What type of therapist should I work with?
There are several types of therapists. Each therapist or counselor may utilize a different style of treatment.
You have the right to choose the therapist that is a right fit for you.
The following mental health professionals have received their training from an accredited graduate program. They are trained to make mental health diagnoses, provide individual, couples, & family group counseling services, and case management services; however, they cannot prescribe medication.
An LMFT counselor has a masters degree in psychology, with special education and training in marital and family therapy.
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology.
An LCSW counselor has a masters degree in social work.
An LPC counselor has a masters degree in psychology, counseling or a related field.
Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
IMF and Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASW) counselors have completed their educational training and are under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Supervisor. They are required to complete 3000 clinical hours. Once they have fulfilled their required hours, they are eligible for licensure. They currently work under their Clinical Supervisor’s License.
What are the different types of therapy?
Each therapist or counselor may utilize a different style of treatment. Your therapist will work with a modality that is fitting to your individual needs. Some therapists will use one type of therapy throughout your treatment, others may use different modalities and techniques during the course of your treatment.
This modality is known as “Talk Therapy”. Psychotherapy uses insight, guidance, suggestion, reassurance, and instruction so that you may obtain clarity and be able to view your problems more realistically. This model encourages you to find positive coping techniques to effectively deal with life stressors.
This modality works to challenge troublesome behaviors and/or negative thought processes that you may have about yourself, your relationships, or your environment. CBT is common for the treatment of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This modality uses a collaborative approach between a child or teen who experienced a traumatic life event that caused them significant emotional and/or behavioral difficulties and their parent or caregiver.
According to EMDRIA (The International Association for EMDR), this modality is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.
This modality works upon the assumption that all clients have some knowledge of what would make their life better, even though they may need some help describing the steps necessary to their better life. SF assumes that everyone who seeks help already possesses at least the minimal skills necessary to create solutions.
This modality uses a client-centered approach. The therapist works with you to assess what stage of change (pre-contemplation; contemplation; preparation; action; maintenance; relapse) you are in and helps to resolve any ambivalence you may have about the behavioral changes that you would like to make. MI is common for the treatment of Substance use or dependence including Tobacco Cessation and for Weight Management.
This modality teaches you to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present moment, and to accept them without judgment. Techniques include learning to be mindful of your five senses, gratitude exercises and engaging in mindful meditation. This treatment is common for anxiety and depressive disorders.
Our standard fee ranges from $120 to $160. We also offer a “sliding fee scale” when appropriate. There are several factors that come into play when deciding the cost of therapy. Additionally, the client’s ability to pay is considered when deciding the client’s out-of-pocket costs.
Ruth Gillis is various insurance panels; please let us know which plan you are on so that we may place you with a provider who is on that panel.
- Aetna
- Blue Shield
- Blue Cross
- Beacon
- Cigna
- Self-Pay Rate / Cash
- Tri-West
- Victim of Crime
You can call your insurance company directly and ask them about your coverage. Some insurance companies will provide you with an authorization number. Please bring in your insurance card (as well as any information given to you regarding your outpatient treatment) on your first visit with us.
The length of treatment can vary based on several factors, including personality characteristics of the individual seeking help, longevity and type of presenting problem, types of goals established, the therapist’s theoretical orientation and style, effectiveness of the therapist, and frequency of sessions. Insurance companies vary in the amount of sessions that they approve for payment.
The typical therapy hour lasts 50 minutes. Very young children may be seen for 30 minutes. Most clients meet with their therapist once per week. You and your therapist make arrangements during the treatment planning phase.
Everything you share will be kept confidential, with a few exceptions. If your therapist is not licensed s/he will be seeking supervision as required by state law. Also, if you plan to use health care insurance, your plan may require some basic information about why you sought counseling. State law also requires therapists to break confidentiality if they suspect that there has been child abuse, elder abuse, and dependent adult abuse. Your therapist is also responsible for reporting when you are in danger of harming yourself or others.
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