Your Mental Health Matters

Answers to Common Questions About Therapy

Getting Started with Therapy

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, difficulty navigating life's challenges, or a sense of being overwhelmed, therapy can be a valuable tool for growth and healing. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness. As a compassionate and experienced therapist, I'm here to help you explore your concerns, develop coping strategies, and work towards a more fulfilling life.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. I'll ask questions about your background, current challenges, and goals for treatment. This information helps me understand your unique needs and develop a personalized plan to support your growth and well-being. Remember, this is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely.

Understanding the Therapeutic Process

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I utilize an eclectic approach, drawing from various evidence-based therapies to create a tailored treatment plan for each client. My primary approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), insight-oriented/psychodynamic therapy, Jungian/archetypal psychology, psychosomatic techniques, and mindfulness-based interventions. I also incorporate the Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI) for comprehensive psychological assessments and personal transformation guidance.

How long does therapy typically last?

The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual needs, goals, and progress. Some clients may find that just a few months are sufficient to address their concerns, while others may benefit from longer-term support. I work collaboratively with you to determine the best course of treatment and regularly assess your progress to ensure we're meeting your needs.

Specialized Services and Expertise

What areas do you specialize in?

In addition to addressing common concerns like depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues, I offer specialized services in health psychology. This includes supporting individuals dealing with acute or chronic illness, pain management, cancer treatment, and terminal diagnoses.in addition to that, I provide services for perinatal mood disorders, including pregnancy or infant loss. I also provide caregiver support, grief and loss counseling.

Can you tell me more about the MARI assessment?

The Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI) is a unique tool that uses symbols and colors to reveal deeper aspects of the psyche. As a certified MARI practitioner, I guide clients through this process to gain insights into their unconscious patterns, emotional states, and developmental stages. The MARI assessment can be used as part of a comprehensive psychological evaluation or as a standalone service for personal growth and transformation.

Logistics and Payment

What are your session fees, and do you accept insurance?

I accept the following Commercial Insurance Plans. (I'm not in network with any Medicaid community panels or Medicare.)

• Aetna

• Anthem/Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Optum Behavioral Health

• Oscar Health

• Oxford

• United Healthcare

Any insurance with out-of-network benefits

I strive to provide affordable psychotherapy rates as I believe everyone should have access to an experienced mental health professional within their budget. Please check with your insurance carrier for your particular mental health coverage and deductibles. For clients without insurance, I am able to provide a sliding scale fee offer, depending on each client's financial situation.

My session fees are discussed prior to starting therapy. If you have questions about your specific insurance coverage or payment options, please don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?

Yes, I offer virtual therapy sessions for clients who prefer the convenience and accessibility of online counseling. These sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality. Virtual sessions can be an effective alternative to in-person therapy and allow for greater flexibility in scheduling.

Privacy and Confidentiality

How do you protect my privacy and confidentiality?

I take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. My practice is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. This means:

All our communications and your personal health information are kept strictly confidential.

Your information is securely stored and protected from unauthorized access.

I will not share your information with anyone without your explicit written consent, except in specific situations required by law (such as imminent risk of harm to self or others).

If we engage in virtual therapy sessions, these are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your privacy.

You have the right to access your records and request amendments if needed.

I'm committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security to protect your personal information and create a safe environment for your therapy.

For more detailed information about HIPAA and your rights, you can visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about privacy and confidentiality, please don't hesitate to discuss them with me.

I hope these frequently asked questions have provided helpful information about my therapy services and what you can expect when working with me. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact me. I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.