FAQs

FAQs

Before the Visit

Why should I consider coming for psychotherapy?

Most people struggle with emotional difficulties at some time. Getting psychotherapy helps to reduce the length of time that you suffer with these problems. Also, many people find that as they mature, they identify certain problematic relationship patterns, with their family, coworkers, friends and partners. Psychotherapy can help you forge new ways of relating to others and to yourself. Many decades of scientific research has proven definitively that psychotherapy is effective in treating emotional difficulties of all types.

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychotherapist and patient, and the particular problems you are experiencing. There are many different methods we may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home.

What can I expect from the initial session?

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, we will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue with therapy. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with us. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the provider you select. If you have questions about procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise. If your doubts persist, we will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion.

How does insurance work?

Each insurance plan is different, depending on the insurance company and the type of plan your employer has chosen. If we are a provider for your insurance plan, we will assist you to identify the benefit of your plan at the outset of treatment and will submit the necessary paperwork for reimbursement. You will probably be responsible for a co-payment for each session. The insurance company will cover the remainder of the fee, up to the set rate (which they determine). If we are not a covered provider, you are responsible for paying the full fee for each session. We will be happy to help you with this process; it usually is fairly straightforward and often only requires filling out one page of information.

Many insurance plans require that you meet a deductible before they start covering your treatment. If so, you are expected to pay the full fee until your deductible is met, at which time you will then start paying your co-payment.

It is always advisable to contact your insurance company ahead of time to verify your specific coverage for outpatient therapy. This treatment is often referred to by insurance companies as “outpatient psychiatric services” or “behavioral health care.” Please be advised that regardless of your insurance situation, payment is ultimately your responsibility. You are encouraged to talk with us about any questions or concerns you have regarding insurance and fees.

Therapeutic Process

How long will therapy take?

The course of treatment will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of the issue that brought you into treatment, the treatment goals that we agree on, and your motivation and commitment to the process of therapy.

Longer-term psychotherapy is usually the most effective treatment when the reasons for treatment stem from firmly entrenched negative beliefs, deep-rooted relational patterns, or issues such as depression and anxiety. In other instances, such as during a time of acute crisis or to help one navigate through a specific life transition, it is possible to address a client’s problems in a briefer, more time-limited manner. After an initial assessment period, we should be able to help evaluate an approximate course of treatment.

What happens in couples counseling?

Unlike individual therapy, in couples counseling the focus is on the relationship and the ways in which the two individuals interact. The work entails helping the couple enhance their connection and intimacy without losing their individuality. To accomplish this, couples must build skills and foster awareness of the relational patterns that may be keeping the couple stuck. These patterns often involve communication, conflict, intimacy, boundary management, and stress.

Other Questions

Is CIE a group practice?

No.  The clinical professionals at CIE are licensed, independent practitioners who direct their own individual private practices.  CIE provides business support to each clinician as requested.

What about medication?

Medication is not for everyone and it is certainly not a “cure-all,” but there are times when taking medication is either clinically indicated or an option to consider as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Depending on the nature and severity of the concerns addressed in therapy, medication may be warranted as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. If, after sufficient assessment and discussion, medication as a supplement to the psychotherapy process is desired, we will work closely with your primary care physician and/or assist with a referral to a skilled and competent psychiatrist.

Can’t I just solve my problems on my own or talk to friends?

The abilities to be self-sufficient and to have a healthy support system can be great sources of strength. Nevertheless, many people continue to encounter difficulties with the way they feel, think about, and experience themselves and their circumstances. Friends and family are often well meaning but may lack the skills that a trained professional can provide. In therapy clients find a professional, supportive, and confidential environment where they can safely experience their thoughts and feelings in a way they may not be able to do with others. In addition, a licensed therapist is trained to help you understand your behaviors and relational patterns with greater depth and sophistication.

Our Values and Principles

Our work is guided by several important values and principles that we feel contribute to the strong, trusting and respectful connections our clients form with our therapists.

THERAPY SERVICES


  • Individual Counseling
  • Marriage Or Couples Counseling
  • Family Therapy
  • Parent Child Interactive Therapy - PCIT
  • Substance Abuse Evaluations
  • Play Therapy
  • OWI Evaluations
  • Children in the Middle Class

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