FAQs

How do I know if I really need therapy?

Perhaps you’ve been burdened by challenging life circumstances and overwhelming feelings of depression or anxiety that you’ve not been able to resolve in spite of your best efforts.  When negative circumstances and painful feelings begin to adversely impact your relationships, self-esteem, decision making ability, job or health, it may be time to seek professional help. Certainly, if you feel a sense of hopelessness or despair this is a sure indication that you need to seek professional help.

How can professional therapy help?

Professional therapy gives you an opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings and circumstances in a safe and private setting with a trained professional. This can help you gain insight into the cause of your problems, offer a new perspective, and find realistic solutions to solve your problems. Therapy may help you resolve negative feelings from current or past situations, learn healthy coping skills to manage life’s stressors and reduce or resolve symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. Your therapist will work with you to clarify your goals and eliminate destructive patterns that have kept you from achieving your goals in the past. Many people report improved self-esteem, relationships and overall well-being as a result of seeking therapy.

How long does therapy take?

Because therapy is individually tailored to each person’s unique circumstances there is no pre-defined time frame for on-going therapy. Some problems can be resolved quite quickly in a few sessions and other problems may require therapy for several months or longer.

Does everyone improve from therapy?

Although most people experience positive changes, improvement cannot be guaranteed. Favorable therapy results are most often associated with the skills and experience of the therapist and a very active effort on the part of the client. Making lasting change takes effort, determination, and courage to break long-standing negative patterns.

To increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, you may be asked to work on goals outside of sessions. This may include practicing new skills, reading helpful books, recording activities or writing in a journal.

Do you provide therapy services for children and teens?

No,  services are provided for adults  and seniors only.

Is this covered by my insurance?

My services may be covered by your insurance provider. Please contact your health insurance plan to learn more about your mental health benefits. For a list of accepted insurances please click on Rates and Insurance.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance of your session. If you do not give 24 hours’ notice you will be charged the full therapy fee. Exceptions apply in the event of illness or emergency.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Yes therapy sessions are confidential, and your privacy is protected by law except in the following situations:

• Your medical records have been court ordered.
• You make a serious threat to harm yourself or someone else. In this instance, the law requires me to try to protect you and any person you are threatening to harm. To do this I must tell others about the threat.
• If I believe a child, elderly or disabled person has been or will be abused or neglected, I am legally required to report this to the authorities.

What are your office hours?

Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm

Closed on weekends

How do I get started?

Call 406-539-5569 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. If I’m not a good fit for you I’ll gladly make recommendations for other mental health professionals in the community.

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SUICIDAL OR HAVE THOUGHTS OF HARMING SOMEONE PLEASE:

1. CALL 911
2. OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM
3. OR CONTACT THE HELP CENTER AT 406-586-3333