Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy help me?
Therapy is effective in dealing with many of the discomforts of life such as couples counseling, anxiety, depression, stress, abuse, addictions, or life-stage issues. It can help a person grow in relationships, gain insights, and improve coping skills. Psychotherapy can often ward off more expensive medical treatments or hospitalization or be used in conjunction with psychiatry and other medical treatments. Effective counseling requires your effort, honesty and openness. I welcome your feedback about your progress. Because of individual differences it is very helpful for me to know what is working and what is not helpful to your specific goals for counseling.
There are some risks associated with counseling. Symptoms may get worse before they get better. Making changes in interpersonal relationships may be uncomfortable for you or viewed negatively by others who prefer old patterns. Long-standing patterns may not change quickly. It will help us both if you share any concerns you may have about our process together.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Much depends on your goals and willingness to work toward them. You can end our work together at any time, for any reason. People often stop the counseling relationship for a time and return at a later date. When either of us feel goals are achieved, we talk about where you are now and assess your comfort in leaving. The door is always open to return should the need arise.
What about using my insurance and confidentiality issues?
Because many of my referrals come from physicians and past clients, I have elected not to be on insurance panels. I encourage you to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages to using insurance for mental health concerns. To use insurance, you must have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. If you are seeking couple's counseling, one of you must have a mental health diagnosis. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record and may affect your premiums on future life and health insurance plans and programs. Self-pay is the only way to insure confidentiality. Some insurance plans provide out of network benefits where you may receive some reimbursement for counseling after meeting their requirements and deductible. You'll want to make sure you understand the provisions of your particular plan. I'll be happy to email you a list for questions for your provider. At your first visit, I review the required exceptions to confidentiality and provide my written statement of ethics.
How do we get started?
Getting started is easy! Simply tab over to the Starting page at the top of this page. So we have more time to talk at your first visit, you can even print an intake form that can be filled out ahead of time to bring with you. If you have any additional questions, just call me at 314.249.5444 or send me an email through the Contacts page of this website.
What does therapy cost?
Call me for a current rate quote. A portion of my practice is devoted to provide for clients with financial needs. Unless prior arrangements are made clients pay by cash, check or charge at the beginning or end of each session. Major credit cards are accepted for your convenience.
Therapist and Counselor St Louis
