FAQ
Below is some FAQ, feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
1. What’s the price of your service? Do you take insurance? How does it work?
Individual therapy sessions(50mins) is $195, while couple therapy session usually charged at $250 per 60 min or $350 per 85min. You could either pay with debit cards, credit cards, HSA cards as a cash payer. Apple Pay or Venmo is also an option if none of the other work for you.If you have a HSA account but don't have a card yet, I could also issue a superbill so that you could get reimbursement from you HSA after using other payment methods.
For insurance and EAP, We only take Lyra Health at the moment. All other insurance holders would need to use your out-of-network benefits. We could issue a superbill so you could get reimbursement from your insurance after paying as a cash payer.
2. What if I can't afford your rate?
Don't let our rate discourage you from CONTACTING us! We've found that more often than not We're able to come up with an acceptable arrangement with most people. Even when this isn’t the case, We've been able to refer folks to therapists who may be able to accommodate your financial situation.
3. Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
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Suspected child abuse and dependent adult or elder abuse.
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If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
4. I have never had therapy before, what could I expect from therapy?
Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, conflict, grief, stress management and general life transitions. Every therapy session is unique and caters to an individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
5. How long do I need therapy? How often do I need to get therapy sessions?
Every client's situation is different. It's hard to tell how long you might need therapy before we do any assessment. You might need just a few sessions before you get much better and move on. You might also try to stay in therapy for a longer time to resolve more deep issues. On average, my clients receive services for 4-6 months on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. However, I do have clients that I see for years on a monthly basis or as needed as well. Even though I value therapeutic rapport so much, client-therapist relationship is a relationship that's meant to end at the right timing. I committed to do my best to help you live to your full potential and build/strengthen your natural support system so hopefully you won't need me for too long. For more information regarding service options, feel free to BOOK a new client consultation.
6. I want to have marital/relationship counseling but my spouse(or partner)didn’t want to participate, what can I do？
Usually it would be more effective if both of you could come to therapy, it does take two to fully nurture a relationship. However, one person's full commitment and action to positive change should not be overlooked because there is always a chain reaction. If you have already tried to genuinely invite your partner to try a few sessions, just respect his/her decision without forcing it. If s/he is willing to try at least one session, that's great, even if s/he doesn't want to come, you could still start therapy on your own. I am here to help.
7. Can you prescribe medications？ What if I need medication?
No, I can't prescribe medications. Psychotropic medications usually are prescribed by psychiatrists, physicians and nurse practitioners. However I could work with your PCP, psychiatrist or NP to coordinate care for the best treatment result. I could also refer you to get some medication evaluation if needed.
8. My families and friends don’t like that I seek for therapy. They think that’s for “crazy people”, what can I do?
It must be tough that your family and friends don't like how you want to seek for help. Unfortunately, while mental health is more and more valued, it's still at times neglected or even stigmatized. However, even though your families and friends aren't on the same page with you, it doesn't mean you're wrong. No matter how others may think, there is no doubt you deserve a meaningful and fulfilling life knowing how to handle depression, anxiety, trauma and other emotional struggles that everyone(yes, including your families and friends) could experience during difficult times, whether they choose to accept, deny or being defensive about it. To admit that you're vulnerable and need help is the first step of healing, it's also one of the most important steps. You're being responsible for your own emotional wellbeing by getting as much help as needed. While there are a lot of different ways to get help, I would definitely encourage you to give therapy a try without having to fight against your loved ones. There is always a healthy boundary that we could establish, where we could be connected respectfully with disagreement. Your positive change and healthy way of communication says much louder than words, and you might be able to help them with some helpful skills that you learn from therapy in the future.
9. I am already taking anti-depressant, do I still need therapy? Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your MD you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that mental and emotional problems, and the pain they cause, cannot be solved solely by medication in the long-term. Instead of treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
10. Is therapy right for me? I can usually handle my problems or talk to my friends. Do I really need therapy?
If you're already considering therapy, I would say therapy is definitely right for you. I believe everyone could benefit from therapy. Therapy is especially right for anyone who is interested in getting more out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated many difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. When I believe that you're doing the best you could right now, I also believe that you could do better with some professional help.Therapists are trained professionals who could provide counseling services through professional lenses with full assessment, treatment plans and evidence-based interventions. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to re-direct damaging patterns, overcome the challenges you face, nurture your relationships and rebuild your support system. If you're not sure whether it's right for you or not, feel free to BOOK a new client consultation session.
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