Common Questions
How can therapy help me?
Therapy provides the opportunity to meet with a licensed therapist to assist you in developing the skills necessary to cope with your life’s challenges. Regardless of the origin, causes, or symptoms that are presented, therapy off you the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings while developing a course of action to manage or resolve the presenting issues.
The old saying remains true, “what you put into it is what you get out if it.” Therapy is a process without a proven quick-fix. Long-standing issues that you learn to put in perspective will go the distance by providing personal growth and development to a happy, healthier you.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
The stigma associated with going to therapy is not a factor when you enter treatment with Dr. Rodriguez. It may be true that you can handle your problems, but it can be a helpful tool to provide support though challenging times. Talking to friends and family may be helpful in the short term or moments of crisis, but talking to a trained professional is your best course of action.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
As I have stated in my Mission Statement, I believe that it is a healthy individual that seeks out counseling services. This individual has identified that there are areas in their current situation that require outside, professional intervention.
What is therapy like?
Your treatment and personal goals will be individualized to your unique presentation of symptoms. We will discuss current and past events that today, define who you are as a person. Therapy can be problem specific with a short duration or therapy can be long-term depending on the presenting symptoms. We typically meet once a week for 45 minutes with treatment dependent several factors including but not limited to insurance, availability and treatment guidelines for appropriateness of care.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
The short-term solution to resolving personal issues with medication is well documented with mixed results. These short-term, medication interventions indeed help but long-term are not are effective. Medication, when clinically appropriate, allows therapy to progress without the presentation of symptoms clouding the clinical picture. I will work with your primary care physician or psychiatrist to determine if medication is right for your situation.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
When you complete the registration information at the office or on the web site at www.estarcounseling.com we will determine your insurance benefits. I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to verify your insurance benefits, to ask questions, and to find out if you have any co-pays and deductibles.
Questions to ask the insurance company 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?
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is the hallmark of therapy. The unique relationship between therapist and client is built upon this premise. You will be provided with paperwork that describes this relationship along with the bounds and exclusions of confidentiality. By law, NOTHING no client information can be released without the proper release given by the client except for the following exclusions:
* 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.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
If you have questions, call for your FREE phone consultation with Dr. Rodriguez today!