Frequently Asked Questions

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and general daily life stressors. A therapist 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.

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

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 are in life and making a commitment to change the situation. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from previous therapy sessions. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with deeper patterns or your desire for more personal development.

What is my role in therapy?

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, I may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

Do you take insurance?

I only accept self-pay, private clients. I do not accept insurance, and I am not listed as a mental health provider with any insurance company. My services, however, may be covered under your insurance plan’s mental health benefits as an out-of-network provider. I am happy to provide you with out-of-network receipts which may be used to request reimbursement from your insurance company.

Please note that utilizing me as an out-of-network provider limits some of our confidentiality. Insurance companies require that I provide information relevant to the services that I provide. I am required to provide a clinical diagnosis. Sometimes, additional information, such as a treatment plan or copies of your Clinical Record is required. If such information is requested, I will make every effort to release only the minimum information about you to satisfy this request. This information will become part of the insurance company files. I have no control over what they do with it once it is released to them. It is important to remember this limit of confidentiality, and that you may self-pay for services in order to avoid the aforementioned complexities.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Except for a few scenarios listed below, yes. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between you and me I. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with the highly sensitive and personal subject matter. I will provide a written copy of my confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in the session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent.” Sometimes, however, you may want me to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, but by law, I cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

State law and professional ethics require me to maintain this level of confidentiality except for the following situations:

If there is past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, or elders by yourself or someone you know
If I have reason to suspect you are seriously in danger of harming yourself via a suicidal plan and/or intent
If I have reason to suspect you have a plan and/or intent on harming another person
If my protected clinical files are ever subpoenaed by a court of law

It is also important to note these scenarios where information about your case may be shared:

In cases of using me as an out-of-network provider, your insurance company has the right to ask for certain information about your treatment. I must also supply them with your mental health diagnosis. This information will become part of the insurance company files. I have no control over what they do with it once it is released to them.
I may discuss information regarding your case during peer-consultation or clinical supervision. Please note that client information (including first and last names) is never shared, and I am extremely intentional about only sharing non-descript and generic information.

What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must meet strict educational and training requirements to include obtaining a Master’s Degree, three years of supervised professional clinical experience, and successful completion of two-state examinations.

An LCSW has been trained in psychotherapy and helps individuals deal with a variety of mental health and daily living challenges to improve overall functioning. An LCSW is steeped in academic studies including sociology, human growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human behavior in the social environment, psychology, and research methods.

After receiving licensure, LCSWs are required to earn 35 continuing education units bi-annually to maintain their licensure status. LCSWs are regulated by the State of Georgia and accountable to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Social Workers