I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Do you take insurance? How much are sessions?
We accept most insurance plans! We do not accept medicaid nor medicare. Each insurance plan sets their “copay” or “coinsurance” and we are mandated to charge that rate; this rate is typically $35-60 per session, but varies greatly. If you choose to not use insurance or if your insurance does not cover mental health the fee of $100 per session will be charged, or $50 for our interns. View our costs.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
However, medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
Do you provide Gottman couples counseling?
We as a practice specialize in Gottman couples counseling and each provider is required to have at least level 1 training completed. However, Justin Puch, owner of the practice, has the highest training of Gottman and is a Gottman approved counselor. Providers also provide other types of couples counseling, including EFT and Imago.
How long are sessions and how often do I go to therapy?
Session length is often set by insurance plans at 45 minutes. If you have a more complex situation or are doing couples counseling we recommend hour sessions, but often insurance will not pay for this and you would have to pay our “self pay” rate for an hour, $125. Although there is variance, typically we recommend weekly or biweekly sessions, depending on issues and type of counseling. We do recommend weekly or twice weekly counseling for trauma work.
How are you handling COVID 19?
We are still accepting new patients and seeing current patients. We are offering counseling in-office, as well as telehealth (online).
Also, please beware that we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID in our offices and choosing to come into the office, you are doing so at your own risk.
Please note a few guidelines, if you plan to come into the office for a session:
- Please reschedule if you or someone in your household has cold or flu symptoms, had an elevated temperature, or has been diagnosed with COVID 19 within the last 21 days.
- If you are vaccinated you are not required to wear a mask, if not please wear a mark in our building.
- Due to sanitizing after each session, sessions may be 5-10 minutes shorter.
- Please do not bring pets into our office at this time.
- If possible, please do not bring children or other persons not involved in the session.