FAQs
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
We live in a culture where we are often told that we should be able to handle problems on our own. Men in particular are given this message. Yet many people suffer, often in private, often with shame, and often unnecessarily. Studies suggest that depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide, and that about 7.1% of American adults suffer from depression in a given year, and about 1 in 5 women will have depression in their lifetime (See NIMH). Anxiety disorders occur in 19.1 % of American adults. (see NIMH). Research suggests that people who utilize psychotherapy fare better than those who do not, whether or not medication is also used. Seeking psychological help can significantly shorten the time you are struggling with these issues. (Consumer Reports Survey on psychotherapy)
I don’t see you on my insurance. Will I be able to use my insurance if I see you?
The short answer to this question is “usually.” Many insurance plans provide benefits for out-of-network services, and a little more than half of my clients use their health insurance to pay for their sessions.
I set up my practice with great intention and thoughtfulness. My concerns about using the insurance center are (1) confidentiality, and (2) making decisions together about how to address your concerns.
(1) If a client of mine wants to use their insurance (many do, understandably), I give them a statement that they can submit to their insurance company. Thus, the client is responsible for determining what information is released to insurance companies and what is not. While insurance companies claim to keep all information confidential, once information leaves my office, I cannot guarantee that it will be held in confidence. My clients are responsible for determining what confidential information is released to insurance companies.
(2) My practice is structured so it is clear that I work for my clients, not for insurance companies. My clients and I make decisions together about what path we should take for them to reach their goals. Additionally, clients are in a better position than I to advocate for benefits from their insurance company because they are the policyholders.
As a man, I am unsure of the idea of therapy. How could talking possibly help me?
Going to therapy is near the last thing on some men’s list because it goes against the male code of being self-sufficient, stoic about feelings, avoiding all signs of weakness and vulnerability, and asking for help. These can sometimes be significant obstacles to consulting with a psychotherapist. However, once men or women start their consultation with a psychotherapist, they often realize that doing so helps them feel more confident in their abilities to manage their life and work through whatever was getting in their way, which allows them to feel more relaxed and competent.