FAQ

  • When looking for a therapist, the letters behind their name can describe their training. Some examples:

    Education Level: MA, MS, Med: Masters Degree. PHD, PsyD, EdD: Doctoral Degree

    License: LPC, LCSW: Licensed therapist,(Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker) Completed supervised hours PLPC, PLCSW: Provisional therapist, Working on supervised hours after obtaining graduate degree.

  • As mental health therapists/counselors, the scope of treatment is talk therapy.  Typically therapists have their master’s degree, and yearly cont. education.  While psychologists also provide counseling services they also provide psychological testing for schools, courts, and other entities. Psychiatrists tend to limit their talk therapy/counseling services and are typically available for medication management. If your therapist feels that you may need medication, they will provide you with a referral to doctors that they may recommend. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in behavior. If medication is necessary, typically in these clients, medication and talk therapy are used together. Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy.

  • Counseling sessions are typically 30-55 minutes. Clients typically meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on the client’s needs. The length of time while in therapy will depend on the individual client’s circumstance. The therapist and client will determine that together.

  • The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss the client’s history and needs for treatment.  During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not they are comfortable with the therapist.

    Side note: It’s vital to have a positive working relationship with your therapist, so it’s recommended that the client and therapist will meet 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship will continue.  The therapist will provide the client with referrals of specialists or trusted colleagues if they feel someone else might better be able to work with the client.

  • In many cases a patient may require medication in conjunction with their talk therapy. While we do not a psychiatrist on staff, we do have partnerships and refer clients.

  • In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

    However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:​

    • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

    • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

    • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.