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Upon our first contact, together we will decide if we are a good match. During
the first visit, I will ask you to complete some forms, learn about and discuss
your concerns. I will recommend a path we can take together to resolve them. All
of us need extra help and support with our children from time to time. Bringing
your child to therapy can be a very hard thing to do. Many parents feel
embarrassed or are afraid their parenting will be judged. By reaching out for
assistance, you are offering your child and yourself the opportunity to feel
better resulting in improved behavior and successful developmental achievements.
I tell children that my job is to “help people with their worries.” You may tell
your child something similar. Going to therapy should be presented as something
positive and hopeful.
How long does therapy take?
Everyone's
needs, desires and structure is different, therefore the therapeutic process is
unique and customized to the individual. From frequent visits over a short
duration to infrequent visits over a long duration, it depends on you, your
goals and your ability to meet them. Complex and serious issues such as abuse,
trauma, chemical dependency or dealing with more then one issue or concern will
generally take more time to resolve.
Why use fee-for-service (out-of-pocket) sessions?
While
I accept several insurance plans, there are several advantages to paying for
therapy sessions out-of-pocket (also called fee-for-service or self-pay).
Your Privacy is Protected when
you are not
going through an Insurance company's plan for mental health services, your
private health information stays private and protected in my office, except
under specific circumstances which are outlined in the forms completed and
discussed during your first session, I am the only person who has access to you
records. Insurance company's have numerous people accessing, examining and
copying your files at different stages of processing your claim, from payment
authorization, tracking your progress, auditing therapy practices, data
inputting, printing bills, and more.
You are in Control of
the number of
sessions you attend when you pay out-of-pocket rather then being limited by an
Insurance company's authorized number of sessions. Insurance company's usually
require proof that progress is being made before continuing treatment and they
also reserve the right to stop paying for sessions for a variety of reasons.
Out-Of-Pocket sessions insure treatment continues until you and I both agree you
are ready for it to end, Insurance company's tend to want you out of therapy as
soon as possible.
Your Future Needs are
when your
medical records are private. Did you know that you can be denied insurance
benefits for a previous mental health diagnosis? If you use your insurance to
pay for mental health issues, your practitioner must designate a diagnosis for
your issue. If you wish to obtain health insurance in the future, your mental
health records will be reviewed, you and your family maybe denied coverage due
to a pre-existing diagnosis. Paying Out-of-Pocket for therapy services ensures
that no insurance company ever knows you were diagnosed or seen by a therapist. | 
