Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning a new chapter in your life can be confusing. See below for frequently asked questions.
1. What types of therapy do you offer? I am a trauma-informed therapist. I typically will utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Motivational Interviewing. I have also utilized Exposure Response Prevention with those diagnosed with OCD & Cognitive Processing Therapy for those presenting with a PTSD diagnosis.
2. Do you specialize in therapy for teens or adults? The great thing is- I work with both populations! Working with adolescents and helping them overcome obstacles in their life is something that is definitely near and dear to me heart. However, I absolutely love working adults as well!
3. How does therapy for substance abuse work? Substance Abuse therapy is typically focused on relapse triggers, relapse prevention, & working through issues that are directly correlated to the substance use, such as trauma.
4. Do you offer in-person or online therapy sessions? At this time I offer online therapy only.
5. What should I expect during the first session? We will begin by going over the expectations of therapy. We will then discuss what brought you into therapy and gather some background information through a variety of different questions. At the end, we usually will discuss my approach to therapy; some goals that you are hoping to achieve; and a follow up session in scheduled so that we can get started.
Can therapy work for multiple different issues? Absolutely! This is what we call co-occurring disorders. If a person presents with anxiety & depression we will work together to treat both issues. Substance abuse & Mental health issues are also known as co-occurring disorders when they are both present.
Is therapy effective for substance abuse without rehab or detox? Your safety is my number one priority when we are working together. First an assessment will be completed and then I will determine if outpatienjt is appropriate. Some substances, depending on frequency and duration of use may require detox, which I will recommend if it is determined this is needed before outpatient therapy can begin.
How do I know if my teen needs therapy for substance use? First, just know that you are not alone and I am here to offer any support that I can. Therapy is usually recommended for teens when it begins to interfere with daily obligations. Most parents find out that their child is using substances because they got in trouble at school or started to isolate at home. Furthermore, intervention at an earlier age can reduce the chances of a child developing a dependence later on in adulthood.
How long does therapy usually last? Well, that depends on you! The more work you are willing to put into change both in sessions and at home can lead to a varying length of treatment. Most clients begin seeing improvement in their life within the first month or after the first 4 sessions.
6. Do you accept insurance or offer sliding scale fees? I do accept most major insurance. However, I also accept private pay for those who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance. I also strongly believe that all people should have access to mental health treatment & do offer a few sliding fee slots.