FREQUENTLY
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Here at Vitality Counseling, we are ready to answer any questions you may have. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that may be of help. If you have any further questions or concerns, make sure to get in touch with us.

How can therapy help me?

Numerous benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management and creative blocks. At Vitality Counseling, we specialize in providing evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Our goal is to partner with you to reach your full potential and remove any blocks that may be keeping you stuck. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and your values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of his or her confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “informed consent.” Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (such as your physician, naturopath or attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults and elders, which is reported to the authorities, including child protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources
If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming himself or herself or has threated to harm another person

What can I expect in my first session?

When you arrive for your session, be seated in the waiting room, and your therapist will come out to greet you. The initial session will consist of an intake questionnaire and interview with your counselor. Your counselor will spend this time getting to know you, your needs and your goals for therapy. You and your counselor will set goals for treatment together during this time and assess these goals over the course of therapy. Therapy can be of short duration for more acute issues or longer term for more complex issues, depending on the presenting problem. You should expect to meet for therapy weekly or bi-weekly as we move toward your treatment goals. After the first visit, counseling sessions are typically 50 minutes.

Does Vitality Counseling offer medication management?

Some clients may benefit from medication in conjunction with their counseling. For that reason, our staff includes a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will spend quality time with you to determine if medication is appropriate and if so, will provide medications and referrals as indicated.

Do you take insurance?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Each Vitality clinician is paneled with different insurance companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare, Tricare and out of network. Please check with your clinician and your insurance to see what will be covered. If your insurance is not accepted, we offer different solutions such as self-pay and superbilling.

What are the benefits of self-pay?

Paying out of pocket can mean a greater personal investment in your therapy. For some, this investment may not be feasible – in which case, we can help you find alternatives.

There are some advantages to consider if you do not go through insurance. For example, paying out of pocket means that your therapy experience is more private – none of your records, diagnostic information or authorization for services must go through insurance. Additionally, some of Vitality’s therapists are not paneled on insurance. You may feel particularly connected with one of our therapists who is unable to take insurance, in which case paying out of pocket will allow you to work with someone who feels like a strong fit for you.

Do I need a referral?

Many of our clients come to us through physician referral or the recommendation of a friend or family member. However, a referral isn’t required.

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS