Frequently Asked Questions
Who is going to know I am in therapy?
In accordance with ethical principles of various mental health professions and federal and state law, all sessions are kept strictly confidential between patient and therapist. Your therapist will discuss confidentiality with you during the initial session and before any information is released to anyone, we will obtain your written consent. While our services are confidential, state mandates allow confidentiality to be broken when a therapist believes there may be abuse of dependent individuals or believes you may physically harm yourself or someone else.
What can I expect during my first session?
For your first session, you should plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Your therapist will go over the paperwork with you and discuss what brings you into therapy at this time. During your first session, your therapist will gather background information regarding your current functioning, and developmental and medical history in order to help accurately diagnose and plan for treatment. Initial sessions typically last between 90 to 120 minutes unless otherwise arranged by your therapist.
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Who are the therapists?
The therapists consist of a group of trained mental health clinical staff that hold at least a Master’s degree in an area related to psychology. For more specific information regarding staff and credentials, please see our About Us section.
What is the theoretical background of the therapists?
The theoretical background of the therapists is unique and specific to their area of training and interest. While each therapist may have a specific theoretical orientation that they prefer, they are all trained in a variety of orientations and strive to deliver evidenced-based practices. If you would like, you can request a therapist with a specific theoretical orientation or you can ask your therapist about treatment(s) utilized before commencement of services.
How much experience do intern therapists have?
Intern therapists have a range of experience working with different populations, varying from beginner to many years of experience. Interns are required to have 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience; therefore, an intern can be anywhere on that continuum. All interns are supervised by experienced licensed mental health professionals in accordance with state legal and ethical laws.
Will therapy work for me?
There have been many clinical studies that show that therapy improves the lives of many people who engage in it, often leading to better more rewarding and fulfilling relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. While the main goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms of distress and increase overall stability, every individual is different. Therefore, specific individual outcomes and optimal results cannot be guaranteed.