Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Now that we've had an initial intake session, what should I expect?
How long are sessions and how many sessions will my child need?
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
How do you handle billing for sessions?
How do I get reimbursement from my insurance company?
My child is a teen. How often should I expect to meet or how much communication should I expect?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, age-appropriate developmental concerns, social skills, grief, stress management, and academic concerns. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset helping to resolve family conflict and deepen a sense of connection between you and your son. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you and/or your son use the process and put into practice what is learned. Some of the benefits available to your son from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of himself, his goals and values
- Developing skills for improving his relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family
- Improving his self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Does my Son really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you and your son at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you and your family need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Now that We've had an Initial Intake Session, What Should I Expect?
I typically use the first few sessions as an assessment period to gather as much information as possible in order to develop a good understanding of the problem and create a firm treatment plan moving forward. It is also important that I have time build rapport with your son to ensure he feels able to trust me. After the assessment period, I will meet with you again to communicate a treatment plan with you and can answer any questions you have about length of treatment.
How Long Are Sessions, and How Many Sessions Will my Child Need?
Therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes in length. Family sessions may be longer. Sessions typically occur weekly, but you or your son’s meetings with me may be more or less frequent based on recommendations after the assessment. Some boys may need more frequent sessions while others may later need less frequent sessions. We will work collaboratively to determine what frequency of treatment they feel is best for you or your child.If a concern is not severe, then I typically recommend shorter therapy with weekly sessions over meeting every other week. The reason being is that a lot of progress is lost for a child or teen when there’s a two week gap between sessions.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb your son's progress. Your son can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for your son, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
How Do You Handle Billing for Sessions?
I require that a credit card be kept on file for every client. Unless you tell me otherwise, I will bill the card you provided in your intake packet after every session. Please let me know if you would like to pay by check or cash.
How Do I Get Reimbursement from my Insurance company?
I am an out-of-network provider. You may seek out-of-network reimbursement for therapy sessions if you choose. I will provide you with a monthly statement called a superbill, which you may submit to your insurance company. Superbills are sent the first week of each month. I do not directly communicate with insurance companies regarding reimbursement. If you have questions about the amount of reimbursement you will receive for out-of-network services, please contact your insurance.
My Child Is A Teen. How Often Should I Expect To Meet Or How Much Communication Should I Expect?
I will work with both you and your child on what is best for ongoing communication and meetings. I value parent involvement in therapy and I will work to involve you as much as possible in treatment. Because of HIPAA and state law in California, your child is entitled to confidentiality. That confidentiality is frequently a critical part in getting a teen to open up about what’s going on for them. If I feel that your son brings something up in session that you may not know but I think that is important for him to share, I will explore options with him including his bringing the information or concern to you himself, the possibility of a family therapy session, or asking if its ok that I call or meet with you to discuss. Most often when I ask a teen about what is ok to share with you, he doesn’t request any limitations on what information I share. If you have questions or concerns about the level of involvement, please speak with me.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.