Question 1

Can I get remote therapy over the phone or my computer?

Accepted Answer

Very likely, Yes.  In response the the recent COVID-19 events, many insurance companies and EAP providers have greatly relaxed their restrictions on remote therapy practice  As a result, we have been able to expand our offerings for remote therapy (often referred to as tele-health, or tele-therapy) to allow our clients to get the therapy needed without leaving their homes.

Question 2

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.  People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Question 3

Why do people go to therapy?

Accepted Answer

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.  Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are having difficulty handling stressful circumstances.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions and relationship problems.  Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life.  In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Question 4

What Insurance do you take?

Accepted Answer

Many health insurance plans are accepted, including but not limited to UPMC, Highmark BC/BS, Aetna, Cigna and a wide variety of EAP programs including Magellan and Compsych.

Question 5

Can I self-pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Some find that there are major advantages to private/self pay.
 
These include:
•Working with the therapist of your choice whether they are in-network or not
•Avoiding a diagnostic history and more privacy with your diagnostic info
•More control over length and type of therapy

Question 6

I have a deductible or co-pay.  How do I pay that?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major credit cards, as well as HSA/FSA cards.  We also accept cash and check payments, as well as Zelle and Venmo.

Question 7

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand there are often instances that cause our clients to have to cancel their appointments.  If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify your therapist 24 hours prior to your therapy session in order to avoid being charged for the missed appointment.  This can be done by contacting your therapist directly or phoning our office.  If the session is cancelled within the 24-hour time limit, you may be charged for the missed session.

Frequently asked questions