Frequently Asked Questions
I have never been to therapy, what is it anyway?
For many people who come to see me, this is their first experience with therapy or counseling. It is simply talking to another person (most likely a trained professional) in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting. You’ll share what’s going on or what you might be struggling with and I’ll actively listen, ask questions and make comments or suggestions that will elicit more conversation. During this process we’ll develop a working relationship built on trust, respect and confidentiality. Our conversations will decrease distress/discomfort, solve problems, create new ways to think about yourself and your relationships and more generally meet your goals.
If I go to therapy, is there something wrong with me?
The short answer is most likely, no--nothing is wrong with you and you’re not “crazy”. Most individuals going to therapy are ordinary people struggling with everyday problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, etc. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Will therapy work & how long will it take me to feel better?
Some people start to feel better during the first session. It can be powerful for someone else to really hear your story and know what’s bothering you. Within a few sessions, we will have a clearer understanding of what’s going on and how we can address it. Other factors like your readiness to talk about your concerns, what kind of problems you’re coping with and how long they have been affecting you will influence the length of therapy and its success. I will be checking in with you regularly about how you feel and the progress being made.
Who do you see in therapy?
Adults ages 18 and up.
What kinds of problems do you help people with?
In a general, I see people who are feeling stuck or facing some kind of challenge. People are struggling in relationships with friends, family members, partners or people at school/job. Some are struggling emotionally with feelings of stress, sadness and worry. Some are having a hard time adjusting to a life change or stressful life event like going to a new school, changing/starting a job, going to college, starting/ending a relationship, the loss of a loved one, having a baby, getting married, etc. Even good change can be hard. Others know what they want, but have hit a road block and are tired of waking up a 3AM worrying or feeling frustrated that they can’t “fix it”. For others change isn’t a possibility and they’re looking for a way to be okay with what’s going on.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. I accept Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. I also may be an “out of network” provider on your plan in which case you could submit for reimbursement. I can provide you with a receipt for you to submit to your flexible spending, health savings or employee benefits account for reimbursement. For more information, please see the “Payment Options and Policies” section.
Is what we talk about confidential? Are you going to tell my parents or anyone else what I say?
Confidentiality is a must in our relationship and successful therapy requires trust. I will review with you a written copy of my Clinical Consent form and HIPAA policy which outlines confidentiality and my duty to protect your information. If you’re 12-17 years old, I completely understand that you may not want your parents to know what you are sharing with me. However, I do request an agreement between you and your parents/guardian allowing me to share GENERAL information about your progress and attendance. Any other communication will require YOUR permission, unless I feel that you are in danger or you are a danger to someone else. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there a few exceptions to this rule:
Do you prescribe medication?
No. As a Clinical Social Worker I do not prescribe medication. I can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner if that’s the best course of action for you.
How do I make an appointment?
I do all my own scheduling. If you have more questions or you’d like to meet, please call me at 585-727-0136 and leave a voicemail, as I am often not immediately available. I will do my best to return your call on the same day with the exceptions of weekends and holidays. You can also email me at mpftherapy@gmail.com I schedule appointments during the days and evenings Monday-Friday.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please call me at (585) 727-0136 as soon as possible. You will be required to pay a "no show" fee if you miss our appointment or I do not receive a call or voicemail notification at least 24 hours before we’re scheduled to meet.
For many people who come to see me, this is their first experience with therapy or counseling. It is simply talking to another person (most likely a trained professional) in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting. You’ll share what’s going on or what you might be struggling with and I’ll actively listen, ask questions and make comments or suggestions that will elicit more conversation. During this process we’ll develop a working relationship built on trust, respect and confidentiality. Our conversations will decrease distress/discomfort, solve problems, create new ways to think about yourself and your relationships and more generally meet your goals.
If I go to therapy, is there something wrong with me?
The short answer is most likely, no--nothing is wrong with you and you’re not “crazy”. Most individuals going to therapy are ordinary people struggling with everyday problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, etc. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Will therapy work & how long will it take me to feel better?
Some people start to feel better during the first session. It can be powerful for someone else to really hear your story and know what’s bothering you. Within a few sessions, we will have a clearer understanding of what’s going on and how we can address it. Other factors like your readiness to talk about your concerns, what kind of problems you’re coping with and how long they have been affecting you will influence the length of therapy and its success. I will be checking in with you regularly about how you feel and the progress being made.
Who do you see in therapy?
Adults ages 18 and up.
What kinds of problems do you help people with?
In a general, I see people who are feeling stuck or facing some kind of challenge. People are struggling in relationships with friends, family members, partners or people at school/job. Some are struggling emotionally with feelings of stress, sadness and worry. Some are having a hard time adjusting to a life change or stressful life event like going to a new school, changing/starting a job, going to college, starting/ending a relationship, the loss of a loved one, having a baby, getting married, etc. Even good change can be hard. Others know what they want, but have hit a road block and are tired of waking up a 3AM worrying or feeling frustrated that they can’t “fix it”. For others change isn’t a possibility and they’re looking for a way to be okay with what’s going on.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. I accept Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. I also may be an “out of network” provider on your plan in which case you could submit for reimbursement. I can provide you with a receipt for you to submit to your flexible spending, health savings or employee benefits account for reimbursement. For more information, please see the “Payment Options and Policies” section.
Is what we talk about confidential? Are you going to tell my parents or anyone else what I say?
Confidentiality is a must in our relationship and successful therapy requires trust. I will review with you a written copy of my Clinical Consent form and HIPAA policy which outlines confidentiality and my duty to protect your information. If you’re 12-17 years old, I completely understand that you may not want your parents to know what you are sharing with me. However, I do request an agreement between you and your parents/guardian allowing me to share GENERAL information about your progress and attendance. Any other communication will require YOUR permission, unless I feel that you are in danger or you are a danger to someone else. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there a few exceptions to this rule:
- If I suspect child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse I must file a report with the appropriate state agency. I am a mandated reporter.
- If I believe you are threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take protective action. These actions may include notifying the police and the intended victim.
- If you threaten to harm yourself, I may be obligated to seek hospitalization for you or to contact family members or other who can help provide protection.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. As a Clinical Social Worker I do not prescribe medication. I can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner if that’s the best course of action for you.
How do I make an appointment?
I do all my own scheduling. If you have more questions or you’d like to meet, please call me at 585-727-0136 and leave a voicemail, as I am often not immediately available. I will do my best to return your call on the same day with the exceptions of weekends and holidays. You can also email me at mpftherapy@gmail.com I schedule appointments during the days and evenings Monday-Friday.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please call me at (585) 727-0136 as soon as possible. You will be required to pay a "no show" fee if you miss our appointment or I do not receive a call or voicemail notification at least 24 hours before we’re scheduled to meet.