Here are some of our commonly asked questions (FAQs). If you can’t find the answer to your questions please contact us today.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns and overcome your challenges.
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
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.
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Private Pay: If you are not using your insurance to pay for your therapy (private pay) you’ll need to inquire about rates with your therapist. In Salt Lake City, standard rates can vary from $85 to $150 per session and above depending on the service and the credentials of the therapist. Some providers offer “sliding scale” services that are set based on your ability to pay. It is important to ask prospective therapists if they offer this option should that be a concern for you.
Superbill: Many therapists provide a “Superbill”, which is a summary of services with applicable billing codes and receipt of payment for the client to submit to their insurance company for personal reimbursement.
In-Network Providers: If your therapist is “in-network” with an insurance, it means they have been accepted credentialed by the insurance company as a preferred provider for that plan. In-network services may come with a copayment which you’ll need to make at the time of each session. Copays can range from $0-$45+ and are based on your plan.
Out-of-Network Providers: Some insurance plans will pay a percentage or reduced amount for services by a provider who is “out-of-network”, meaning they have not been credentialed by the insurance company. Payment is based on several factors, including whether or not you have met your yearly deductible.
Deductibles: Your deductible is the base limit of investment you must make in your medical costs before your insurance will cover services at a higher level (often 80% of total costs of care.) Deductibles can range from as little as $0 to as much as several thousand dollars per year. Sometimes you can pay for your therapy upfront and receive a statement which you can submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
HSA: Some plans include Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) that can be used to pay for all healthcare services regardless of in-network or out-of-network qualifiers.
It is critical that you understand your insurance plan and the limitations of what they will cover. Ultimately, no provider can guarantee that your plan will cover services, and you’ll benefit from contacting your insurance proactively to be best informed. It is also important to ask if your therapist is in or out-of-network.
At Red Willow we provide a free 15-minute initial phone consultation to support you in determining if our therapists are a good fit for your needs. A consultation can be a great opportunity to ask questions of your potential therapist before scheduling an intake (first session) appointment.
Studies have shown that the most effective factor in therapy is the relationship you forge with your therapist and the effect that has in supporting your growth. Although there may be many variables included in finding the best fit, above all else you have the right to seek a therapist with whom you can establish a safe and validating relationship. Our therapists are committed to creating collaborative, conscious relationships with their clients so you will find a safe space with us.
