FAQ’S

Why do individuals, couples and families typically seek therapy?

There are many reasons persons of all ages can benefit from the support of psychotherapy, ranging from anxiety or depression, to difficulties in creating and sustaining stable and nurturing bonds with others.

Sometimes, fears of expressing oneself authentically or trusting others is the motivation for seeking help. Psychotherapy and counseling can help children, teens and adults better understand how to manage their anger or conflicts with family members, spouses or other persons with whom they are engaged.

It is not unusual for people to seek the help of a therapist in order to develop new ways of responding to circumstances that have been habitually problematic and depriving them of intimacy or the ability to experience more joy and contentment in their lives.

Sometimes a particular experience, such as a separation, divorce or a turbulent disagreement, or a milestone, such as marrying or becoming a parent, may also precipitate a decision to seek counseling.

For some people the feelings of being somehow lost, confused or disengaged from others is the motivation to reach out for help. Those struggling with social skill deficits seek out the experience of participating in therapeutic social skill groups and training as a means of improving their overall life experience.

The reasons are as vast and as varied as people themselves, but most persons share a desire for a more gratifying experience of their lives.

In what ways is psychotherapy typically found to be helpful?
(1) Develop more psychological awareness and insight

(2) Learn to communicate more effectively

(3) Learn to resolve both internal and interpersonal conflicts

(4) Manage, reduce or relieve symptoms of emotional distress

(5) Develop more social, relational or vocational functioning

(6) Pursue personal growth and development

(7) Reconstruct one’s life in the aftermath of trauma and abuse.

What if I need or want to consider medication as an adjunct to psychotherapy?

Medication can often be helpful in supporting a person to feel a greater sense of well-being.

If you are suffering from persistent or debilitating depression, anxiety or other troubling symptoms, and are interested in exploring whether medication might be helpful, West Bergen has Board Certified Psychiatrists and Advanced Practice Nurses on staff who can provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management services.

If you are interested in exploring this option, your therapist will either refer you to one of our Prescribers on staff for a consultation, or help you in obtaining a referral through other means if that is your preference.

 

How long is a typical psychotherapy session and how often will I meet with my therapist?

Most sessions are weekly and 50 minutes in length, however your therapist may suggest meeting longer or more frequently depending on your needs and the therapist’s clinical recommendations.

How long can I expect to be in therapy?
The length of therapy is dependent on many factors, including your goals, how frequently and consistently you attend sessions, your level of motivation for change, and the type of concerns or issues you are addressing in therapy.

In general, recent situational stresses or problems can be addressed in fewer sessions than longer-standing issues involving trauma, abuse or developmental issues.

Sometimes your health insurance provider may dictate the number of sessions they will cover per year.

Always check with your insurance provider to determine whether or not your plan provides unlimited visits per year.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. To derive the most from psychotherapy, attend your sessions regularly.
Do you provide tele-therapy?

Currently, while under a state of emergency due to the Covid 19 pandemic, all counseling services are being offered via telehealth. Once the emergency is lifted our hope is to continue offering telehealth along with in-person services. Provision of telehealth services, post pandemic will be contingent upon whether or not insurance and regulatory entities approve continuation. As we learn more, we will continually provide updates

Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
In some cases, insurance plans can help cover the cost of therapy. Our Access and Benefits Counselors can assist you in verifying your insurance benefits but ultimately it is your responsibility to confirm directly with your insurance company as to your plan’s coverage.

Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask:

  • What mental health benefits do I have under my plan?
  • Do I have out of network benefits?
  • What level of licensure is accepted under my plan?
  • How much will insurance cover per session? How much am I responsible for per session (co-pay or co-insurance)?
  • How many sessions will be covered?
  • Do I have an annual deductible and if so, how much out of pocket am I responsible for?
  • Do I need prior authorization for services? Do I need follow-up authorizations for continuing services?
  • Will I need a diagnostic evaluation for insurance purposes?
What is your Confidentiality policy?

The information that you share in psychotherapy is confidential and will not be discussed or released to a third party without your written permission and consent, unless disclosure is required by law.

Disclosure is required by law:

(1) if you are a danger to yourself or others

(2) if you, or someone you have discussed, have been involved in an incident of child, dependent adult or elder abuse or neglect.

Our clinicians are legally obligated to intervene in these circumstances, including reporting the possibility of abuse to our local child or adult protective agencies and contacting other persons or agencies that may assist in protecting you or others if we believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others. In certain legal proceedings, they may be required to submit information.

Read our HIPAA policy