Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy like?
Each person who comes to therapy has a different experience. In general, the main idea is for you to have a comfortable place in which you can discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that you are looking to change or trying to accept. While you talk, I listen nonjudgmentally, ask questions, make observations, and identify connections or discrepancies. At times, I may offer education that you may not know and could help. If I notice a thought process or behavior that might be perpetuating whatever you are trying to change, I may gently challenge you a bit. If a specific technique or intervention seems appropriate, we might incorporate whatever fits. At the end of the session, I usually make some suggestions, which we will address the next time we see each other. Overall, each client's therapeutic experience is different and we will work together to make your therapy as effective as it can be for you.
What will be expected of me?
That you come to scheduled appointments on time and engage as much as you can. It is noteworthy that therapy is most effective when you make a deliberate effort to incorporate insights, techniques, and suggestions into your life in between sessions. There are 168 hours in the week and there's no reason the hour you spend in therapy should be the only hour you spend trying to improve your life. There are three main ways to engage in bewteen sessions: thinking, writing, and doing. I may ask you to think about certain questions or comments made during session, I may suggest you keep track of certain thoughts or write about something in your life, or I may suggest you practice doing certain things that could help. It is also possible that you decide what you are going to do after each session without any direct suggestions from me. In fact, there are so many ways you can attain your goals and we can certainly work together to determine the best methods for you.
How do I know I need therapy?
The answer to this question depends on many things - mostly, it depends on the person asking the question. The following are only a few of the reasons people seek therapy:
How do I know therapy will help?
The most honest answer is "it depends." Everybody can benefit from therapy, but the extent of that benefit depends on you, me, and the way we work together. Are you willing to engage in treatment and pursue change? Are we doing everything we can to move you in the right direction? Therapy is like a journey that we take together. The best therapist does not lead you down the "best path," but shines a light so you can clearly see the options and choose the one that works best for you.
How often should I go to therapy?
Ideally, therapy works best if you attend regularly. I have found that once a week is the most effective and efficient way to go. With that being said, I am well aware of the busy world in which we live and will see clients less frequently if it is necessary and/or clinically indicated.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
This 100% depends on you and your treatment goals. Some people get what they need out of 6 or 8 sessions, whereas others will keep the therapeutic process going for years.
How long is a session?
The initial session is generally one hour and each subsequent session is 50 minutes.
What is your fee?
I charge $100 for a 50-minute session. If that sounds like a bit much for you, we can discuss other options.
Do you take insurance?
At present, I am on the following insurance panels: MHNet, Multiplan, Coventry Health Care, First Health Network, & PHCS. I also accept Victims of Crime funding as well as One Source. Some insurance companies will make exceptions for out-of-network providers. If you have a PPO, please check with your insurance company and I will certainly accept your insurance if they are willing to pay for the sessions. I would have no problem completing the necessary paperwork for your sessions to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Lastly, as a psychological assistant, Dr. Filizetti's fees are less than mine, and she may be able to accomodate your fincancial needs.
How can I pay?
I accept check, cash, and credit cards. If you decide you'd like to pay with a credit card, I accept payment through Pay Pal.
What is a psychological assistant?
A psychological assistant is an individual who can provide psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They are registered with Board of Psychology as a Registered Psychological Assistant. At minimum, psychological assistants must have a Masters degree. The psychological assistants associated with Ross Psychology are both in the final stages of becoming Licensed Clinical Psychologists. Please see Dr. Filizetti's page for more information.
Are there benefits to seeing a psychological assistant?
Yes! There are many benefits to choosing a psychological assistant as a therapist. To name a few:
Please do not hesitate to call or email with additional questions. My email address is RossPsychology@gmail.com and my phone number is 858-361-2229. While my office hours vary, I generally return phone calls and emails between the hours of 8am and 7pm Monday through Friday.
Each person who comes to therapy has a different experience. In general, the main idea is for you to have a comfortable place in which you can discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that you are looking to change or trying to accept. While you talk, I listen nonjudgmentally, ask questions, make observations, and identify connections or discrepancies. At times, I may offer education that you may not know and could help. If I notice a thought process or behavior that might be perpetuating whatever you are trying to change, I may gently challenge you a bit. If a specific technique or intervention seems appropriate, we might incorporate whatever fits. At the end of the session, I usually make some suggestions, which we will address the next time we see each other. Overall, each client's therapeutic experience is different and we will work together to make your therapy as effective as it can be for you.
What will be expected of me?
That you come to scheduled appointments on time and engage as much as you can. It is noteworthy that therapy is most effective when you make a deliberate effort to incorporate insights, techniques, and suggestions into your life in between sessions. There are 168 hours in the week and there's no reason the hour you spend in therapy should be the only hour you spend trying to improve your life. There are three main ways to engage in bewteen sessions: thinking, writing, and doing. I may ask you to think about certain questions or comments made during session, I may suggest you keep track of certain thoughts or write about something in your life, or I may suggest you practice doing certain things that could help. It is also possible that you decide what you are going to do after each session without any direct suggestions from me. In fact, there are so many ways you can attain your goals and we can certainly work together to determine the best methods for you.
How do I know I need therapy?
The answer to this question depends on many things - mostly, it depends on the person asking the question. The following are only a few of the reasons people seek therapy:
- you find that you have a lot on your mind but are having a hard time sorting it all out
- you find yourself worrying quite a bit about things out of your control
- you have experienced a loss and need help with the grieving process
- you have experienced a traumatic event and need help healing, "letting go," or "moving on"
- you feel depressed and can't seem to "snap out of it"
- you are wondering if the way you are dealing with life is normal and/or healthy
- you think that you may benefic from having an outside perspective on managing your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, etc.
- you find that the way you deal with life stressors doesn't seem to be working right now
- you engage in behaviors that are destructive to yourself or others
- you are looking to improve yourself or your life in anyway whatsoever...
How do I know therapy will help?
The most honest answer is "it depends." Everybody can benefit from therapy, but the extent of that benefit depends on you, me, and the way we work together. Are you willing to engage in treatment and pursue change? Are we doing everything we can to move you in the right direction? Therapy is like a journey that we take together. The best therapist does not lead you down the "best path," but shines a light so you can clearly see the options and choose the one that works best for you.
How often should I go to therapy?
Ideally, therapy works best if you attend regularly. I have found that once a week is the most effective and efficient way to go. With that being said, I am well aware of the busy world in which we live and will see clients less frequently if it is necessary and/or clinically indicated.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
This 100% depends on you and your treatment goals. Some people get what they need out of 6 or 8 sessions, whereas others will keep the therapeutic process going for years.
How long is a session?
The initial session is generally one hour and each subsequent session is 50 minutes.
What is your fee?
I charge $100 for a 50-minute session. If that sounds like a bit much for you, we can discuss other options.
Do you take insurance?
At present, I am on the following insurance panels: MHNet, Multiplan, Coventry Health Care, First Health Network, & PHCS. I also accept Victims of Crime funding as well as One Source. Some insurance companies will make exceptions for out-of-network providers. If you have a PPO, please check with your insurance company and I will certainly accept your insurance if they are willing to pay for the sessions. I would have no problem completing the necessary paperwork for your sessions to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Lastly, as a psychological assistant, Dr. Filizetti's fees are less than mine, and she may be able to accomodate your fincancial needs.
How can I pay?
I accept check, cash, and credit cards. If you decide you'd like to pay with a credit card, I accept payment through Pay Pal.
What is a psychological assistant?
A psychological assistant is an individual who can provide psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They are registered with Board of Psychology as a Registered Psychological Assistant. At minimum, psychological assistants must have a Masters degree. The psychological assistants associated with Ross Psychology are both in the final stages of becoming Licensed Clinical Psychologists. Please see Dr. Filizetti's page for more information.
Are there benefits to seeing a psychological assistant?
Yes! There are many benefits to choosing a psychological assistant as a therapist. To name a few:
- You get to benefit from the minds of two therapists because all psychological assistants have a licensed psychologist as their direct supervisor.
- Psych assistants are usually in touch with the most up-to-date treatment options as they are often newer to the field.
- Psych assistants can be more motivated to continue expanding their knowledge and often put more work into your treatment as compared to more experienced clinicians.
- The cost is often significantly less to see a psych assistant as compared to licensed professionals.
Please do not hesitate to call or email with additional questions. My email address is RossPsychology@gmail.com and my phone number is 858-361-2229. While my office hours vary, I generally return phone calls and emails between the hours of 8am and 7pm Monday through Friday.