Before Your First Visit
Whether you’re new to therapy or simply new to my practice, we want to acknowledge where you’re coming from. Starting a new therapeutic relationship is often challenging.
It may be helpful to know that for most clients, initial concerns about the fit and the process of therapy fade away by the second or third visit. By this time, we have often moved beyond getting to know each other and started moving forward with the work itself.
If you are seeking therapy for an acute or urgent problem, you may not feel like you have the time to go through the “getting to know you” process. We can spend time during your first appointment discussing your support system and identifying any resources you may need in the short term. As needed, we will aim to set up a second appointment within 48-72 hours.
Timeline of Therapy
Some people come to therapy for specific, well-defined issues; for example, reconciling a troubled marriage, deciding whether to stay together, dealing with a difficult situation at work, coping with job transitions, and other situations. When a client brings a specific goal, therapy may last approximately 8-12 weeks, or until the goal is met.
A longer course of therapy may be right for you if you have broader goals, are dealing with longer-term emotional or relational patterns, or are living with a chronic mental illness.
Some individuals and couples prefer ongoing support, choosing to remain in therapy for years. Sometimes, what starts out as specific, goal-oriented therapy brings up larger issues the client chooses to explore in greater detail.
We work together to define your goals and timeline for therapy, and re-evaluate together as the process unfolds.
Insurance or Payment
We take Mass Health (MBHP), Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, United Behavioral Health, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance.
If we are not in your network and you have a PPO, you may be able to submit your payment receipts to your insurance for partial reimbursement, often up to 40-60% of the cost of the session. Call your health insurance to confirm whether this is an option for you.
For those who do not have health insurance or prefer to pay out of pocket, we offer a sliding scale of $75 – $120 (depending on your income).
If you have an insurance co-payment, are paying out of pocket, or plan to be reimbursed by your health insurance for out-of-network service, your payment is due at the end of each session. You may pay by check, cash, or credit card.
