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What happens at the
first appointment?
Please print the initial intake form off this website and bring it to your first session. Please arrive fifteen minutes early if you need to fill out the standard forms because you do not have access to a printer. These forms not only clarify details about my services and confidentiality, but they also provide you with an opportunity to tell me important information about yourself. During our first meeting, we will explore your reasons for coming to therapy, generate some realistic goals and establish a clear agreement regarding fees. By the end of this session we should have a good sense of our ability to work together.
What can I expect
during therapy?
During the first few
sessions I will get a
better understanding of
who you are, what you
would like to change,
and how you best resolve
problems. Together we
will identify clear
goals for therapy and a
plan for achieving those
goals. (Parents: if you
are bringing your child
in for therapy, plan to
be in the room for the
entire first session.
You have a lot of
important information to
share and usually
children are more
comfortable having you
there for the first
session.)
The middle stage of
therapy is where a lot
of the work happens. I
assign homework almost
every week (don't
worry--I promise it's
not too hard!). It's
important to focus on
your goals during the
week and homework gives
you a chance to put
change into practice.
Sometimes during this
phase you will be
excited about therapy
and really look forward
to coming. Sometimes it
will be difficult and
you might even dread
coming as we will be
working through
uncomfortable topics or
feelings. I will do my
best to make therapy a
worthwhile process, so
that any discomfort you
feel is only for the
gain of healthy change.
The final stage of
therapy is when you find
you are ready to stop
coming. This is usually
a very happy and
somewhat scary time. We
will work together to
end therapy in the way
that suits you best.
Usually people like to
go from weekly sessions
to every other week, to
monthly check-ins.
Whatever you choose, be
assured that you will be
properly prepared to end
therapy. Also, you are
always welcome to come
back if you like.
How often and how
long will I be in
therapy?
Most people find that
when starting therapy,
weekly sessions are the
most helpful. Some
people find they need
more, and come twice a
week. Some people find
they do well coming
every other week. We
will tailor your
sessions to your
individual needs.
Some people come in for
only two or three
sessions, and some
people stay in therapy
for a very long time.
Whatever the problem,
know that you can take
as much or as little
time as you need. I will
be realistic with you
about what we can
accomplish, but the time
is yours, and you are
the person who knows
your needs best.
If you have any
questions about what to
expect from therapy,
please feel free to call
me at (702) 339-5663 or
e-mail me at:
Melissa@DanielsonTherapy.com
Is therapy
confidential?
In general, the law
protects the
confidentiality of all
communications between a
client and a
psychotherapist.
Information is not
disclosed without
written permission.
However, there are a
number of exceptions to
this rule. Exceptions
include:
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Suspected child abuse
or dependent adult or
elder abuse. The
therapist is required by
law to report this to
the appropriate
authorities immediately.
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If a client is
threatening serious
bodily harm to another
person/s. The therapist
must notify the police
and inform the intended
victim. |
• |
If a
client
intends to
harm
himself. The
therapist
will make
every effort
to enlist
the client’s cooperation
in insuring his safety.
If the client does not
cooperate, further
measures may be taken
without his permission
in order to ensure his
safety. |
What is the fee for
therapy?
Finding a licensed
therapist that you work
well with can be a
trying experience. And
sometimes, the therapist
you think is best for
you is not on your
insurance plan. Now you
have some decisions to
make: Do you shop for a
therapist through your
insurance and hope you
find a good fit quickly
and then only pay your
co-pay for each session?
Or do you choose Fee for
Service therapy and pay
out of pocket a set fee
for each session?
For some people, the
freedom to choose any
therapist, the no limit
policy on the number of
sessions, and the added
confidentiality from
paying out of pocket (no
forms or reports sent to
insurance agencies) is
worth the out of pocket
expense. For others, the
session fees just don’t
fit into their budget.
This is where a little
research can save you a
lot of time and money.
Most insurance plans
will reimburse their
clients a percentage of
out-of-pocket expenses.
Some reimburse up to
80%. If you have a $30
co-pay, it would cost
you the same amount to
see a therapist that
charges $150 a session
if you’re being
reimbursed at 80% as it
would to see an
in-network provider and
pay the co-pay. You can
call your insurance
company and ask what the
policy is for seeing
out-of-network
providers. And
fee-for-service
therapists may have more
time for their clients
since they spend less
time on the paperwork
involved in insurance
billing. There are many
options available to you
when seeking a good
therapist. Good luck!
What are your
business hours?
Monday: 9 AM - 6:30 PM Wednesday: 9 AM - 6:30 PM Thursday: 9 AM - 6:30 PM Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM Other days and times are
available.
How do sessions with
you work and how much do
they cost?
The first session is the evaluation/intake which costs $185 and is between 45-50 minutes. Each subsequent session lasts 45 minutes. A discounted rate of $175 per session is given when paying cash for sessions for individuals. Couples and family sessions cost $235 and are discounted to $225 when paying in cash. Longer sessions are available when requested. I accept payment by cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
What is your
cancellation policy?
A 24 hour notice is
required for
cancellations or
rescheduling. The full
fee is charged for cancellations
made less than 24 hours
before an appointment and for
missed appointments
without notice.
Do you accept
insurance?
I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and Value Options insurance. I am happy to provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance agency for reimbursement or use for a tax write off if I am not on your insurance plan. Since you are not accessing your insurance, your information is completely confidential.
When your insurance company is involved they have information such as your diagnosis and treatment plan which can affect your getting insurance in the future. Also, by not using insurance, you decide how many sessions you want and when to schedule them.
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