Getting Started: FAQs

Your first session with us is all about getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. Think of it as a friendly conversation where we start to build a connection. We’ll spend time talking about what’s brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping to achieve.

You’ll have the chance to share your story, and we’ll listen with empathy and understanding. Don’t worry if you’re feeling nervous – that’s completely normal! We’re here to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can open up at your own pace.

We’ll also go over some practical details, like our confidentiality policy and how our sessions will work. Feel free to ask any questions you have – we want you to feel informed and at ease.

By the end of the session, we’ll discuss next steps. Remember, this is just the beginning of our journey together, and we’re honored to be part of your path to well-being.

Great news! We are currently able to accept new clients at Davis-Smith Mental Health. We understand that when you’re reaching out for support, you want to start your journey towards better mental health as soon as possible. That’s why we strive to accommodate new clients promptly.

We’ve made a conscious decision not to keep a waiting list for new patients. We believe that waiting lists, while sometimes common in healthcare, aren’t actually beneficial for clients seeking mental health support. The idea of waiting for months to see a therapist doesn’t sit well with us – we know that when you’re ready to start therapy, you need support sooner rather than later.

In the event that our schedules become full, we take a proactive approach. If we’re unable to schedule you with one of our therapists in a timely manner, we’re committed to providing you with appropriate referrals. This might mean suggesting other practices that accept your insurance if we don’t, or connecting you with specialists if you’re looking for a specific type of therapy that we don’t offer in-house.

We firmly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, even if it’s not in our care. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who reaches out to Davis-Smith Mental Health has a positive experience, whether that means becoming our client or finding the right fit elsewhere.

This approach reflects our dedication to your well-being. We want to make sure you get the support you need when you need it, without unnecessary delays. If we can’t provide that support directly, we’ll do our best to guide you towards someone who can.

So, while we’re currently welcoming new clients, we’re always committed to helping you start your therapy journey in the most timely and beneficial way possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help guide you towards the support you need, whether that’s with us or with another trusted provider.

We understand that life can be busy, and finding time for therapy during traditional work hours isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re pleased to offer evening appointments to accommodate various schedules.

Monday through Thursday, we extend our hours until 9 pm. This allows our clients to come in after work or school, making it easier to prioritize their mental health without disrupting their daily routines. We find that these evening slots are particularly popular with working professionals and students.

As for weekends, we’ve made the decision to keep Friday evenings and weekends closed. This might seem unusual in today’s 24/7 world, but there’s a good reason behind it. We believe strongly in the importance of work-life balance, not just for our clients but for our staff as well.

By giving our therapists weekends off, we’re ensuring they have time to recharge, connect with their families, and practice the self-care they encourage in their clients. We’ve found that this approach helps our team return to work on Monday feeling refreshed and fully present, ready to provide the best possible care to you.

We hope that our extended weekday evening hours will provide the flexibility you need. If you’re finding it challenging to schedule an appointment that works for you, please let us know. We’re always happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your needs while respecting our team’s well-being.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is important, and we’re here to support you in finding a time that works best for your schedule and life commitments.

We understand that talking about fees and insurance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it as clear and straightforward as possible for you.

At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we’ve structured our fees to reflect the quality care we provide while trying to keep our services accessible. Our initial assessment, which helps us get to know you and your needs, is $200. For ongoing individual or family therapy sessions, our fee is $150 per session.

Now, when it comes to insurance, we’re happy to let you know that we’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna PPO plans. If you have one of these insurance plans, we can work directly with your insurance company to handle much of the billing process for you.

But don’t worry if you have a different insurance provider! We offer a self-pay option and can provide you with what’s called a “Superbill.” This is a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company to use your out-of-network benefits. Many of our clients find this to be a helpful option that allows them to see us even if we’re not in their network.

We know that navigating insurance and fees can be confusing, and we want you to feel comfortable and informed. Our team is always here to answer any questions you might have about costs or insurance coverage. We can help you understand your benefits and what you might expect to pay out of pocket.

Remember, investing in your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We’re committed to working with you to find a solution that allows you to get the care you need without undue financial stress. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or need more information about our fees or insurance options.

Therapy Process: FAQs

At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we structure our session lengths to provide the most effective support for our clients. Here’s a breakdown of our typical session durations:

Initial Assessment: Your first appointment, known as the initial assessment, is typically 55-60 minutes long. This extra time allows us to thoroughly understand your needs and goals, setting a strong foundation for your therapy journey.

Regular Sessions: Our standard therapy sessions usually last 50-55 minutes. This duration, often referred to as a “therapeutic hour,” has been carefully chosen based on decades of research and practice in the field of mental health.

Here’s why we structure our sessions this way:

  1. Optimal Focus: We’ve found that 50-55 minutes allows for deep, meaningful work without causing mental fatigue. It’s long enough to dive into important issues but short enough to maintain concentration and emotional energy.
  2. Processing Time: The brief gap between sessions gives you a moment to reflect on what was discussed and compose yourself before leaving. It also allows our therapists to make notes and prepare for their next client.
  3. Consistency: This standard length helps create a predictable routine, which can be comforting and stabilizing for many clients.
  4. Insurance Considerations: Many insurance plans are structured around this session length, making it easier for clients using insurance to cover their therapy.

Remember, the quality of the work done in therapy is often more important than the quantity of time spent. We’re committed to making every minute count, helping you make meaningful progress in your mental health journey.

If you have any questions about session length or how we can best accommodate your needs, please don’t hesitate to ask.

The length of therapy is as unique as you are! At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we tailor our approach to fit your individual needs and goals.

Some clients find that they make significant progress relatively quickly and feel ready to complete treatment after a few months. It’s always wonderful to see someone gain the tools they need and feel confident moving forward on their own.

On the other hand, many of our clients discover they really value the ongoing support and accountability that therapy provides. They choose to continue with weekly or bi-weekly sessions as a way to maintain their mental health and prevent any backsliding. It’s like having a trusted partner in your corner, helping you stay on track and tackle new challenges as they arise.

We’ve also found that for many, therapy becomes a flexible part of their lives. After developing a strong relationship with their therapist, some clients choose to space out their sessions. They might come in for occasional “check-ups” or maintenance sessions, just to touch base and ensure they’re still applying the strategies they’ve learned.

Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” length of time for therapy. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term relationship, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain the mental health and well-being you deserve, however that looks for you.

Great question! The frequency of therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs, but we have some general guidelines that we’ve found work well for most of our clients.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize that our goal isn’t to keep you in therapy indefinitely. We’re here to help you make meaningful progress and, when appropriate, complete therapy. Our ultimate aim is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to navigate life’s challenges independently.

To start, we typically encourage new clients to attend at least three weekly sessions in a row. This approach helps build a strong rapport between you and your therapist, establishing a solid foundation for your therapeutic relationship.

After these initial sessions, we might discuss transitioning to bi-weekly sessions if it seems appropriate for your situation. However, it’s crucial to make this decision carefully. We’ve found that sometimes clients or parents are eager to decrease session frequency too quickly, perhaps to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. While this enthusiasm is understandable, we’ve often seen this lead to an increase in mental health concerns.

That’s why we encourage deciding to change session frequency to be a joint one between you (or your child), your therapist, and parents (if applicable). Your therapist has valuable insights into your progress and can help gauge when it might be appropriate to space out sessions without risking setbacks. We want to avoid any undue stress or increase in symptoms that might come from reducing sessions too soon.

Remember, therapy isn’t just for crisis moments. Regular sessions can help maintain progress and provide ongoing support, even when things are going well. It’s often easier to handle challenges when you have consistent support rather than trying to catch up after difficulties have escalated.

We also want to emphasize that if you’re experiencing increased stress, difficulty coping, school refusal, relationship conflicts, or any other challenges between scheduled appointments, please don’t wait to reach out. We’re here to support you, and sometimes an extra session or two during difficult times can make a big difference.

Ultimately, the frequency of your sessions should be flexible and responsive to your needs. We’re here to work with you to find the right balance that supports your mental health journey effectively, always with the goal of helping you reach a point where you feel confident and capable without ongoing therapy. Your well-being and independence are our priorities, and we’re committed to providing the level of care that best serves you on your path to self-sufficiency.

Absolutely! At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we believe in providing flexible options to ensure you can access the care you need, when and how you need it. We’re proud to offer both in-person sessions at our welcoming office and secure teletherapy options.

We generally encourage clients to come in for their first therapy session in person if possible. This allows us to connect face-to-face and helps create a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship. However, we completely understand that this isn’t always feasible for everyone, and that’s okay! We’re here to meet you where you are, both literally and figuratively.

What’s great about our approach is that you’re not locked into one option. Many of our clients switch between in-person and teletherapy sessions based on what works best for them at any given time. Life happens, right? Maybe you don’t have a ride one day, or the weather is terrible, or you have plans right before or after your session. No problem! You can easily switch to a teletherapy session.

For those who choose teletherapy, we just ask that you set yourself up in a private space where you feel comfortable talking openly. Using headphones can also help ensure confidentiality. Your privacy and comfort are our top priorities, whether you’re in our office or connecting from home.

Remember, the most important thing is that you’re getting the support you need in a way that works for your life. Whether you prefer the personal touch of in-office visits, the convenience of teletherapy, or a mix of both, we’re here to support you on your journey to better mental health.

Confidentiality and Support: FAQs

At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. It’s a cornerstone of building trust in the therapeutic relationship. In general, yes, what you say in therapy is confidential. This means that your therapist cannot disclose information about you or your sessions to anyone else without your written permission.

However, it’s important to understand that there are a few specific situations where therapists are legally and ethically required to break confidentiality. These exceptions are in place to ensure safety and comply with the law:

  1. If there’s a risk of imminent harm to yourself or others: If you express intentions of seriously harming yourself or someone else, your therapist may need to take steps to ensure safety.
  2. Suspected abuse of children, elderly, or dependent adults: Therapists are mandated reporters and must report any suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable individuals.
  3. Court orders: In rare cases, a court might order your therapist to disclose information. This is uncommon, but it can happen in certain legal proceedings.
  4. Insurance requirements: If you’re using insurance to pay for therapy, we may need to provide some basic information to your insurance company for billing purposes. This is typically limited to diagnosis and session dates.
  5. Staffing cases: We also want you to know that we sometimes discuss cases within our professional team. This is done for the purpose of ensuring you receive the best possible care. During these discussions, your therapist might share aspects of your case with colleagues to gain additional insights, ensure they’re on track with your progress goals, and support their professional growth. Rest assured, these discussions are held in a confidential, professional setting, and your identity is protected.

For clients under 12, it’s important to note that while we respect the privacy of our young clients, parents or guardians generally have the right to certain information about their child’s therapy. However, we always strive to balance this with maintaining trust with our younger clients.

We believe in being transparent about these limits to confidentiality. Your therapist will discuss these in more detail during your first session and answer any questions you might have. We want you to feel safe and comfortable sharing in therapy, knowing that your privacy is protected within these ethical and legal boundaries.

Remember, the purpose of these exceptions is to protect you and others, and to ensure you receive the highest quality of care. They’re handled with careful consideration and respect for your privacy.

If you ever have concerns about confidentiality or want to discuss it further, please don’t hesitate to bring it up with your therapist. Open communication about these matters helps build trust and ensures you feel secure in your therapy sessions.

At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we understand that mental health challenges don’t always align neatly with scheduled appointments. We’re committed to supporting our clients, but it’s important to be clear about the extent of our availability.

While we can’t provide 24/7 care, we do our best to accommodate urgent needs. If you’re experiencing a difficult time between sessions, we’ll try to schedule an additional appointment as soon as possible. This allows us to address your concerns promptly within our professional capacity.

However, if you’re in a situation where you feel you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, it’s crucial that you seek immediate help. In these cases, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room for a thorough evaluation and immediate support. Your safety is our top priority.

For crisis support outside of our office hours, we highly recommend reaching out to the Trevor Hotline. Many of our clients have found their support to be incredibly helpful, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. The Trevor Hotline is equipped to help anyone in need of crisis intervention.

You can reach the Trevor Hotline in two ways:

  • Call: 1-866-488-7386
  • Text: START to 678678

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s scheduling an extra session with us, going to the hospital in an emergency, or calling a crisis hotline, taking action to care for your mental health is always the right choice.

We’re here to support you on your mental health journey, and that includes helping you find the right resources when you need them most. If you have any questions about crisis support or want to discuss strategies for managing difficult moments between sessions, please don’t hesitate to bring this up during your next appointment.

Children and Teens in Therapy: FAQs

As parents, we all want the best for our children, and it’s natural to wonder if therapy might be helpful for your son or daughter. While every child is unique, there are some signs that might indicate therapy could be beneficial.

First, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone else. If you’ve noticed changes in their behavior, mood, or overall well-being that concern you, it’s worth exploring further.

Some signs that your child might benefit from therapy include:

  1. Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability that seems out of proportion or lasts longer than expected.
  2. Significant changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels.
  3. Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy.
  4. Declining grades or sudden disinterest in school.
  5. Excessive worry or fear about everyday situations.
  6. Aggressive behavior or frequent outbursts of anger.
  7. Difficulty coping with major life changes or transitions.
  8. Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
  9. Talking about death or having thoughts of self-harm.
  10. Engaging in risky behaviors or substance use.

Remember, therapy isn’t just for crisis situations. It can also be a proactive step to help your child develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, or navigate challenging life events.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, or if you simply have a gut feeling that your child could use some extra support, it’s okay to reach out. Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent or that there’s something “wrong” with your child. It’s a positive step towards supporting their emotional well-being and helping them thrive.

We’re here to listen to your concerns without judgment and help you determine if therapy might be beneficial for your child. Sometimes, even a few sessions can make a big difference in giving children the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Great question! We understand how important it is for parents to feel connected to their child’s therapy journey. The information you receive depends on your child’s age, as we balance parental involvement with your child’s need for privacy and trust in the therapeutic process.

For children under 12, we believe in keeping you closely involved. We typically provide updates at the end of each session, helping you stay informed about your child’s progress and any strategies we’re working on. This approach ensures we’re all on the same page and working together to support your child’s growth. It may take some time for younger children to feel comfortable in therapy and find their voice, but we’re patient and skilled at helping them open up.

Now, for children 12 and older, things work a bit differently due to confidentiality laws. At this age, your child has the right to privacy in their therapy sessions. We encourage our teenage clients to share updates with their parents themselves. This approach helps build their communication skills, assertiveness, and confidence – all valuable life skills.

We can still provide general progress updates when asked, but we always respect the confidentiality of our clients 12 and over. One of the best indicators of progress for this age group is their attitude towards therapy. If your teen is looking forward to sessions rather than seeing them as an inconvenience, that’s a great sign!

It’s important to remember that therapy is a journey. For younger children, it might take time for them to see therapy as a helpful tool rather than a punishment. For teens, the process of opening up and making changes can be gradual.

We’re committed to supporting not just your child, but your entire family. We’re always here to discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s progress or how to best support them at home. Our goal is to work together to help your child thrive, while respecting their privacy and fostering their independence when appropriate.

This is a thoughtful and important question that many parents grapple with. First and foremost, please know that your concern for your child’s well-being is commendable, and it’s perfectly normal to have questions about treatment options.

The decision to consider medication for your child is a very personal one, and it’s not a choice that’s made lightly. It’s a decision that should be made in collaboration with your child’s mental health professional and, if appropriate, a psychiatrist or medical doctor who specializes in children’s mental health.

Every child is unique, and what works for one may not be the best solution for another. Sometimes, therapy alone can be highly effective in helping children manage their mental health challenges. In other cases, a combination of therapy and medication might be recommended to provide the most comprehensive support.

It’s important to remember that medication isn’t usually the first line of treatment for most childhood mental health issues. Often, we start with therapy and other non-medicinal approaches. However, in some situations, medication can be a valuable tool to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Remember, considering medication doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent or that your child has failed in any way. It’s simply another tool that might help your child feel better and function more effectively.

We’re here to support you through this decision-making process. We can provide information, answer your questions, and help you weigh the pros and cons. If you decide to explore medication as an option, we can refer you to trusted professionals who specialize in this area.

Ultimately, the goal is to find the best way to support your child’s mental health and well-being. We’re here to work with you every step of the way to achieve that goal, whatever path that may take.

Progress and Effectiveness: FAQs

Great question! Recognizing progress in therapy can sometimes feel like watching grass grow – it’s happening, but it’s not always obvious day-to-day. However, there are several signs that can indicate therapy is making a positive difference in your life.

First and foremost, pay attention to how you’re feeling. Are you noticing small improvements in your mood or outlook? Maybe you’re feeling a bit more hopeful or finding it easier to manage stress. These subtle shifts can be significant indicators of progress.

You might also notice changes in your relationships. Are you communicating more effectively with loved ones? Perhaps you’re setting healthier boundaries or feeling more connected to others. These are all great signs that the work you’re doing in therapy is translating to real-life improvements.

Another indicator is your ability to cope with challenges. If you find yourself using new strategies to handle difficult situations or emotions, that’s a clear sign that therapy is equipping you with valuable tools.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes progress in therapy can feel uncomfortable at first. You might be confronting difficult emotions or making changes in your life. This discomfort can actually be a sign that you’re growing and moving forward.

Remember, progress isn’t always linear. You might have ups and downs, and that’s completely normal. What’s important is the overall trend over time.

We encourage you to regularly check in with yourself and your therapist about your progress. Share your observations and concerns. Your therapist can help you recognize the progress you’re making, even when it’s not immediately obvious to you.

Ultimately, if you’re feeling more equipped to handle life’s challenges and moving closer to your personal goals, that’s a strong indication that therapy is working for you. But remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns about your progress with us.

At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we completely understand that finding the right therapist is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes – sometimes you need to try a few before you find the perfect fit. And that’s okay! We recognize that the connection between you and your therapist is absolutely vital for your progress in therapy.

First and foremost, we want you to know that feeling this way is entirely normal and more common than you might think. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you or the therapist; sometimes, personalities or therapeutic styles just don’t click, and that’s part of the process.

We truly value your progress and well-being, which is why we encourage you to speak up if you’re not feeling that connection. Your comfort and trust in the therapeutic relationship are crucial for your growth and healing.

If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what we can do:

  1. We can offer you another clinician within our practice. We have a diverse team of therapists with different backgrounds, specialties, and approaches. We’ll do our best to match you with someone who might be a better fit for your needs and personality.
  2. If you prefer, we can provide outside referrals. We have connections with many excellent therapists and practices in the area, and we’d be happy to recommend some options that might work better for you.

Remember, advocating for yourself and your needs is an important part of the therapeutic process. We’re here to support you in finding the right fit, whether that’s within our practice or elsewhere. Our ultimate goal is your progress and well-being, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that, even if it means helping you find the right therapist outside of our practice.

Don’t hesitate to bring up these feelings with your current therapist or our administrative team. We’re here to listen, understand, and help you find the best path forward in your mental health journey.