Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs regarding psychological services
- What is psychotherapy?
- How do I choose a therapist?
- What kind of therapy will I receive?
- How long does psychotherapy usually take?
- How long are the sessions?
- What if I miss or must cancel a therapy appointment?
- Is there anything I can do prior to my first appointment?
- What can I expect in my initial session?
- Is the information discussed in psychotherapy considered confidential?
- How do I assess the usefulness of my therapy?
- What if I feel that I am not receiving proper treatment from my therapist?
- What if I need medication?
- Will my health insurance cover the cost?
- If I am covered by health insurance, who is responsible for payment?
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What is psychotherapy?
No one definition of psychological health care can adequately describe the process of psychotherapy. The goal of all approaches to psychotherapy, however, is to remedy psychologically based problems in living. Psychotherapy entails a special sort of conversation between a therapist and a client. It is a collaborative effort designed to foster constructive changes and the learning of adaptive ways of reducing stress and distress.
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How do I choose a therapist?
Choosing a therapist can be difficult. You will want to assure yourself that your therapist has the proper professional qualifications. Make a personal evaluation in the first session or two of your therapist's understanding of and response to your particular problems. Your feelings of trust and comfort with your therapist should be weighed heavily, since these feelings are important to the hard work that therapy requires.
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What kind of therapy will I receive?
The most appropriate form of therapy is determined by assessment of your concerns, current life situation, and personal history. At the Washington Psychological Center, we offer individual psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and sex therapy.
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How long does psychotherapy usually take?
For some problems, short-term treatment (10-20 sessions) is customary. When problems have persisted, or when problems are less easily treated by more directive methods, longer treatment is appropriate. Every effort is made to provide psychotherapy as efficiently as possible to avoid needless expense. After several sessions, your therapist probably will be able to give you an estimate of the duration of your treatment.
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How long are the sessions?
Individual appointments usually are scheduled once per week for 45 or 50 minutes. Your promptness in keeping appointments will assure full use of the time scheduled. Psychotherapy groups usually meet weekly for 75 to 90 minutes.
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What if I miss or must cancel a therapy appointment?
Once you have been given an appointment, it is your responsibility to keep and use it. No therapist can be of help to you if you do not keep appointments. Psychotherapy fees are based on time that has been reserved for you. When you miss or cancel an appointment, that time is billed to you unless sufficient forewarning is given to allow your hour to be used by someone else. Typically this means a minimum advance notice of 24 or 48 hours is required to avoid being charged.
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Is there anything I can do prior to my first appointment?
Yes. Emotional problems are often accompanied by a physical component. A visit to your physician to assess physical health is an important step, especially if you have not had a physical examination in the last year.
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What can I expect in my initial session?
The purpose of the initial session with a psychotherapist is to gather information from you about your concerns and your life, to make progress toward establishing a working evaluation of the problem and goals for treatment, and to answer any questions that you may have. Fees and appointment times will be discussed and clarified.
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Is the information discussed in psychotherapy considered confidential?
Information about you and your therapy will not be transmitted to others without your knowledge and written consent. By law, an exception is made where there is clear and imminent danger to you, others, or society, or when children are abused or neglected. The success of psychotherapy is dependent upon an honest and trusting relationship between the client and therapist. You should feel assured that your therapist is fully committed to preserving your privacy and earning your trust.
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How do I assess the usefulness of my therapy?
Problems which may have developed over a considerable period of time may not be remedied quickly or easily. Yet, during the course of therapy you should have a developing understanding of the nature of your problems and a sense that you and your therapist are collaborating openly and effectively. With clear goals in mind, rate of progress can be monitored by both you and your therapist.
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What if I feel that I am not receiving proper treatment from my therapist?
First, discuss it with your therapist. If questions remain, see another therapist for a second opinion. Remember, psychological health care requires a good working relationship between you and your therapist. If you believe that your therapist has been unprofessional or unethical, you may contact the ethics committee of his/her local state professional association.
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What if I need medication?
If medication appears to be an important adjunct to your psychotherapy, your therapist will refer you to a psychiatrist, who will determine your particular needs. The Washington Psychological Center maintains consultant relationships with a number of local psychiatrists for this purpose. Psychopharmacologic treatment, when it is indicated, is coordinated with an overall treatment program.
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Will my health insurance cover the cost?
A majority of our clients have health insurance which reimburses the insured for some portion of outpatient psychotherapy fees. To determine the extent of your mental health insurance benefits, you should read your health insurance contract or call your insurance office. If your insurance does not cover these services and finances are a barrier to seeking psychotherapy, a limited number of appointment hours are available at a sliding scale fee.
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If I am covered by health insurance, who is responsible for payment?
At the end of each month, your therapist will provide you with a bill for services. Clients are responsible for payment unless otherwise required by your insurance coverage. Your therapist will, of course, cooperate with you in your filing of insurance forms so that you receive appropriate reimbursement from your insurance company for fees that you have paid for psychotherapy.