Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a session last and how long can I expect to be in therapy?
A typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes. Many clients start out coming in on a weekly basis and then transition to every other week sessions. Depending on your needs, therapy can be short or long term. I also offer the option of online therapy sessions. I will work with you to determine the frequency of appointments and the focus of our sessions. Many clients find that approximately 8 to 12 sessions is sufficient to resolve many issues.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, as a License Clinical Social Worker I am trained to provide therapy and do not prescribe medication. However, I collaborate with local psychiatrists and can provide a referral for medication evaluation as needed.
How will I know that therapy is working for me?
Therapy is successful when your life improves in ways that you desire. Clients who experience success often note positive changes in their mood, their physical health, their relationships and their work performance. It is important to remember that the therapeutic process is a collaborative effort to achieve sustainable changes in your daily life. My treatment approach is goal-oriented and I will often check in with you about your progress. .
What treatment approaches do you use?
I provide client-centered services that center mainly on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. However, I do recognize that each person responds differently to treatment and I will design a specific treatment plan to best meet the needs of each client and their family.
CBT focuses on recognizing inaccurate or negative thinking to address emotional distress. CBT has been clinically proven to help clients in a relatively short amount of time with a wide range of disorders, including depression and anxiety. For more information, see the “What is CBT?” section.
Solution-focused therapy emphasizes the strengths and resources of the client in an effort to reach goals and resolve problems quickly. The focus is on defining solutions and making them a reality.
Is what I say confidential?
You have a right to confidentiality in therapy. Knowing and trusting that anything you say will be kept private is essential to successful therapy. There are a few legal exceptions when a therapist must break confidentiality in order to protect clients who are a danger to self or others; or when there is credible suspicion of current or past abuse.
How much does therapy cost?
The fee per session is $150. Many insurance plans will cover a portion of the session fee or the fee in its entirety if you meet certain diagnostic criteria. I also offer a number of reduced fee slots for clients who qualify.
Can you bill my insurance?
I am an in network provider for United Healthcare PPO, Optum, Tricare, Aetna PPO, Modern Health, Lyra Health and Anthem EAP. Depending on your insurance plan, I will bill my services as either an in-network provider or provide a super bill if I am an out-of-network provider for your PPO plan. In some cases, I am able to bill your insurance plan directly even if I am out of network. Please note that if your insurance company is billed, they can have access to your diagnosis, treatment plans and other documentation.
What is the first step?
The first step is often the hardest and I understand how important it is to find the best therapist to meet your needs. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about my services. You may contact me at (951) 297-3688 or at counselingwithchristina@gmail.com