Where do therapy sessions take place?
I typically offer both in-person and online counseling sessions. For the foreseeable future, however, I am only offering online sessions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person sessions are conducted at Grit & Growth Psychotherapy, 801 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119. If you are heading east on Farmington Avenue (toward Hartford), the building is past the intersection of South Quaker Lane and Farmington Avenue, on the right side of the street. There is parking on both sides of Farmington Avenue and a parking lot in the back of the building.
Online counseling sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. This platform can be accessed via computer, tablet, or phone. You will need WiFi access and it is strongly recommended that you have access to a space where you have privacy and will be free of interruptions during your sessions.
How long do therapy sessions typically last?
Each therapy session lasts 45-50 minutes.
How much does therapy cost?
- Initial, 15-minute consultation, required for all new clients, is free of charge.
- Individual therapy sessions are $150 per 45-50 minute hour.
- Family sessions consisting of the identified client and at least one other family member are $200 per 45-50 minute hour.
- There may be other fees, but we will discuss those during your initial consultation and upon your review of my informed consent.
Payment is required upon or before your visit. In terms of payment, I accept cash and checks.
What happens during the first counseling session?
The main purpose of the first session is for me to get to know you and your reasons for seeking therapy. We will discuss your concerns and challenges, as well as your strengths. I may ask about your sleeping and eating habits, your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships, as well as other questions in order to get a comprehensive picture of who you are. We will also talk about how you want your life to be different.
Do you take insurance?
Please note that I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not bill your insurance company for my services. Instead, I will provide you with a monthly invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please check with your carrier to determine your out-of-network benefits and coverage before our first meeting.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy for all appointments–phone, online and in-office sessions. If you need to cancel, please make sure to give 24 hours’ notice to avoid paying the late cancellation fee, which is the full session rate. Please be aware that late cancellations and “no shows” are not reimbursable by your insurance company.
If you have scheduled an in-office appointment and cannot attend, please note that I offer phone and video sessions. If you are scheduled for one type of appointment and choose a different modality, please let me know so I can either plan for your in-office visit or send you a link for a HIPAA-compliant online session.
How often do I need to come to counseling?
I meet with clients weekly, in order to progress toward their counseling goals and to have them experience relief from their distress as quickly as possible. We will establish a recurring time to meet each week.
Do you work with teens, couples, kids, and adults?
I work with college students (18+ years old) and adults in individual therapy. If you are looking for a child, family or couples therapist, I will be happy to provide referrals to you.
How does therapy work?
Prior to your first appointment, we will schedule a free, 15-minute consultation. During this phone call, you will tell me why you are seeking therapy and discuss whether your needs and my services are a good fit. We will also discuss fees, scheduling, and any initial questions that you have about therapy. Once we decide to work together, I will send you some paperwork that you will need to complete before our first session. This paperwork includes my informed consent, a client intake form, my social media policy, my notice of privacy practices, and a brief assessment. During your first appointment, we will review your paperwork and discuss specifically what you would like to address in therapy.
Individual sessions are conducted on a weekly basis and, through collaboration between therapist and client, may include practical suggestions and strategies, skill acquisition, and various interventions to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
How do I know if I need therapy?
It is not always a matter of if you need it, but if you want it. Some people are struggling to the point that their functioning is negatively impacted, and they could use the support of an objective person trained to help them achieve their desired clinical outcomes in order to feel better, happier, or more fulfilled. For them, therapy is a good option. Other people are able to adequately function in their jobs, families, and other assigned roles, but they want to explore how to grow, heal, and feel more comfortable. They are candidates for therapy as well.
The reality is, many people can benefit from counseling and the support it provides, regardless of income, position in life, background, culture, or history. If there are challenges that are impacting the quality of your life or that you feel are difficult to navigate alone or with your current support system, then you can benefit from therapy.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, I do not prescribe medication. I provide therapy, which will help you identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more desirable responses. If you would like to pursue an evaluation for medication, I am happy to provide a referral to a psychiatrist and/or speak to your medical providers, after you have signed releases of information.
What if I have other questions?
If you have additional questions regarding my practice or how I can help you manage your stress, anxiety, or life transitions, please call me at 860-916-5558 to schedule your free, 15-minute phone consultation.