“It wasn’t until I accepted myself, just as I was, that I was free to change.”  - Carl Rogers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some answers to common questions about psychotherapy. 

How do I schedule an appointment?

I work as a telemedicine psychotherapist with the Amwell Medical Group, using technology powered by Amwell.  I recommend scheduling an appointment with me on Amwell.com, LiveHealthOnline.com, or any Amwell-powered telemedicine platform.  Due to the limitations of the mobile app design, I do not recommend trying to use the app to schedule appointments.  

How do I know if I need psychotherapy?

If you have tried to cope or change on your own but are not reaching your goals, you may benefit from working with a psychotherapist.  Sometimes it takes the support and guidance of a trained professional to get back on track.  You may also benefit from brief episodes of care from time to time to talk through slip ups or prevent symptoms returning.  Some clients use psychotherapy as part of preventive, routine self-care, just like well visits to the doctor and dentist. 

How much does counseling cost?

My fee is set by the Amwell Medical Group and ranges from $80 - $85 per session.  Most people use the behavioral health benefits of their health insurance plan or their employee assistance (EAP) benefits.  One episode of brief psychotherapy is generally 10 - 14 sessions that occur over 3 - 6 months.  You may need more or you may need less.  I encourage clients to start with weekly sessions until they begin to see progress on their goals, and then to taper down. I encourage clients to use their last session to review their work and say goodbye.  Thereafter, it's okay to come back for periodic check ins or work on a new set of goals. 

What about diagnosis? 

The American health insurance industry is based on a "medically necessary" model.  This means that I need to ask you how your symptoms interfere with your life and give you a diagnosis.

Money is tight.  What can I do?

Sadly, not everyone has great insurance benefits.  If money is tight, please do not hesitate to let me know.  A more structured form of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be best for you.  If you choose CBT, you can expect to do homework on your own.  I will provide you with handouts and online resources to guide your work. 

Appointment policy - Cancellations, changes, and no shows

My goal is to make myself available to those in need.  No shows and late cancellations block patient access and the revenue stream that funds health care services.  Most health plan contracts prohibit providers from charging for missed appointments.  Therefore, cancellations and appointment changes require at least 24 hours notice.  Two or more violations of the appointment policy may cause you to lose access to services.  

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Time to go, now what?  Saying goodbye and coping with loss is difficult.  Please make sure to take advantage of the therapy relationship to process the feelings you experience with goodbyes.  Also, please take advantage of the resources I can share with you if I know you are ready to leave therapy.  I would like to help you stay well.  

Contact me with more questions

Please feel free to contact me at the email address given in the footer below.  Because my email is not HIPAA compliant, please limit your message to telephone call back information only.  I will do my best to call as soon as possible.