How do I know when to seek therapy?
Most people are able to solve their own challenges in life using the coping skills and knowledge they have. But sometimes situations arise where doing what we know to do either does not work, or it creates more problems making things worse. The advice we may get from family and friends may not be sufficient, as they are not trained clinicians who can assess and recommend the right course of action. They cannot be unbiased either, and they may tell you what they think you want to hear. This is when anyone can reach out for professional help. You can be assured that I will do my best to provide professional services that can assist you in solving the challenges you face, and helping you grow in the process.
What is a therapy session like?
The first session is dedicated to orient you to the therapeutic process, obtain information regarding the situation you are facing, as well as to get to know you and what is important to you as you enter this very important process. You may discuss what actions you have taken so far to solve your problem, and begin to formulate goals you want to reach as the result of your therapy. Subsequent sessions are used to assess further, make appropriate recommendations, explore concerns, learn effective skills to help you make progress, as well as to track how interventions are creating positive shifts for you.
How soon can I schedule an appointment?
While my services are in high demand, I will try my best to grant you the earliest possible visit, as well as to provide you with continuity of care by scheduling regular appointments to maintain progress.
What support can I expect from my therapist?
My role as your therapist is to:
- Understand your concerns and personal values.
- Validate your efforts and encourage you to try new solutions.
- Provide you with new perspectives based on my extensive training and professional experience.
- Help you improve your ability to create a happy marriage, communicate well, and to parent well. Pre-marital therapy is a great way to start your marriage and prevent future conflicts.
- Teach you proven skills to promote self-confidence, self-esteem, stress management, create satisfaction in life, and resolve internal conflicts you may have.
- Assist you in your personal growth in areas of life where you experience challenges.
- Guide you through life transitions like marriage, starting a family, divorce, re-marriage, blending a family, resolving grief and loss, work issues, retirement, etc.
- You can be assured that I will not agree to provide you services if the concerns that you bring to therapy are outside of my scope of practice. I will provide you with an appropriate recommendation so you can access the care of a clinician who is qualified to assist you.
Can I use my healthcare insurance?
Your insurance can cover my services if you meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosable mental condition. Only with a diagnosis your insurance will cover the services of a licensed clinician, as they are then considered to be medically necessary. Please know that once that diagnosis is submitted on your claims, it becomes part of your permanent medical record. You may want to consider whether you want to file claims, or pay out of pocket.
Most insurance plans have co-payments and some have deductibles, which means that your insurance will not cover my services until you meet that deductible. This will require you to pay for sessions until then. I will submit claims on your behalf so that your payments get applied to your deductible. I will extend you the courtesy of checking your benefits prior to your first visit so you know what you are expected to pay. If insurance can be applied, I will submit claims on your behalf as well.