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General Therapy FAQs:
What is therapy?
Therapy is a service provided by a trained professional therapist. The service can be in-person, by video, or even over the phone. It can be done in an individual format or with others you want to be a part of the process. Therapy provides a supportive, confidential space with a person who is unbiased and a neutral party. Therapy is intended to help you reach your goals, whether to reduce and find relief in what you are currently experiencing, and even start something new.
Therapy at Better Minds Counseling & Services offers virtual/video appointments.
How do I know that therapy is right for me?
Are you ready to put yourself first? Understand and improve your stress and anxiety? Even if you are on the fence, it can be good to explore therapy. Find out more in the Better Minds Counseling & Services Blog: “When Should I See a Therapist? And How Do I Find a Therapist?”
What is an "introductory call" or a consultation?
This is a way to set intentional time aside to ensure that you and I are a good therapeutic fit. I look at this as best practice so you can get the most out of therapy. It is free as it is a brief meeting of 15-minutes. You can book directly through this link, use this contact form, email me directly, or even call me. Whichever method of communication is best for you.
How do I start therapy?
You will start with the steps below:
1. Schedule an Introductory Call
This is the first step in talking with a therapist and starting your mental health journey! We will schedule a 15-minute video call (free) to discuss your what you are looking to address in therapy, stressors, and goals. During this time, I will answer any questions you may have about therapy, myself, the practice, payment, and more. We will also work together to schedule your first appointment. You can schedule this call by reaching out to me through email, phone, contact page, or book directly.
2. Complete Initial Documents
You will be sent documents to review and complete prior to your first appointment. Some example of documents are: confidentiality, services, and consents. I am always happy to answer questions about documents at any point in working together. These documents are updated annually or as needed.
3. Intake Appointment (first appointment)
During this appointment, we will review your symptoms, history, relationships, stressors, strengths, and supports. We will also identify goals to work on in therapy. We will then look at setting up routine appointments to meet.
4. Ongoing Therapy
After our first appointment, we will begin the therapy process where we will work together to get you closer to achieving your goals!
What is the difference between counseling and therapy?
They are used interchangeably. Personally, when I mention therapy to some people, they may ask something like “Oh, like physical therapy?”, so I will clarify with counseling. Otherwise, when it comes to mental health, they are one of the same.
Credentials/Therapy FAQs:
What does LPC mean?
LPC means Licensed Professional Counselor. I went through graduate school, training, and was supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor (another licensed therapist with experience in counseling) along with passing a state test to become licensed. To be in good standing, I participate in continuing education (CEs) courses and training which translates to providing you with the most current, up-to-date, and even new practices.
What does CCATP mean?
CCATP means Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. I went through extensive training and a certification program specific to anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, panic, and phobia. These areas are my main areas of focus for treatment but are not the only ones.
What can I expect from therapy with you?
Great question! I have been told by clients that I provide a safe, trusting, and empathetic space along with providing a listening ear and being solution-focused. I work for us to be in an alliance as I am with you to challenge and conquer the problem you are facing. We will go at a comfortable pace. Find out more in the Better Minds Counseling & Services Blog: “What Can I Expect in Therapy?”
Do you only provide individual therapy?
Another great question! I do not only provide individual therapy, I also provide couples and dyad therapy. I also provide clinical supervision to mental health therapists seeking licensure supervision.
What is Dyad Therapy?
Dyad therapy is like Couples therapy, it is with you and one other person. It does not mean you need to be in an intimate relationship with someone, it can be a roommate, one of your parents, one of your children, a friend, or someone that means a lot to you that you want to work on and improve your relationship.
Do you only treat anxiety and OCD?
While those are areas that I work the most with, I have an array of experience and expertise. It is hard to cover everything and always find the exact words to connect with you, see if any of the words under "Therapy Services to help you..." sounds familiar to you.
I see you provide therapy in Pennsylvania but it is teletherapy, what does that mean?
My license states I can only provide services to those within the state of Pennsylvania. This means if you are a permanent resident and even a temporary resident, you and I can work together. If you need to travel outside the state, we would pause services until you return. If we start working together and you move to another state, we can explore what are viable options to continue treatment.
Insurance/Billing/Payment FAQs:
Why do you not accept insurance?
Insurance companies are the middle person which can create barriers in limiting which therapist you can see, how many services you can receive, and what diagnosis you can have. They may also request to review your records. By not accepting insurance, we are not limited by me being in network or not with the insurance company, the frequency of services, and your documents remaining private.
I do understand this can be a route someone wants to take and I do provide super bills upon request which allows you to use your out-of-network benefits. This is not a guarantee that you would be reimbursed by your insurance company but provides you with the opportunity.
What is a Super Bill?
A Super Bill is like a receipt provided to you either monthly or at the end of each appointment (whichever your preference is) which will be submitted by you to your insurance provider. You will want to establish contact with your insurance company to review you behavioral health coverage and your out-of-network benefits. Your therapist has a Super Bill submission guide that can be provided to you.
What forms of payment do you accept?
As I provide virtual mental health therapy, I take electronic forms of payment. I use Square for processing payment so you are able to put your preferred card (credit/debit).
Is your question not answered? Let me know! I am happy to answer your question.