FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
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Deciding if therapy is right for you is a deeply personal choice, but here are some common indicators that it may be beneficial:
Struggling with Daily Life
Persistent Feelings of Stress, Anxiety, or Sadness
Relationship Challenges
Desire for Self-Discovery or Growth
Unresolved Trauma or Painful Past Experiences
Physical Symptoms without Medical Cause
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In a typical therapy session, you can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where the focus is on you and your experiences. Here’s a general outline of what a session might involve:
Establishing Comfort and Rapport: In initial sessions, the therapist will likely ask about your background, goals, and what brought you to therapy. This helps you both get comfortable and build trust, a key element for effective therapy.
Setting Goals and Focus: You'll often discuss what you hope to achieve in therapy. This can include addressing specific issues (like anxiety or relationship stress) or more general goals (such as improving self-esteem or finding direction in life).
Exploring Thoughts and Emotions: The therapist may encourage you to talk about recent experiences, feelings, or challenges. They'll ask questions to help you reflect on how your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors are affecting your life.
Learning and Practicing Coping Strategies: Many therapists introduce skills and coping mechanisms, tailored to your needs, that can help you manage difficult emotions or situations. This might involve exercises, journaling, or guided practices.
Reviewing Progress and Adjusting Goals: In later sessions, the therapist will check in on your progress, discussing what’s working and what might need adjusting. Therapy is often a flexible process that adapts to your evolving needs.
Ending on a Positive or Reflective Note: Sessions usually end with a brief review of insights gained, key takeaways, or a plan for what to work on between sessions. This helps you leave with a sense of clarity and direction.
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The number of therapy sessions needed varies depending on your individual goals, the nature of the issues you're working through, and the type of therapy used.
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Yes, therapy is generally confidential, meaning that what you discuss with your therapist stays private. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in therapy, protected by laws and ethical standards. However, there are some specific exceptions to this confidentiality, usually for safety and legal reasons. Here’s a breakdown:
General Confidentiality: Therapists are ethically and legally required to keep what you discuss in therapy private. They won’t share your information without your consent.
Exceptions to Confidentiality: There are specific situations where therapists are obligated to break confidentiality:
If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others: If you express an intent to harm yourself or someone else, therapists may need to take action to ensure safety, which could involve notifying family members or authorities.
Child, Elder, or Dependent Adult Abuse: If you disclose abuse involving a child, elder, or dependent adult, therapists are mandated to report this to protect vulnerable individuals.
Legal Requirements: In certain legal cases, therapists might be required to release records or testify in court if ordered by a judge.
Informed Consent and Confidentiality Agreements: At the start of therapy, your therapist will explain these confidentiality rules, and you may sign a consent form outlining these policies. This ensures you’re aware of both the protections and limitations on confidentiality.
Therapists handle all client information carefully to maintain your privacy. If you have specific concerns about confidentiality, discussing them openly with your therapist can provide clarity and reassurance.
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Visit our Contact Page to get in touch. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and help you find the right fit. Our team can guide you on next steps and match you with a therapist who aligns with your needs.
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Yes. Please see our team page to see if your insurance is listed with the service you are needing. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
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Medication management is a comprehensive approach to prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting medications for individuals with mental health conditions. This process involves regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of the medication, identify any side effects, and make adjustments as needed. Our goal is to ensure that each patient receives the optimal medication regimen for their specific needs, improving overall mental health and quality of life.
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The decision to start psychiatric medication is made collaboratively between you and your healthcare provider. After a thorough evaluation of your mental health history, symptoms, and treatment goals, we will discuss whether medication is appropriate and which types might be most effective for you. Medication can be an important part of treatment for many conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more, but it is never the only solution. We also provide psychotherapy and other support services to compliment medication management.
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Your medication will be monitored regularly through follow-up appointments, typically every 4 to 6 weeks when starting a new medication or adjusting dosages. During these visits, we will review how you’re feeling, discuss any side effects, and determine whether your current medication is working as expected. Blood tests or other screenings may also be recommended to monitor for side effects or ensure your medication is at the correct therapeutic level.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose—do not take two doses at once to make up for it. For specific instructions, refer to the guidelines provided with your medication or contact our office for personalized advice. It’s important to be consistent with your medication to get the best results.
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Like all medications, psychiatric drugs can have side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, or fatigue. Our team will closely monitor your progress and help manage any side effects by adjusting the medication, changing the dosage, or switching to a different drug if necessary. If you experience any side effects that concern you, it’s important to reach out to our office right away so we can help.