Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about therapy:
How do I know it is time to get help?
You find your self struggling to be yourself. Your every day life is suddenly affected. You may experience difficulties sleeping, concentrating, being productive at home and at work. Despite trying everyday to get out of this mode, you find that you are “stuck” in this mode. You try your hardest to find the answers to what is affecting you and you are unable to understand what is taking place. This is the time where therapy can help.
How long is each session?
Most sessions last 50 minutes. Couples counseling is different than individual and adolescent counseling. More time is needed to most effectively address the needs of the relationship. Couples sessions can be provided in both 1 hour and 1.5 hour sessions depending on the intensity of treatment desired.
What are the fees?
My fees are in the mid-range for private practice psychotherapy in the Broward area. My current range is between $125-$175 per session. It is my policy to disclose all fees during our first contact, before you make your first appointment.
- Please note that payment is due at the time that services are rendered, unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
- Accepted forms of payment are checks, cash, Visa and Master Card.
What can I expect during our initial appointment?
When we meet for the first time, an intake interview will take place. This is the beginning of the information gathering process. Some of the typical questions that are asked are about your physical health, what brings you to counseling and symptoms that you are experiencing. We will begin to formulate some goals for counseling and steps to take to get there. This also gives us an opportunity for us to get a sense of what it’s like to work together. If, at the end of the first session, we decide for any reason that your needs would be better served by someone else, I will do my best to provide you with more appropriate referrals.
What about medication?
Only psychiatrists and other medical doctor’s are licensed to prescribe medication. Our center has close working relationships with local psychiatrist who are knowledgeable, ethical and caring. Medication is not always recommended for clients. However, it at any point during treatment the symptoms or conditions worsen, medication may be a viable solution for symptoms that become unmanageable such as non-situational depression and/or anxiety. However, please keep in mind that the final choice is always yours.
Will my insurance pay for my sessions?
I am out of network with most insurance companies but in certain circumstances I am willing to work with your insurance provided you have a PPO plan that allows for out of network benefits, and the out of network benefit has been met.
Paying out of pocket for therapy rather than using insurance benefits can be advantageous for several reasons:
Confidentiality:
Access to your records is usually limited to you and your counselor. However, some managed care companies require periodic chart reviews by their Quality Assurance Department. Additionally, all managed care companies require your counselor to provide a diagnosis and submit treatment plans when requesting additional sessions on your behalf. Ask your counselor for more information or to see the reporting forms if you are using a managed care plan and have concerns about your privacy.
Flexibility:
There are no restrictions placed on how you choose your counselor and what services you design in partnership with your provider. The plan of care and the payment of services are discussed and set by mutual agreement.
Autonomy:
The length of care, frequency of sessions and other aspects of work you do together are entirely up to you and your counselor
Cancellation Policy
It is my policy to charge for appointments that are not kept. I ask clients to notify the office via voice mail within 24 hours of scheduled appointment in case of cancellations. Please remember that the time is set aside exclusively for you.
If you are struggling, I can help….
Call me today to learn more about how I can help. I will be happy to schedule a 15 minute complimentary phone consultation.