What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an interaction between two people; a journey that is taken with a therapist trained with skills in listening and guiding through the twists and turns of life. The therapist walks together with you shining a flashlight to illuminate what lies in the dark. Therapy is an exploration of the past, a defining of the present, and the creation of hope for the future.
Why Do People Seek Therapy?
There are many reasons why people seek therapy. Sometimes a crisis occurs such as a death or divorce or any other life transition that compels someone to seek therapy. Therapy always works best when you come to therapy on your own volition. If therapy is a condition or if one is coerced into attending therapy, the chances are good that therapy will not be helpful. Therapy works best when you make the decision on your own accord.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
As long as it takes.
How Long Are The Sessions?
The initial session may last up to an hour and 20 minutes. After that, sessions are typically 45 – 50 minutes. If there is a need, a 2 hour session may be scheduled. When that is the case, there is a 15 minute break in the middle.
What are your qualifications?
I have 30 years of experience working in the field of Mental Health. I am a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Michigan. I have advanced training in the area of Eating Disorders and hold board positions in two Eating Disorder organizations. I am a trained Collaborative Mental Health Professional with the Collaborative Family Law Institute as well as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Parent Coordinator.
How Do You Handle Confidentiality?
Everything you tell me in the session is confidential with three exceptions that are mandated by law:
- If you tell me you are going to hurt or kill another person, I must inform that person and the police in order to secure their safety.
- If you tell me you are going to hurt or kill yourself, I will contact a family member immediately and will call the police in order to keep you safe. You will then be transported to a hospital to ensure your safety and an assessment will be made.
- If you inform me of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, I am mandated by law to intervene. This is reported to the Abuse Hotline immediately and will be assigned to the appropriate agency to investigate.
Other than the above conditions, everything you tell me in the sessions will remain strictly confidential. Please be aware that if you are using your insurance, your insurance company will ask for a diagnosis and possibly periodic treatment plan reviews. Although this procedure is routine, I can no longer be held responsible for the level of privacy once the insurance companies have been informed.
What Are Your Fees?
Initial Intake – $275.00
Individual Session – $225.00 per session
Couple or Family Session – $250.00 per session
Parent Coordination – $200.00 per session
Bariatric Surgery Evaluation – $350.00 (includes interview, report writing, review)
Collaborative Law – $2,500.00 retainer
Collaborative Law – $250.00 per hour
Do You Take Insurance?
My office gladly handles all insurance billing matters. I am in-network with a few insurance companies. With these companies, you are only responsible for paying your co-payment. If I am “out-of-network” with your insurance company, there may be the chance that you have an “out-of-network” benefit whereby you will get some reimbursement after payment has been made. Our office does not bill insurance for Collaborative Law cases.