FAQ’s
General
Who do you work with? I provide counseling to pre-teens, adolescents , & adults (age 10-mature adult). I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, low self-esteem/self-worth, adjustment/transition, identity exploration, personal development, grief and loss, trauma processing, academic or career pressure, co-dependence/boundary setting, and issues with family or peer relations.
Are there any presenting needs or types of client’s you DO NOT work with? I do not conduct child custody evaluations, provide custody recommendations, or write letters for unemployment or disability. I also do not provide treatment for moderate to severe PTSD, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, or personality disorders. I do provide services to those who experience on going suicidal ideation, however, if it reached a crisis level, I will refer for more appropriate services. Assessment will be done in the intake and as needed subsequently to always ensure services are appropriate, and referrals will be provided if needed.
Do you prescribe medication? No, I am not a medical doctor. To learn more about medication treatment please see your primary care physician or psychiatrist, who are qualified to evaluate for and prescribe medication.
Do you accept insurance? I do not currently accept insurance. I will collect payment in full from you at the time of service. I can provide you a receipt to submit for reimbursement if you have the ability to utilize Out of Network with your insurance provider. Please check with your insurance provider directly about the possibility to utilize this option. See my rates page for more information on OON reimbursement.
What is your cancellation policy? I require a notice of cancellation from the client 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. I may be able to offer a make-up session time, but this is not guaranteed. If the client cancels less than 24-hours in advance, the client is responsible for the full service fee.
Questions Regarding Telehealth
How can you ensure telehealth is confidential? I utilize a HIPAA protected practice management software for all paperwork, payments, and video sessions called SimplePractice.
Will telehealth (TH) be as effective as in-person (IP)? A 2022 literature review of 22 telehealth studies states, “For individuals with various mood and anxiety disorders, both treatment modalities reduced anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms and improved [quality of life]” (Bellanti et. al., 2021). Since providing telehealth since Spring of 2020, my work with pre-teens, teens, and adults has reflected this same conclusion.
What are the pros of telehealth? Telehealth is more time friendly, accessible, and you can do it from the comfort of your home or if you are somewhere else in California. The 2021 research review also outlines, “The majority of studies found no significant differences in satisfaction with care, quality of the therapeutic alliance, or study discontinuation between TH and IP groups” (Bellanti et. al., 2021).
When is telehealth not appropriate? Telehealth is not appropriate for those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms such as current/active plan for suicide, psychosis, crisis, or other symptoms that point to a need for a higher level of psychiatric care. If in crisis call 911 or contact the national crisis line at 988.
How do you suggest a client prepares for a session? Ask any questions you may have about how the SimplePractice platform works, utilize a device you are comfortable navigating, use headphones for privacy, and find a quiet, private space to engage in your session.
Can I access services out of state or out of the country? I am only able to provide services if you are in the state of California, due to MFT licensing guidelines.
Reference:
Dawn M Bellanti, DNP, MSN, Marija S Kelber, PhD, Don E Workman, PhD, Erin H Beech, MA, Brad E Belsher, PhD, Rapid Review on the Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions for the Treatment of Behavioral Health Disorders, Military Medicine, Volume 187, Issue 5-6, May/June 2022, Pages e577–e588, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab318