Common Questions About Therapy

How do I now when it's time to get help?
People consider therapy under the following circumstances:
- When the way they feel is affecting their sleep, appetite, job or relationships.
- When things are not getting better.
- When they can't find the answers to their problem.

What does it cost?
My fees are in the mid-range for private practice psychotherapy in the Broward area. Individual counseling: $90.00 per session. Couples counseling $100.00 per session. Initial Consultation: $135.00.  Sessions last 45-50 minutes long.  Initial session lasts 55-60 minutes.  It is my policy to disclose my fees during our first contact, before you make your first appointment.

Will my insurance pay for my sessions?
I only accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance.

What can I expect during the initial appointment?
When we meet for the first time, I conduct an intake interview. This is the beginning of my information-gathering process. I will ask some factual questions (name, address, etc.), some questions about your physical health and about your family history. You will have ample opportunity to begin discussing why you decided to seek therapy, and we will begin to formulate some goals. This is also an opportunity for us to get a sense of what it's like for us to work together. If, at the end of the first session, we decide for any reason that your needs would be better served by someone else, I will do my best to provide more appropriate referrals.

How long will it take?
It is not possible to answer this question accurately, since the length of treatment depends on your individual needs. After I learn more about the issues you want to work on, I might be able to provide you with some idea of how long we might be working together.

How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 45-50 minutes long. We will schedule regular sessions once or twice a week, at set times, depending on your needs.

What about medications?
Only psychiatrists and other MDs are licensed to prescribe medication. I do, however, maintain a close working relationship with a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable, ethical, and caring. I don't recommend that all my clients get on medication, but I have seen some very positive results for non-situational depression and/or anxiety. If at any point you or I feel that medications might be helpful, I would recommend that you make an appointment for an evaluation, however the final choice is always yours.

What does LCSW stand for?
LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  My licenture number is SW #7520.  LCSWs are required to obtain a Master's level degree, complete 3000 hours of post graduate training, and pass rigorous testing prior to becoming licensed. They are qualified to conduct all types of counseling and psychotherapy.

How can I check license status?
To check the license status of any LCSW, you can go to http://myflorida.com, the website for Florida based Licenses.  This is a Florida consumer protection agency governing several types of licensed mental health professionals.