This seems like an easy question to answer, yet it is a bit more complicated than it first appears. Therapy is more than laying on a couch or sitting in a chair talking. Good therapy strives for healing, and it can be challenging at times but it is a process that leads toward self-awareness, growth, and the release of extreme feelings, energies, and negative beliefs and the benefits are tremendous.

You may feel like you have your problems under control, or you feel that you do not have a major problem., should you still seek therapy?

here are some indicators (not all) that you may benefit from therapy:

Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day

The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others

The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease

The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships

Also:

If you have ruled out physical/medical reasons for the following, yet still feel them:

Feeling:

Overwhelmed

Chronic fatigue

Disproportionate rage, anger, resentment

Anxiety or constant worry

Apathy or the Blahs

And you may withdraw; physically, emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually.

You may also be struggling with life transitions or finding your purpose in life.

Better communication skills- speaking up for yourself, speaking your truth and voicing your needs/wants.

Better sleep is also an under reported outcome of the therapy process. Sleep is essential for positive mental health, and it has impact on all major functions of the body.

Many people report increased happiness and life satisfaction, with feelings of empowerment, improved function and productivity. Individuals also report deeper connection and improved relationships.

Research as shown improved physical wellbeing, such as lower or a reduction in chronic pain and an improvement in blood pressure having been associated with being in therapy

Development of skills for coping with daily life challenges and stress are also benefits of therapy

The first appointment is for information gathering, processing, and evaluation. This session is important in identifying current stressors and issues to be worked on. This is also the time where you can ask any questions or address any concerns. The subsequent appointments will be for treatment, goals will be established, specific objectives will be discussed, and the therapy methods or interventions will be identified, explained, and agreed upon. Therapy is a working partnership. You will be treated with respect, empathy, and compassion.

That depends on the issue, the commitment made to address it, and the expectations made related to what the desired outcome is. The time frame is typically identified when outlining the treatment plan. Remember, healing is a journey at your pace and in your time. Effective therapy can relieve intensity of symptoms in a relatively modest amount of time.

The assigned pricing is comparable to most mental health clinics. Insurance is accepted based on who I am contracted with. The easiest way to determine coverage is to contact your insurance carrier, typically that number is on the back of your insurance card. There are financial differences between in network and out of network and understanding if you have met your insurance’s deductible will also impact cost. Cash is also accepted. Consultation services and development services are cash pay.

Here are questions to ask you insurance carrier:

What mental health benefits do I have? And do I have an option for telehealth?

Do I have a co-pay or deductable? Have I met my deductable?

What is my coverage: how many sessions are covered? And how much of the cost does my insurance cover per session?

Is a prior authorization necessary? Or do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?