Your Therapy Guide

A Beginners Guide to Therapy

Therapy Guide

Most Popular Questions

We offer a complimentary 15-minute video and or phone consultation with your therapist before scheduling your first session. This is your opportunity to share why you’re seeking therapy or any goals you may have. During this time, we’ll also assess if our approach meets your needs, as it’s important for us that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your therapeutic experience. 

You don’t need to come prepared with questions, but we welcome them. Some helpful questions could be: “How would you describe your approach to therapy?” or “What does a typical session with you involve?

Begin by exploring our individual clinician profiles to learn about their unique experiences and specialties, helping you determine who might be the best fit for your needs.

To reach out, you can easily request an appointment directly through our website for an initial intake, a 15-minute consultation call, or a video appointment. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form with a brief description of what you’re seeking, and someone from our office will respond within 24 hours. If you prefer, feel free to call us at 586-315-0016 to discuss how we can best assist you.

Your first session will be a 60-minute appointment focused on getting to know you better.

During this time, your therapist will ask various questions to understand your background, past experiences, and factors related to your mental health, such as sleep patterns, work stress, and relationship challenges. If you have previous therapy experience, we’re interested in hearing about it so we can build on what was helpful and steer clear of what wasn’t.

We start with your background because it’s essential to view your current concerns from a comprehensive perspective. This holistic understanding significantly enhances our ability to listen effectively and provide the support you need. Depending on your comfort level, you may cover all the questions in one session or prefer to explore them over a few meetings. Remember, there’s no such thing as unhelpful information!

We generally prefer to work with clients on a weekly basis, as this frequency allows for consistent support and progress. We strongly recommend starting with weekly therapy in the beginning to get the most out of your sessions and allow your therapist to get to know you. It can be hard to build momentum if your sessions are spaced out. Each session lasts for 50 to 60 minutes, providing time to explore your thoughts and feelings in depth. However, we understand that individual needs may vary, so we can adjust the schedule as necessary. Some clients may choose bi-weekly sessions or different frequencies as they progress in therapy, and we’ll work together to find a schedule that feels right for you.

The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs and goals. Many of our clients experience significant progress toward their initial goals within 4 to 6 months of weekly sessions. However, it’s common for clients to establish new goals and continue their work beyond that timeframe.

Our approach is collaborative and intentional, so the length of your therapy will be guided by the goals you set together with your therapist. We celebrate our clients’ successes, and we believe that concluding therapy after achieving your personal goals is a rewarding experience!

Yes, everything you share during therapy is confidential, and we treat what you tell us with great care. Confidentiality is the backbone of the therapeutic process, meaning all aspects of your participation in therapy are protected as outlined by federal and state law. These laws apply to scheduling appointments, the content disclosed in therapy sessions, and all records and documentation.

Our professional ethics, along with the laws of this state, prevent us from disclosing any information without your written permission. However, we cannot promise that everything you share will remain undisclosed forever. There are specific circumstances in which we are legally required to share information, such as instances involving suspected harm to yourself or others, or if mandated by law. Additionally, there may be other limits to confidentiality that you should be aware of.

Your therapist will cover the details of confidentiality, including legally mandated limitations, during your first therapy session. To ensure you fully understand what can and cannot be kept confidential, reviewing these limits together is very important. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to discuss them with us.

Online therapy is similar to in-person therapy, just done through technology. We start with a thorough assessment, discuss your goals, and create a plan to help you reach them. 

Virtual therapy, online therapy, teletherapy,  or online sessions let you connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home.

We use a secure video platform built specifically for therapy to keep everything private. Our HIPAA-compliant system includes password protection to ensure your safety. Our friendly therapists are here to help you feel comfortable, just like in our office. Plus, you’ll still get to see important nonverbal cues, like facial expressions and body language, just as you would in person.

Finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapeutic process. During your initial sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel during these discussions.

A good fit often involves feeling heard, understood, and supported. It's also essential that you feel free to ask questions and express any concerns. If you feel a strong connection and trust with your therapist, it's a positive sign that they may be a good match for you.

Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and we encourage open communication to ensure your needs are being met.

No, our team of therapists specializes in working with adults aged 18 and older at this time.

Yes, many of our therapists offer evening availability for your convenience.

Yes, we accept several insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), Aetna, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), and Medicare. We also welcome Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for payment.

If your insurance plan isn’t listed among those we accept, we are considered an Out of Network (OON) provider. Many insurance plans offer OON benefits, so it’s best to check with your insurance company to confirm that you have this benefit.

If you choose to use your OON benefits, you’ll need to pay our full fee at the time of your appointment. 50-60 minute session rate is $160.00. After the session, we will provide you with a receipt called a Superbill. Many insurance plans with OON benefits will offer at least partial reimbursement, and you may also be able to use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover your payments. When you verify your OON benefits, it’s helpful to clarify what reimbursement looks like for OON services.

We understand that accessing therapy can be challenging without insurance. While we typically operate at full fee, we can often work with clients on a sliding scale on a limited, case-by-case basis. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your situation, and we will do our best to find a solution that makes therapy more accessible for you.

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586-315-0016

info@moderntherapycollective.com