Frequently Asked Questions
... A quick guide about mental health services
What is psychotherapy anyway?
Therapy, or more specifically psychotherapy, is a process where the mental health professional helps support a client to reduce uncomfortable psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, etc) and shift toward finding more flexible ways of acting, thinking, and working with emotions. Psychotherapy is tailored to the individual so no two therapy sessions are alike, but common elements include: working to understand uncomfortable thoughts, behaviors, and emotions (aka symptoms), understanding what works in your life, exploring your virtues, values, and strengths, processing past and current stressors, learning new ways to address symptoms and stressors, and collaborating on goals to help the client lead a more meaningful life. Sometimes there are "homework" assignments/suggestions in therapy to help aide the work outside of the therapy room to help you practice new ways of being in your everyday life.
What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an incredibly effective tool for reducing the impact of life stressors and other psychiatric symptoms (depression, compulsive behaviors, worries, low self-esteem, etc...) Psychotherapy benefits are more than reducing uncomfortable emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; the benefits are also about adding effective skills, tools, and mental frameworks to help you life a more effective life. Many people report that the process of therapy helps people live more meaningful lives and can help make long lasting changes to how we relate to ourselves and our world.
Who are mental health professsionals?
Mental health professionals are clinicians who are licensed to practice clinical psychotherapy. I am a clinical psychologist (PsyD), meaning I have a doctorate degree in psychology and I have completed many hours of supervision and completed exams that certify me to provide psychological services in the state of California. Other mental health professionals include but not limited to MFTs, LCSWs, and MACs.
What are out-of-network benefits and how do I use them?
Insurance is complicated and every plan is different. I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I do not take insurance directly. Essentially, you will pay me directly and I will give you a receipt (called a superbill in the medical world) that you can provide to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. First you need to understand your insurance's benefits, typically called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Then look at your mental health care benefits, specifically your out-of-network reimbursement (typically a percentage). Caveat, some benefits do not take effect until deductibles are met.
Are you part of an EAP (Employee Assistance Program)?
Yes, I am part of the Lyra EAP network. If you have Lyra through your employer speak to your human resources to get the required information and you should be able to login and reach me through the Lyra portal. Link to Lyra
Have more questions?
Ask me in your free 15 minute phone consultation