Help You, A Family Member or Someone You Care About with Substance Abuse and/or Emotional, Mental Health Issues

People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 45 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. 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 and your personal goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

We do accept insurance. There is a confusing array of insurance arrangements. The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much do you pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
• Is primary care physician approval required?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are  exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

 *    Suspected child abuse or dependant adult 

       or elder abuse. The therapist is required by 

       law to report this to the appropriate
      authorities immediately. 

*    If a client is threatening serious bodily harm 

      to another person, the therapist must notify 

      the police and inform the intended victim.

*    If a client intends to harm himself or herself,
     the therapist will make every effort to enlist 

      their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If 

      they do not cooperate, further measures
     may be taken without the clients
    permission in order to ensure his/her safety.

*   If a therapist is mandated by a court order 

     to release client records or to testify in 

     court.