Frequently Asked Questions

Are the things we talk about going to stay confidential?

The short answer to this is yes, what we talk about will be kept confidential. This is one of the main reasons people talk to a counselor. If you wanted to discuss things with the people of your life, you can do that but its not my place. In fact, there are laws that protect your confidentiality. However, the longer side of this does include some limitations to confidentiality. If harm can be prevented or if someone is in danger I have a legal obligation to report it.

The responsibility of reporting mandates the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders. Reports are to be made to child protection, and law enforcement based on the information provided by the client or collateral sources. Also if the therapist suspects the client is in danger of harming themselves or someone else. Apart from that, we will keep what we talk about between us. If you choose to disclose information or want me to, there are some forms we can fill out. These will be you giving me permission in writing. But it’s very rare this comes up.

Do you take my insurance?

I am not currently an insurance provider. I do bill clients directly for services and in some cases may be considered “out-of-network.” A bill can be provided that includes the necessary information required by insurance companies. You can submit to the insurance companies and in some cases may qualify for reimbursement. To find out how much they will reimburse you, I recommend that you contact your company and ask them about the specific services you’re seeking. Such services as individual assessment, or individual psychotherapy. You may want to also ask about what percentage fees they will reimburse and if there’s any co-pays or deductibles, and if there is a maximum allowable coverage. Codes that are regularly used would include 90791 (initial diagnostic session) and 90837 (individual psychotherapy).

I want counseling, but my spouse doesn’t counseling

It is possible that by attending relationship counseling on your own that you can make significant changes within yourself. These changes typically are beneficial to your relationship. Even if your spouse won’t come in for couples counseling, you can work on the part you play in the patterns and dynamics of your relationship and this will generally have a positive impact on how you function as a couple. You may even find that your spouse’s behavior changes as a result of the changes you have made.

Do I NEED to use insurance to cover the expense of my counseling?

Many clients choose to self-pay for therapy for several reasons. Some do not wish the insurance companies to dictate the level of care, have any access to information regarding their mental health diagnosis or treatment. In order for a therapist to bill insurance companies for treatment, the client must be officially diagnosed with a mental disorder. Many, if not most, of my clients do not qualify for a mental illness or disorder. Managed care exists to manage your care. Some people may not feel comfortable with the possibility of multiple people working at an insurance company having access to personal information, or some may simply not wish to be labeled with a mental health disorder. Some may be okay with a therapist giving a diagnosis, but wish that information to remain entirely confidential and that the information and the plan for treatment be between client and provider. Some simply feel that the process is very personal and do not wish to share any information regarding their mental health status, including that they are seeing a therapist with anyone other than their therapist or perhaps other trusted, known individuals. This is a personal choice.