Frequently
Asked Questions
Individual Therapy
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. It is a process in which patients work one-on-one with their therapist in a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental, and compassionate environment to set goals and work toward desired acceptance and change in their lives. Psychotherapy is collaborative process that requires an active role on the part of the patient. Working in the session and outside of the therapy room is recommended to achieve greatest success.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is goal-directed and problem-focused. We explore one’s emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in order to identify unhelpful or ineffective patterns in one’s life and replace them with new skills and more helpful approaches.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can
Source:
What is EMDR? (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2019, from http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
General Questions
What type of payment do you accept?
Accepted Payment Methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa, Accepted Insurance Plans
Do you accept insurance?
Most insurance plans cover individual psychotherapy. To avoid any confusion, it is best to call the Members Service number located on the back of your insurance card. Some plans may utilize a third party for their mental health services
I do accept the following insurance:
- Highmark BC/BS
- Horizon Blue Shield
- Federal Blue Cross
- Blue Cross of NEPA
- Choice Plus/Populytics
- Aetna
- United Healthcare/Optum
What if you are an out-of-network provider or I do not have insurance?
If I am not in network with your insurance provider, first contact your insurance company to determine your out-of-network benefits. Some helpful questions to ask are:
- Does my health plan allow outpatient, out-of-network behavioral health coverage?
- If so, do I have a deductible? How much is my deductible? (note: sometimes deductibles for behavioral health are different)
- Will I receive partial reimbursement or full reimbursement?
I can provide you with a superbill which contains the information you need to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
If you do not have insurance, you may call the office for the out of pocket rate.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend an appointment, I request that you provide at least 24 hours advanced notice. Failing to cancel a scheduled appointment or cancelling less than 24 hours prior, will result in a $70.00 fee which will be due at the next session. This fee is not covered by your insurance.
How often will I come to therapy, and how long will I be in therapy?
Every patient’s goals are different. Some patients will need to be seen every week, while others can be seen once a month for maintenance sessions. The type and number of goals you have, as well as other factors will affect the length and frequency of treatment. While many standardized cognitive behavioral treatments for depression and anxiety disorders are designed to take between 12-20 sessions, your specific goals and challenges may make your therapy journey shorter or longer. My goal is to get you out of therapy and back to living as soon as possible.