FAQs
How long is the length of therapy or how many sessions will it take?
On average, most of my individual clients find immediate relief after the first 6-8 sessions (1.5 to 2 months of weekly sessions).
For some clients to reach short or long term goals, they typically stay 12 to 36 sessions (3 to 9 months). For best results, I recommend starting with weekly sessions if possible, and I encourage you to request a standing appointment (the same appointment time each week) to make sure you are able to book with me.
Some clients integrate therapy into their lifestyle or self-care routines, meaning after their initial weekly sessions, they choose to continue therapy indefinitely, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The cost of psychotherapy is an investment in lasting change, growth, and healing for yourself, your relationship, and your family.
What exactly is psychotherapy versus counseling?
Although both terms are used interchangeably there are differences. Many professionals can offer counseling services. Only those educated, trained, and licensed in psychotherapy have the knowledge and skills to go beyond surface issues finding deeper causes for mental problems in order to provide long-term permeating change.
I offer brief solution-focused counseling services for small, time-limited issues such as career counseling or life transitions, and psychotherapy for larger, deeper issues that may require more time to physically and mentally process. These may be mental disorders such as anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression, or relationship problems that need to be de-escalated before addressing and finding relief from the root of the problem.
Together, you and I will determine what service fits the issues at hand. Read this linked article for a further exploration of the two therapies.
How will we know if we are a good fit?
In your first intake session we will explore your presenting problems, learn about who you are, your needs, and your goals for counseling. I will discuss the process of therapy with you inquire whether you would like to proceed with therapy sessions.
Assessing for a good fit is not a 10-15 minute conversation and therefore I do not have free or at cost consultations. I have provided, here on my website, detailed information about my practice, credentials, advanced training and clinical experience, and the evidenced based, results oriented treatment modalities. As a client of ITC, I commit my work hours and schedule to you.
I have so many clients come to me stating they’ve had bad experiences with other therapists in the past. I encourage you to while looking for a competent therapist, make sure they are forthcoming with their training and experience. For instance some counselors may have learned about emotionally focused, couples, or family therapy in their graduate schools, but this does not mean they have been “trained” or received advanced supervision to provide it.
One of the most important factors in whether therapy is successful, is the therapeutic relationship. A therapist’s attunement with clients, our disposition as helpers, and our unconditional regard for who our clients are at their core, is more than can be conveyed in a quick phone call. I encourage you to schedule an intake session with me.
If you or I decide that another therapist may be able to better help you, I will provide you with appropriate referrals.
How long are therapy sessions and how much does it cost?
Initial individual and family therapy sessions last approximately 60 minutes and the standard fee for the intake and assessment is $210.00. Each subsequent individual and family session is $190 for a 45 minute session.
Initial couples sessions last approximately 90 minutes and the standard fee for the intake and assessment is $340.00. Each subsequent 90-minute session is $300.00. We also offer a subsequent 60-minute couples session for $250. (*Therapist and clients will determine during the initial session which ongoing session duration is appropriate for the couple).
I have noticed that progress is accelerated in couples counseling with 90 minute sessions vs. 50 or 60 minute sessions. In longer sessions we are able to address immediate concerns and fully experience the attachment processing that needs to occur for lasting healing and change. When using an attachment based modality such as emotionally focused therapy or relational life therapy, the couple needs time to learn and experience the work that is needed in, and out of therapy sessions.
As a scheduled client, you are responsible for payment in-full at the beginning of each session unless prior arrangements have been made. You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid the full fee charged. This includes if you book an initial session and you do not show up for the appointment.
Can I book back-to-back sessions if needed?
Yes, if you would like more time than your typical session, are in crisis, need more processing time, or want to jump start your progress you may book more than one session a day or a week.
Can I use my insurance to pay for therapy?
I am currently a private-pay, out-of-network provider. While I don't accept insurance directly, your insurance plan may have out-of-network benefits, which means that they will reimburse you for a portion of our session cost.
I have partnered with Thrizer to handle the out-of-network process automatically for you. With Thrizer, you will only have to pay a copay for our sessions post-deductible, instead of paying my full fee and waiting for reimbursements. This typically allows clients to save on average 70% upfront on our sessions. During our intake process, I can help you verify if you have out-of-network benefits and how much your copay would be.
If you do not want to use Thrizer, I am able to create a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company in order for them to reimburse you some, or all of your therapy fees.
Please contact us for more information on how psychotherapy may be provided for those in need of financial assistance.
I need to cancel my scheduled session. What should I do?
If you need to cancel our appointment please do so as soon as possible so that the appointment is available for another client. You are required to provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. I prefer that you cancel through your client portal. You may also cancel by voicemail, email, or text.
**Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged in full for the missed appointment.**
What is Teletherapy and what do I need to do to have an appointment that way?
“Teletherapy,” “telemental health,” “telehealth” or “online counseling” means, in short, “provision of mental health services with the provider (therapist) and recipient of services (client) being in separate locations, and the services being delivered over electronic media.” Services delivered via telemental health rely on a number of electronic, often Internet-based, technology tools. These tools can include videoconferencing software, email, text messaging, virtual environments, specialized mobile health (“mHealth”) apps, and others. For more about preparing for teletherapy with Infinite Transformations Counseling click here for our FAQ and “Getting Started Guide.”
*Please contact me if you have any other questions concerning services.