Commonly Asked Questions About Therapy
Do you have a question you’d like to ask? We are committed to providing the best care and experience for each individual. There’s no such thing as a bad question, only an unasked one. Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions below. And, please, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions.
How do I get started?
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
We do not currently offer sliding scale rates. We will provide clients with a "super bill," which they can submit to their insurance company for a potential reimbursement?
You have several options here on how to get started. We suggest reviewing these commonly asked questions. Then if you think we might match with what you are looking for you can:
A. click on the "Contact Us" button on any page and ask a. for a 5-15 minute consultation.
B. Click on Client Portal and follow the steps to join as a new client where you can receive the needed documents to start this therapy relationship.
What is a super bill?
A superbill is a document that includes your mental health diagnoses, our provider information, and the dates of service. We provide superbills as requested, free of charge. Insurance reimbursement rates vary based on your specific insurance plan information.
How long does each therapy session take?
Each therapy session usually takes about 40 minutes. Some sessions may be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the client and the arrangements made with the individual therapist/clinician.
How long before I can start therapy?
Each individual will be asked to complete some initial documentation and get provided with a link that will allow their therapist to schedule and connect with them via our telehealth platform. This can be as quick as the next business day or a few weeks, depending on the mutual schedules.
Do you offer in-office or face-to-face therapy?
We currently offer 100% telehealth services for the convenience and flexibility of our clients. We encourage clients to meet with us in a safe, private space where they can speak freely and (relatively) uninterrupted.
Are you a life coach, therapist, or counselor?
We are not life coaches. We do provide therapy/counseling. The majority of us are clinical psychologists. This means we completed a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Some of us may be unlicensed and practicing/working under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.
Do you use Freudian or Jungian analysis techniques?
While we value the work done by Sigmund Freud and Carl G. Jung, we do not operate using these techniques. You may lay down on a couch but it is not necessary. Instead, we use CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness-Based therapy, and other theoretical and technical processes for the benefits of our clients.
I'm struggling with issues around my identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, love and relationship style, ability or other identities) can you help me?
Yes. We specialize in providing inclusive services to all people with a variety of identities and identity struggles.
If I get therapy, does it mean I'm crazy?
No. We tend to not use the "crazy" word because it is layered with hurt and pain. You may see and experience the world, your emotions, and relationships differently than those around you. We can help you make decisions about how you want to cope with these differences, understand your pains, and move into a space of self-compassion, acceptance, and loving-kindness so you are living your best life.
Are you really Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) therapists?
Yes. And we are dedicated to providing services to all people seeking care. We specialize in providing services to people who may be hesitant to seek therapy with therapists who are not Black, Indigenous, People of Color.
What should I expect?
Before the first appointment:
Sometimes when a person is new to the therapy process they do not know what to expect. If you choose to contact us to pursue therapy, we will usually return any unanswered contact on the next business day (if you call after 5 PM or on most weekends or holidays) or within 48 hours. During this phone contact, feel free to ask any questions you have about our process and tell us briefly your reason for seeking therapy at this time.
If you choose to move forward with scheduling an appointment, you will be sent a packet of information through email. This packet will include information about the policies used within Own Your Mind Psychology Services and Consultation Inc. to ensure respect and boundaries, information about financial and insurance requirements, HIPAA and confidentiality, therapy via telehealth, a notice to consumers, and a packet of questions for you to fill out. This is a lot of information. We know. So, if it is too much for you we understand. However, we ask that you return this information ASAP and at least 24 hours before your first appointment.
During the first appointment:
Each of therapy session (including the initial session) is 40 minutes long. During this first appointment/session, your clinician will review the packet of practice policies and informed with you. They will also ask you questions for clarity and seek to understand what is happening with you and how to best provide you therapy services. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
After the first appointment:
After the first session, your clinician and you will discuss what the plan is for addressing your reason(s) for coming to therapy. Your clinician will discuss with you their style and approach to each therapy session. If you are comfortable, at the end of the first session, you can schedule for the next appointment/session. Most importantly, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask or voice them.
We know this is a lot to ask and we appreciate the confidence you have shown in choosing us to provide your psychology services.