Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek an outsiders observation and direction as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Do I 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're 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 need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How much does it cost? How do I pay for this?

My hourly rate is $80.00. I provide receipts and paperwork that you can file directly with your insurance company for reimbursement and/or to count toward your annual deductible. I also take Medical Assistance.

If you cannot afford $80.00 per session, we set your hourly rate using the following formula:
Take the gross household income of all wage earners in the home during the most recent tax year and divide this figure by 1,000. This sets your hourly rate up to the maximum of $80.00.

For example, a couple who made $55,000.00 combined during the most recent tax year wants to come for marriage counseling but conclude that they cannot afford $80.00 per hour.We take their combined annual income last year ($55,000.00) and divide it by 1,000. The couple’s hourly rate for marriage counseling is $55.00.

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
  

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work? 

I do accept Medical Assistance.

Most of my clients, even those who are eligible to use their out-of-network benefits, pay me directly.

Private paying clients choose not to involve insurance companies in their mental health care.  Additionally, they want to be able to consciously choose their therapist, someone they know to be professional, compassionate and effective and who shares their own personal values. Because insurance companies are not involved, I can assure private pay clients of the highest degree of privacy, flexibility and control of their mental health record allowed by Minnesota state law.

Our work will not require a third-party authorization. I believe that this method makes for more confidential therapy services, a simpler financial process, and more focused therapy.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.