Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.  You should be aware, however, that if you use insurance benefits to pay for all or part of your therapy, some information about your treatment will need to be reported to your insurer.

In addition, there are some special circumstances in which the law requires therapists to break confidentiality.  These exceptions include:

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. I will make every effort to work with you to ensure your safety. However, I may need to contact your family and/or the police to keep you safe.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. I am required to notify the police and the intended victim.
• Suspected past or present child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. I am required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

Please view the Privacy Practices required by law here: Privacy Practices

Are there risks to therapy?

While therapy is designed to be helpful, it may at times be difficult and uncomfortable.  You may have more symptoms initially as you verbalize and become aware of uncomfortable feelings or experiences.  You have the right to withdraw from treatment at any time.  If you choose to end therapy early, I will request that we have one last session to bring to closure to the issues we have been working on.

How long does it take to work on my problems?

The length of treatment depends on the issue(s) presented, the level of severity, and your motivation.  You will usually meet with me once a week, sometimes twice a week.  If you have a very specific issue that surfaced recently, we may develop a more structured and concrete plan with a limited number of sessions.  If you have an on-going issue or problem affecting many areas of your life, longer-term therapy may be necessary.  Initial sessions will focus on evaluating your strengths, mental health needs, and goals and developing an effective treatment plan to meet your needs.