HELP CENTER

You Ask - I Answer

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY?

Therapy may be helpful if you would like a supportive and objective person to provide perspective, feedback, and skills to help address your concerns. Even people who have supportive friends and family members often benefit from speaking with a professional about their concerns.

If you believe your moods and symptoms are causing problems with work, school, or in your relationships with people that you care about, it may also be helpful to consider therapy.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED MEDICATION?

Many studies have shown that psychotherapy is as effective or more effective than medications for a number of mental health concerns. However, many people benefit from a combination of medication and therapy. Whether you need medication will be determined by your presenting problem, the severity of your symptoms, and your preferences.

If it appears that you may benefit from a medication consultation, I will refer you to a specialist or recommend that you speak with your primary care provider about a medication trial.

WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS DO YOU HELP WITH?

I have experience in helping with a range of problems. Anyone who would like to make improvements in their emotional or mental health has the potential to benefit from therapy. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, grief, and stress-related concerns are just a few of the problems I can assist with.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THERAPY? ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

Therapy is helpful in a number of ways. Many people benefit from learning new skills to cope with difficulties and concerns. A number of individuals seek therapy because they desire to have a safe space to discuss their concerns without the fear of being judged. There is also evidence that therapy changes our neurochemistry or brain chemicals that impact our moods.

The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstance will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE PROVIDER COVERS THERAPY?

I currently accept the following insurance plans:

Aetna

Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia

Although I do not bill directly to other insurance companies, sessions may be covered by insurance provider or employee benefit plan. Contact your health insurance provider and ask about psychotherapy benefits and copays.

You may want to ask your health insurance provider the following questions:

Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to a mental health professional?
Do I need any pre-approval from the insurance company before I see a mental health professional?
Are there dollar limits, visit limits or other coverage limits for my mental health benefits?

IS EVERYTHING WE DISCUSSED KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?

The session content and all relevant materials to your treatment will be held confidential unless you request in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons.

There are some limitations to confidentiality:

If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts him/her self in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
Suspected neglect of a child or an elderly person
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if the information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.