Frequently asked Questions
1. Question: Are your services covered by my health insurance (how much does it cost)?
Answer: Yes, certain health insurance contracts do include coverage for psychotherapy (sometimes called behavioral health services). However, there is extreme variability in coverage (co-pays, deductibles, number of visits covered, etcetera). Many of our patients are self-pay, but if you choose to bill insurance, you are responsible for understanding your coverage. Calling the number on the back of your insurance card is one way to inquire about your benefits. You may also use our guide for determining insurance benefits. Please call us directly for specific rates
2. Question: How often will I come and how will it end?
Answer: Therapy often starts with weekly sessions (45 minutes) and tapers to biweekly or monthly sessions as needed. Typically, as goals are being met, you will work with your therapist to space out sessions and finally, to end treatment all together. It is not uncommon for some patients to return to treatment in the future if they encounter difficulties they would like to address.
3. Question: What will we do in session?
Answer: Your first session (45-55 minutes) will help us understand why you have sought treatment, and gather symptom/background information. By the end of the 1st or 2nd session, you will receive some initial feedback and recommendations. As a team, you and your therapist will identify goals and select the best treatment methods to help you reach these goals. The more committed and involved you are in therapy, the quicker you will progress toward your goals. Talking about what your experiences mean to you and what strong feelings are involved is one way you can be an active partner in therapy. Practicing new skills, reading, or doing homework, will also significantly impact your progress. Change will sometimes be easy and quick, but more often it will be slow and frustrating, and you will need to keep trying. There are no instant, painless cures and no “magic pills.” However, you can learn new ways of living that will likely greatly improve how you feel.
4. Question: Will anyone know that I come in?
Answer: For the most part, there is extreme privacy with it comes to therapy and therapy records. We treat the information you disclose with respect and care. It is your right to have therapy sessions and records kept private. If you desire information be sent to another professional, we will have you sign a “consent for release of information.” In almost all situations, your confidentiality is protected by federal and state laws and by the rules of our profession. The most common cases in which confidentiality is not protected are:
1. If you were ordered by the court or your employer for evaluation or treatment, the court or employer expects a report.
2. Are you suing someone or being sued? Are you being charged with a crime? If so, and you tell the court that you are seeing a therapist, your counselor may then be ordered to show the court her records. Please consult your lawyer about these issues.
3. If you make a serious threat to harm yourself or another person, the law requires that your therapist try to protect you or that other person. This usually means telling others about the threat. We cannot promise never to tell others about aggressive/serious threats you make.
4. If your therapist believes a child has been or will be abused or neglected, s/he is legally required to report this to the authorities.
5. If you are billing your insurance company, they will be aware that you are seeking treatment. And, most of the time, they do not release information to employers about which of their employees are utilizing their behavioral health services. The information that we disclose to your insurance carrier consists of only the information they need to process the claim.
5. Question: Can you work with other professionals about my care (i.e. my medical doctor)?
Answer: Since we have worked in West Michigan for many years, we are connected with excellent professionals in a wide range of disciplines. We are experts in collaborating with medical providers and have extensive experience working with the school systems. Many pastors and clergy refer their parishioners to us and we will gladly collaborate with all of these professionals if you so desire. 