What will my first session look like?

Beginning therapy is a brave step, and one that honors your commitment to health and happiness.  Acknowledging that you need help can be disheartening and its understandable to have hesitations. Here you can find information about what to expect when you decide to take the leap and start therapy.

In the first session, we will spend the majority of the time gathering information to complete the biopsychosocial assessment. This assessment takes a complete look at all realms of your life including medical history, social history, your family background, etc. As a social worker, I conceptualize all presenting issues as being influenced by multiple areas of life. I will ask you questions about your relationships, patterns of behavior including how you typically cope with stress, things that make you happy, things that trigger you, and many more questions. My favorite question to ask is “tell me your life story!” That sounds like a broad question, but I want to hear about the most important moments of your life that led you to therapy.

In the first session I will also confirm your method of payment and we will review all the documents necessary to sign and consent to before beginning services. The first session is a really good time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about starting services.

Typically the biopsychosocial assessment can take one to two sessions.  After all the necessary information is discussed, we can then begin to identify your goals and formulate a treatment plan. At that time I also give further explanation of the interventions I use to ensure you understand what the therapeutic relationship will look like moving forward.

 

What is online/teletherapy?

Teletherapy is platform of meeting virtually that allows the client and therapist to meet without having to drive anywhere!  Fortunately, many of us have grown accustom to this type of encounter throughout the COVID pandemic. Teletherapy is completely safe due to the HIPAA compliance and requirements of the platform I use, which is called SimplePractice.

The benefits of teletherapy include easy access to care, less time commitment due to not having to drive or sit in a waiting room, mitigating risk of exposure, and sessions are just as effective when meeting virtually as when meeting in person.

Teletherapy does require the client to be able to find a quiet and private space to meet, and it does require the client to have good internet connection.

 

Do you accept insurance?

At this time I do accept some insurance plans. It is best to contact your insurance and make sure I am in network before beginning services if you plan to utilize insurance as a form of payment. I will do my best to communicate with your insurance to get the most accurate information and formulate a quote for treatment expenses, however, it is up to the client to ensure accuracy of coverage.

At this time I accept Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem. I also accept some Employee Assistance Programs. Please contact me for more questions.

 

What is group counseling?

Group therapy is an opportunity for the therapy client to meet with peers going through similar struggles.  In our darkest moments symptoms of depression or anxiety can leave us feeling lonely.  Group therapy is your space to feel less alone, more normal in your experience, and add to your support network. Group therapy typically meets once a week and lasts 1 to 2 hours.

At this time Brighter Minds Therapy offers a trauma support group for adults. Reach out for more information on how you can join group therapy.

 

How long does therapy last?

Therapy may look different for each person. There is no guaranteed length of time to resolve your symptoms. Some clients may be facing temporary stressors and may require less time in treatment. For many of my clients, treatment may last from a year to two years. Length of time in treatment is dependent on many factors. If you have more questions, please reach out!