Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
The bulk of what I do is provide individual counseling. I work with older children, teenagers and adults. I've have worked for many years in therapeutic boarding schools with teenagers, so you could say I work well with this population. However, I also enjoy working with adults (that's the easy part of my job). I also provide classes for parents who are struggling with their children's behaviors and anxiety. I love helping parents learn the techniques to prevent their child from falling into the pitfalls of anxiety and depression.
Do you offer online counseling?
I do. For those individuals who cannot attend therapy in my office, I offer video conferencing and phone therapy. I've been conducting online therapy for clients all over the word for the past 10 years and find it very effective. Yes, I'd prefer to see your wonderful face in my office, but don't hesitate to contact me about online options. It can also be very helpful for the busy executive or time crunched teenager (not to mention the over worked cab driving mother).
How long does treatment typically take?
A simple answer, the less time you've struggled, the less time treatment takes. I have found that working through panic attacks can take as little as one session, when treated within in weeks of one's first attack. Social anxiety and generalized anxiety on average take 4-6 sessions. Depression varies, according the time the individual has suffered. OCD tends to take the longest, but individuals tend to find rapid relief as they start getting help.
How much is counseling, will my insurance cover sessions?
Counseling is $150 for the 45 minute session. I am contracted with Blue Cross, Blue Shield. Please let me know you’ll be using your BCBS benefits when scheduling. If you have BCBS, you simply pay your co pay at the time of visit and I will bill the rest. Your co pay is the same as you would pay any medical specialist, typically $25-$35. If you have not met your insurance's deductible, you will need to pay the contracted amount until it is met. The contracted amount is typically $95.
If you have any other insurance, you can utilize your out of network benefit. You will pay at the time of service and be given a receipt which you will submit to your insurance. Your insurance will then reimburse you for the counseling services. You can also use your health savings card (also called a flex spending, or cafeteria account).
How do I know if I really need help?
If your anxiety or depression is effecting your job, relationships, interests or schooling then you need help. You also may want to seek help if you feel you are holding back in reaching your goals and dreams. Many people seek help because their situations have become desperate, but many others find help to take their success to the next level.
If I have other mental health, relationship or emotional issues can I still see you for counseling?
Yes, while working with anxiety/OCD and depression are my specialities, I work with other issues too. I have had experience in helping with addictions, child behavioral issues, ADD/ADHD, and family counseling as well as sugar addiction. Yes, sugar addiction is a thing! Check out www.conqueringsweetaddictions.com for more information.
How often will I come to therapy?
Typically clients come in for one session weekly. Your sessions will "taper off" to every other week , every third week and so on as progress is made. Again, the number of weeks vary for each individual.
Do you offer a group to help with anxiety or depression?
Yes, I currently hold a group to help with social anxiety. I know, how does one get people with social anxiety to come to a group? Well, if you come to just one group, you'll understand! There is nothing more rewarding than overcoming one's fears! See www.convertintorvert.com for more information.
What should I do before my first appointment?
After I have scheduled with you I'll send you the intake paperwork. This paperwork will be like what you complete at any doctor's visit with contact information, previous treatment and insurance information. It will also contain information about confidentiality. You should know that any information about you is private and can only be shared with your consent. Please print, fill out and bring the paperwork to your appointment.
When you arrive find a seat in the lobby and I'll greet you at your appointment time.
In the first session we will discuss the issues which brought you to counseling, prepare a plan for treatment and discuss assignments which will speed up the progress.
Please come to the appointment prepared to pay for the session. If you have BlueCross/BlueShield insurance, please check to see if you have met your deductible. If you have not met your deductible, you'll need to pay for the sessions, until it's met.