Frequently Asked Questions
Why seek therapy?
The purpose for entering a therapeutic relationship is threefold. First, the therapist can enable the client to understand the past as it relates to present issues. Second, the client is given an objective perspective by the therapist where he offers advice, options, direction, and solutions. Third, the goal of the therapist is to increase understanding, leading the client toward greater independence, emotional strength, self-reliance, emotional intimacy, and personal growth. All of the above stand in stark contrast to feelings of being stuck, trapped, stagnant, confused and unhappy with life. Therapy provides a way out of this quagmire and on to a period of greater personal growth and accomplishment.
What should I expect from Steve?
Steve is a seasoned therapist who has helped hundreds of people by utilizing the following characteristics:
• Steve has a calming effect on people, even in crisis situations.
• He is able to establish rapport quickly, building an atmosphere of trust and safety for his clients.
• He is compassionate and empathic, remaining objective enough to give his clients a new perspective and, most of all, the hope of change.
What about confidentiality and privacy?
The state of Georgia mandates that therapeutic sessions remain confidential. This guarantee of privacy is further ensured by Steve’s decision to not to take managed care - where a client’s confidential information often becomes a part of a medical database accessible to over 700 insurance companies.
This subject is further addressed in the Confidentiality and Insurance section of this site.
Why has Steve decided not accept managed care insurance as payment?
The answer to this question is outlined in the Fees and Insurance section of this website, and can be categorized as follows, and is explained more thoroughly in the Confidentiality and Insurance section:
• Increasing loss of confidentiality
• Loss of control of treatment
• The effects of psychiatric treatment
Do you prescribe medication?
Steve does not prescribe medication as that function is provided by psychiatrists. Anyone needing medication is also in need of “talk” therapy as well. Scientific studies have proven that clients get better quicker and stay healthy longer when both psychopharmocological intervention and talk therapy are combined.
Steve has a working relationship with several respected psychiatrists who refuse to over-medicate clients. Since most psychiatrists do not provide therapy these days, they feel more secure in medicating clients who are being monitored by a psychotherapist.
What costs can I expect?
It is impossible to know, at the beginning, how many sessions or what kind of sessions will most helpful. After a careful assessment of your situation and your goals, we can make an educated estimate together. Such estimates are subject to change as we gain more information about your situation or as your treatment goals change.
It may be useful to know, however, that 90% of outpatient episodes last less than 25 visits. Yours may last longer, and we will be in a better position to judge that after several sessions. However, this at least gives you a beginning point.
It may also help to know that many research studies show that most people gain financially by a successful course in outpatient therapy. These gains may come in a variety of ways.
(A) There is a strong connection between mental and physical well being. Emotional distress uses up our physical resources. For the short term, that is not a problem. Long term distress makes the body more vulnerable to a wide range of problems because its resources are depleted.
(B) For similar reasons, people who already suffer physical illness heal more quickly, and for fewer dollars, when needed therapy is included in their treatment.
(C) Emotional distress often interferes with productivity on the job. People cannot do their best when they are anxious or upset. Again, for the short term, this is usually not a problem. Long term distress often creates work problems and decreases in income. Studies show that people’s earnings often go up after effective therapy.
(D) Marital therapy that preserves a marriage lets people avoid high legal fees and other expenses of a divorce. Therapy that helps people who go through divorce also lowers the high legal fees associatied with ongoing post-divorce bitterness.
(E) Therapy with children often leads to higher self esteem and better academic performance. Both are associated with higher adult income.
It may be useful to think of therapy as an investment rather than a cost. Also, people do expect to pay most professional fees, such as lawyers, dentists, and CPA’s out of pocket. Because of the growing problems with third party reimbursement, we anticipate that most therapy in the future will also be paid out of pocket.
