If you have a recurring problem or issue that is affecting the quality of your life, you owe it to yourself to seek assistance. I have helped hundreds of individuals and families face their challenges and overcome difficulties to lead a more positive, fulfilling life.
Do I need therapy?
How will therapy help?
How long will it take?
How much does it cost?
Does insurance pay for it?
How often do we meet?
How do I get started?
How do I select a therapist?
What if I left therapy & want to return?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
DO I NEED THERAPY?
Are you considering seeking therapy, but are unsure whether it’s necessary or the right choice for you? If certain issues have been causing tension or difficulty in your life, and you aren’t sure what to do or how to make the necessary changes, therapy can help. If you have been feeling dissatisfied, down, depressed, worry a lot, or are not caring for yourself, therapy can be beneficial.
Dealing with your problems with the help of a professional can get you out of that rut, and into a more productive pattern. Almost anyone who is struggling in any area of his or her life can benefit from seeking professional help from a therapist.
HOW WILL THERAPY HELP MY FAMILY AND ME?
The benefits of therapy really depend on the difficulties you or your family are experiencing. For individuals, we can help in a number of different ways by helping you understand your emotional difficulties, change disruptive or damaging behaviors, modify long-standing patterns in life, or develop specific skills for dealing with problems, coping, anger expression, among others.
Many individuals experience anxiety, depression or misuse substances. These issues are the “common cold” of mental health. Therapy can help you learn new ways to manage your thinking and your behavior that will help you handle these problems. In addition, there are a wide variety of other challenges that can be very difficult, including chronic disorders and personality disorders. We can help diagnose and treat those as well.
Family therapy involves having all the members living in the home participate in and attend the sessions. We begin by assessing the strengths in the family and begin to build on the areas that may need strengthening. Families can struggle with a wide variety of issues including dealing with developing children that are having problems with grades, behavior problems, substance abuse by a teenager or an adult in the family, relocating, or starting a new phase of school life.
We believe in empowering parents to be in charge of the family and helping couples acquire new tools to do so. We teach new communication skills to help each member of a family express their needs and learn how to listen to the other members within the family. If necessary, our staff can provide individualized assessment and testing to determine if there are learning disabilities or attention difficulties. Our overall goal is to help you and your family achieve improved functioning and a more satisfying life experience.
HOW LONG WILL THERAPY TAKE?
The length of time can vary greatly based on several factors, including client motivation, the therapist’s skill and experience, and whether you are addressing more short-term reduction of symptoms or longer-term personal growth issues.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of therapy can vary greatly depending on whether you go to a public or private agency, the provider you choose to work with, their level of experience, and their licensing level and status. At Community Counseling Group, we have different levels of providers (Psychologists, Registered Interns), so we can have some flexibility with our fee structure. Because fee structures do change, please call for details specific to your situation.
Ultimately, you often get what you pay for, and investing in yourself may be the most important thing you can do for yourself, your family, and friends.
DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THERAPY?
Most insurance companies provide mental health benefits; some benefits are minimal, and others are quite good. In order for us to set realistic treatment goals and priorities, it is important to evaluate what resources you have available to pay for your treatment. Your therapist will fill out forms and provide you with whatever assistance they can in helping you receive the benefits to which you are entitled; however, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full pay- ment of all fees incurred. It is very important that you find out exactly what mental health services your insurance policy covers.
You should carefully read the section in your insurance coverage booklet that describes mental health services. If you have questions about the coverage, call your plan administrator. Of course your therapist will provide you with whatever information they can based on their experience and will be happy to help you in understanding the information you receive from your insurance company. If it is necessary to clear confusion, your therapist will be willing to call the company on your behalf.
HOW OFTEN DO WE MEET?
In general, meetings are scheduled for 45 to 50 minutes (one appointment hour of 45-50 minutes duration) per week at a time that is mutually agreed upon. Depending on the situation, meet- ings may be longer or more frequent.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
If you are on our website, just give us a call at 310.273.7000 and leave your name and telephone number. One of our therapists will return your call shortly. At that time, you may ask any questions you wish and give us a brief description of your situation. You may also schedule a mutually con venient appointment if you would like to proceed further with therapy.
HOW DO I SELECT A THERAPIST?
Having a good “fit” is essential to the success of the therapeutic experience. You are more likely to benefit from therapy if you feel that you can talk openly and honestly with your therapist and that can understand you. The therapist should maintain a friendly and professional demeanor at all times. Perhaps the most important factor in a good out- come is your therapist’s personality and your comfort level with him or her. Pay attention to how attentively they respond to your requests and your individual progress. Sometimes it is necessary to interview more than one therapist until you feel you are comfortable and safe.
WHAT IF I LEFT THERAPY AND WANT TO RETURN?
If you have been happy with your treatment, call your therapist to determine if he/she will be able to treat you further. This is not unusual. A client may be very happy with the resolution of their initial concerns and move on. Sometime later they may decide to look a little further at the patterns or repetitive behaviors that are the underlying root of their initial concerns. There is no “right” way to grow and learn about yourself. In addition, life can take many twists and turns and present new chal- lenges, some of which may require professional help.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE?
Once an appointment hour is scheduled, it is reserved for you. You will be expected to pay for that session unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation [unless you and your therapist agree that you were unable to attend due to circ- umstances beyond your control]. If it is possible, your therapist will try to find another time that same week to reschedule the appointment.