Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long are therapy sessions and how often do we meet?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Usually, the first session is a little longer so you don’t feel rushed and can get comfortable with how we work together. I usually meet with my patients once a week.
2. How long will I need to be in therapy?
That is a difficult question to answer because it depends on why you are coming. If you are just going through a minor “bump in the road” you may not need to come for very long. If your issue is more complex or has been troubling you for a long period of time, you may need to come until you feel that the issue is resolved. Therapy is not an exact science.
3. What if I can’t make my appointment?
I request that you give me 24 hours notice if you need to cancel the appointment. If you forget the appointment there may be a cancellation fee. I understand that emergencies arise, or the Colorado weather makes coming tricky. If a last minute emergency arises just contact me as soon as you are aware that you cannot make the appointment and we can reschedule.
I don’t live near your office, what are my other options?
Please check out the section on ONLINE THERAPY.
5. Do you work on the weekends or evenings?
Yes – I work on Sundays, and several evenings a week. I understand that most people cannot take time off from work in the middle of the day to go to therapy.
6.What kind of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and credit cards. I also accept payment through Paypal if someone else is paying your bills or we are doing online-therapy.
7.Do you take Health Insurance? And what is your fee?
When you see a therapist and ask to be reimbursed through your health care provider a number of things happen. First, I am required to give you a Mental Diagnostic Code which is now forever in that “big insurance information computer in the sky.” Second, I am required to release all of your confidential information to that company in order to get approval to get you a limited number of sessions (typically 3 at a time, a total of 10 – 20 sessions per year). Third, that diagnositc code and your progress follows you forever and can possibly cause you to be turned down by Life Insurance Companies years after therapy has been completed. Because I was trained that the CONFIDENTIALITY of my patients is paramount, I refuse to turn over any of your information to an Insurance Company. So, no, I don’t accept insurance.
However, if going through your insurance is important to you I can provide a statement each week for you. Often, many companies will reimburse you at an “out of network” rate for Therapists.
I understand, especially in this economy, that many individuals cannot afford my full fee. Good Mental Health Treatment should not only be available for the affluent. If you are struggling financially or have lost a job let me know, I offer a number of low cost sessions each month. And because I don’t accept insurance I can offer a sliding fee without breaking the law (If you accept insurance in Colorado, you cannot offer different fees for people that need a break monetarily – it is considered Insurance Fraud).
8. I’m ready to get started, what do I do now?
Terrific! Call me at my office 303-400-5450 and if I am unavailable leave a confidential message with your name, phone number and let me know that you want to make an appointment. I will do my best to get back to you by the end of the day to set up an appointment within three business days. Or if you want to ask more questions you can either call or EMAIL ME.
