Welcome to
FamilySolutionsCenter.net

Frequently Asked Questions
    1. What is Therapy like?
      Each person has different issues, needs and goals for therapy. In general, you can expect to discuss the current problem and events happening in your life right now. I will ask about your personal and family history to have a better understanding of you. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term or longer-term. We can better determine your needs after the first or second session. I like people to be active in the process of therapy to get the results from therapy you want. I may suggest reading certain books, journaling, observing particular behaviors, or seeing your physician if health issues need addressed. Because my training is systemic, I often like to see couples together (not always). If I work with adolescence I will request involvement with the parents. I tell people that families are like the game of pool. Being familiar with the game you know that the balls are all together perfectly in the rack. Once the rack is removed and the balls are hit, it is never the same. Just like families….when something happens to one person it affects everyone. It is necessary that we look at the “whole picture”. Many people are doing good and right things and may need to do some fine tuning to improve their issue.

       
    2. What should I expect on my first appointment?
      You will have the option of filling out a new client information form either from on- line at this web site or when you arrive at the office. Much like what you would do at your physicians office, basic information about you is taken. A copy of your insurance card will be necessary if you elect to use insurance. It is good to check with your insurance if there is a need for pre-authorization. Also ask your insurance what your coverage for mental health services are. You are responsible for your deductible and co-pay when using insurance. Once all the necessary information is gathered then we can discuss your concerns and decide the best direction for therapy.

       
    3. Do you take insurance and how does that work?
      I accept most all insurances. I do not take Medicare as I am not a recognized provider. When utilizing your insurance it is important to check to see what your coverage is. Insurances will require a diagnosis. Therefore, I will need to assign an appropriate one for you. You will be responsible for any deductibles and co-pays. People opt to not use insurance for therapy. Not using insurance provides more confidentiality as diagnosis and processing with your company is avoided.

       
    4. What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
      Research shows that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medications. Instead of treating the symptom, therapy address the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Please work with your physician to best determine what’s best for you, and in some cased a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Some people feel strongly about avoiding medication, and therapy offers alternative solutions that may provide adequate symptom relief.

       
    5. What about confidentiality?
      Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. I will provide you with a written copy of my confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in sessions will remain private. This is called “informed consent”. If you want me to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team I cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to break confidentially in the following situations: Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him or herself or has threatened to harm another person.