.
Your insurance company may reimburse you for a large portion of your bill, typically a range of 50-90%. It’s also important to note that the cost of therapy services can be applied to your deductible.
There are a few ways to submit your claim for reimbursement. You could send the information directly to your insurance company. You could also use an app like Reimbursify to do the work for you.
What should I ask my insurance company?
If you want to learn about your out-of-network mental health benefits, just give your insurance a call and ask them a few questions to see what their coverage is like. Here is a helpful guide to aid you in the process:
- What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What is the reimbursement rate for an out-of-network provider?
- Do I have a deductible and, if so, what is the amount?
- What is the allowable coverage amount per therapy session with a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed master social worker?
- How many therapy sessions would my plan cover?
- Is telehealth covered by my out-of-network benefits?
- Would approval from my primary care physician be required?