FAQ | Ellen Lehman, LCSW

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people go to therapy?

People have many different motivations for seeking the benefits of psychotherapy. Some individuals may be going through a major life transition, engaged in conflict, experiencing bouts of depression or not handling stressful circumstances well on their own. Therapy can help provide support, guidance, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies to get through these periods and address future challenges.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Many people find that counselors can offer a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and point you in the direction of a solution. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
Developing skills for improving your partner, family, and social relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression and other emotional pressures
Improving communication and listening skills
Changing behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What can I expect from therapy?

As each client has different challenges and goals, the form and objectives of therapy will vary depending on the individual. Among other topics, we will discuss the current events in your life, your personal history, your concerns and behaviors, and plan to improve your situation and mindset. Depending on your needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or long-term to process overarching patterns. Overall, therapy is a participator experience – the more involved you are, the better results you’re bound to see.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

Since insurance carriers differ as to the extent of their mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is contact your provider. Check your coverage carefully.
Some helpful questions you can ask are:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Do therapy sessions remain private?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist.

Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of his or her confidential disclosure agreement, called “Informed Consent.” It is your choice if you would like to have our therapist share anything significant with your other healthcare providers, but this can only be done with your written consent. Nothing you share in your sessions is to be disclosed to anyone else, with the rare exceptions of:

*Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including child protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.