Frequently Asked Questions

That's like having a toothache and not going to the dentist. The results are the same - you keep on hurting and the problem will probably get worse. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. 

You're quite right. Even with having a wise and understanding friend who is willing to listen to your problems, often that's not enough. You may need a professionally trained person to help you uncover what's really bothering you. Our friends and loved ones are not always available and emotionally equipped with the skills to do this.

When you're talking to someone who has professional training and has helped many others with problems similar to yours, that person is able to see the patterns in your life that have led to your unhappiness. In therapy, the job is to help you recognize those patterns - and you may try to change them. There may be times, however, when you will need a combination of "talk" therapy and medication.

Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. It primarily depends on you and the therapist. It is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open can you expect to receive the best support and advice.

There should be a "fit" between your personality and that of the therapist. Someone else - or some other method - may be more suitable for you. You can ask your therapist for a referral to another mental health professional, or, if you prefer, you can call one of the mental health associations for the names of other therapists in your area.

Research has shown that online therapy is often as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment. While online therapy has many benefits (including convenience), it may not be the best choice for every situation. Its important to keep open communication with your therapist to see what best fits your needs.

Online therapy typically isn’t recommended for individuals who are actively suicidal or those who are experiencing psychosis.

We try to accommodate special circumstances, so please reach out to our team!  We will try to make a same day appointment available, but it is not guaranteed.

No, your therapist is not available for crisis situations. If your instincts tell you a situation is dangerous, it probably is and you should call 911 immediately.  If there is no immediate threat of danger, it is important to contact your therapist for the next available appointment. 

Other available resources for crisis is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).  Although identified as a suicide prevention service, the Lifeline is actually a good resource for all types of mental health crises.  The national line routes callers to the closest center in their network.  The centers can provide information on a variety of mental health resources in the area, not just those related to suicide prevention.  The National Lifeline is a good option to call in a crisis when local crisis services are unavailable.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

• Abuse of a child or elder
• Person is a threat to someone else
• Person is a danger to themselves.

We do not prescribe any medications as therapists and social workers. Psychotropic medication is prescribed by Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, the designations are MD and ARNP respectively.  We are familiar with medications but are not able to give guidance or tell another practitioner what to prescribe to you. We often communicate with medication prescribers if you request us to do so in order to help them better help you.

Phone calls, emails, messages through the Simple Practice client portal, and business-based text messages are encouraged. Text message platform should only be used for scheduling requests or needs.