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  • Therapy FAQ

    I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

    Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

    What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

    The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

    Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

    Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

    Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

    How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

    Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs

    How long will it take?

    Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

    I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

    I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

    My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

    If you are concerned about your relationship, we recommend that you seek couples counseling.  We do not provide couples counseling at our practice.  Follow this link for couples counseling.

    Will you be able to provide a letter for emotional support animals?

    Unfortunately, we do not provide letters for emotional support animals this is outside the scope of practice.

    Teletherapy FAQ

    What is Teletherapy?

    Teletherapy is the use of telecommunications technology to provide real-time therapy to clients at a distance.

    How is teletherapy delivered?

    Teletherapy can be delivered using HIPPA compliant tele-conferencing, using mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

    Who participates in teletherapy?

    Healthcare professionals can use teletherapy to see clients or to consult with other care providers.

    What can Teletherapy be used for?

    Teletherapy has many applications in healthcare, including standard clinical care, counseling or therapy, patient education, professional consultant or supervision, and more.

    Where can Teletherapy be provided?

    Teletherapy can be provided to a patient at home or work, or at another clinic or hospital. Now with mobile devices, you or the patient can be anywhere with access to the internet.

    What platform is used to conduct Teletherapy?

    We use Google Meet a HIPPA compliant software that facilitates therapy client interaction in a confidential platform. Google Meet is committed to increasing access to quality healthcare and maintaining an easy Teletherapy interaction.

    Insurance FAQ

    Does my health insurance cover therapy?

    Yes, nearly all insurance plans cover therapy for mental and behavioral health conditions. However, each plan is different.

    How much your particular plan covers depends on several factors, like if you have a deductible, or whether the service is in-network or out-of-network.

    How much does therapy cost with my health insurance plan?

    We recommend that you call your insurance company directly to answer this question as benefits are different depending on many factors.

    What types of therapy does health insurance cover?

    Insurance companies mostly cover modalities of treatment that are evidence based. For example: Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy for children.

    A therapist may use different types of therapy approaches in your sessions.

    What kinds of therapy does health insurance not cover?

    Most insurance companies will not cover:

    • Couples counseling (see below for more info)
    • Life Coaching
    • Career Coaching
    • Parenting Coordination
    • Therapy sessions occur outside the therapy office, with the exception of Teletherapy if your plan offers the benefit.
    What conditions does health insurance cover?

    Mental health conditions health insurance covers may all the conditions that have a medical diagnosis. For example:

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Trauma
    • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Eating disorders
    • Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder
    • Substance use disorder

    Note that therapists are required to assign you a diagnosis for the above conditions, as well as share the diagnosis with your health insurance if you are using benefits to pay for therapy.

    If you don’t want your insurance company (or family members, if you have a shared plan) to have access to this information about your mental health, consider out-of-network options instead.

    Does health insurance cover online therapy?

    Yes, most health insurance plans cover online therapy.

    This benefit depends on the specific policy.

    Does Health insurance cover couples counseling?

    No. While it depends on your specific plan, it is unlikely that your health insurance will cover couples counseling.

    Couples counseling is designed to focus on the relationship between spouses or partners, and not on a clinical mental health diagnosis. 

    **Ponciano Counseling does not Offer Couples counseling.**

    What is Out of network benefits (OON)?

    Some insurance companies provide out of network coverage. If you are seeing a therapist out-of-network, then you have to pay the full fee to the therapist upfront.

    The reimbursed amount varies by plan. It is important that you check with your insurance provider for this benefit. Our practice can provide you with a receipt (Superbill) which includes all the information you need to submit for reimbursement.

    Please keep in mind that there are risks and benefits when using your health insurance benefits for therapy. When filing claims through insurance, clinicians are required to give you a DSM diagnosis. Therefore, your privacy is less protected, which may be unfavorable to your specific situation.

    OUT OF NETWORK INSURANCE