Psychotherapy FAQ
- What is psychotherapy?
- What are the differences between a psychotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?
- What can I expect for the first meeting with the therapist?
- After the first meeting, will I meet with the therapist again?
- How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
- How long will the therapeutic process take?
- Does insurance pay for psychotherapy?
- Is my privacy protected?
- How do I find additional information?
Psychotherapy is a partnership between you and your therapist. Psychotherapy typically involves the client and therapist meeting for scheduled sessions in which they explore the client’s issues, the emotions and beliefs surrounding them, the origins of those beliefs, and the ways they are manifesting themselves in day-to-day life. The therapist and client will work together to uncover behavior that may be altered to overcome the issues of the client. It is important that the therapist understand that each client is unique and work with the client in a manner conducive of their healing. At Back on Track Psychotherapy, I will not funnel your treatment into specific treatment patterns. Instead, I will work with you to determine what treatment path is best for you and pursue your treatment accordingly.
What are the differences between a psychotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?
A licensed psychotherapist main function is to provide psychotherapy to those in need. Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, families and groups to help them overcome a range of psychological and emotional concerns. With the client as an active participant, psychotherapists use personal treatment plans and a variety of non-medical-based treatments.
A licensed psychologist will usually focus on as well as educational, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.
In contrast, psychiatrists have medical doctorates and specialize in mental health issues. They primarily treat problems through the use of medications.
Neither a psychologist nor a psychotherapist can prescribe medications.
In providing psychotherapy at Back on Track Psychotherapy, I practice in the capacity of a psychotherapist.
What can I expect for the first meeting with the therapist?
Your initial meeting with your psychotherapist is a time for you to get to know each other. You can tell the therapist what you see as the difficulties you are experiencing and the type of help you are seeking.
During your initial session, you will be asked to read and sign various documents. Please allow 15 minutes to complete this paperwork.
After the first meeting, will I meet with the therapist again?
Typically, the answer is yes. I will work with you on a treatment plan that best suits your needs both emotionally and financially. Given today’s tough economic times, you can rest assured that at Back on Track Psychotherapy, I will not extend your treatment beyond what is needed for your healing. I typically employ a therapy process known as Brief Therapy designed with this specific goal in mind. You can read more on (Brief Therapy) on this website.
How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
This is an important question, as most studies show that the fit between the client and the therapist is a very important predictor for successful therapy. You are encouraged to take your time in choosing your therapist, and get the information you need to make your decision. I take great pride in my diverse and open mindset. Although not a perfect match for all clients, I certainly strive to be. You will find that I am non-judgmental and empathetic. My goal is to help you enjoy your life in your way – not mine. I founded Back on Track Psychotherapy with one main goal in mind; To provide excellent quality psychotherapy while treating you with empathy, respect and a combination of knowledge and experience, all for a very affordable price to give access to everyone seeking treatment.
Review this guide for list of questions to ask your prospective therapist (CAMH) website.
How long will the therapeutic process take?
The answer to this question depends on various factors including the severity of the problem and the client’s motivation to change. Sometimes issues can be dealt with in only a few sessions, however, the healing process often takes a bit longer. These questions should be discussed openly with the therapist.
Given today’s tough economic times, you can rest assured that at Back on Track Psychotherapy, I will not extend your treatment beyond what is needed for your healing. I typically employ a therapy process known as Brief Therapy designed with this specific goal in mind. You can read more on (Brief Therapy) on this website.
Many Americans feel their lives have improved greatly through psychotherapy. In a recent Consumer Reports study, nine out of ten people surveyed said that they had benefited from psychotherapy. Another study indicated that fifty percent of people who had undergone psychotherapy said they saw improvements after eight sessions. After six months, the number jumped to seventy-five percent.
Does insurance pay for psychotherapy?
Insurance companies set their own rules for payment. For more information, we recommend you contact your insurance provider in advance of the initial therapy session.
Back on Track Psychotherapy is considered an ‘Out of Network’ provider by most insurance plans. What this means is you pay us directly for all services and we provide to you a receipt for submission to your insurance provider for reimbursement. You should then be directly reimbursed by your insurance provider.
Absolutely! Your information is kept in strictest confidence. We may not disclose any of it to anyone, unless you provide written permission. Further, you can withdraw this permission at any time. There are some very specific exceptions to this rule, which are also detailed in our privacy policy provided to you on your first visit. These exceptions are:
– There is reason to believe that a client is a danger to themselves or others.
– If you are in litigation, there is a possibility that your therapy file may be subpoenaed.
How do I get additional information?
We have tried to provide prospective clients with helpful information throughout this web site. For more information about psychotherapy, please contact us by phone at (813) 419-7792.