FAQ's
How do I know if I need therapy?
Therapy is for everyone, no matter what stage you are in life. Whether you think you’ve got everything figured out or not. Therapy is a great way to identify patterns of behavior or thinking that are no longer working for you, address life stressors, help provide you with a sounding board, or to manage deeper issues such as trauma.
What do I talk about in my first session with my therapist?
The first session is called an assessment. Your therapist will ask you questions to help identify various areas of your life and help you determine what areas you would like to focus on and improve. Should there be a diagnosis then your therapist will inform you of that after the assessment. Not all assessments will lead to a specific diagnosis and diagnosis can change over time. If your diagnosis should change over the course of treatment then your therapist will discuss this with you.
What do I do before my first session?
We are excited to see you for your first therapy session! Click the link here to get started so we can gather your insurance or self-pay information. Our electronic health record system makes it easy for you to fill out your demographic information, complete your intake paperwork and book your appointment easily!
How long is therapy?
There isn’t a set time frame for how long therapy lasts as treatment is dependent on the person’s specific needs and ability to resolve the issues that arise. Estimated timeframes can be discussed with your therapist. Upon discharge, you will be provided with an after-care plan and we encourage you to come back to therapy if you ever need it again.
Will I or my child get a diagnosis?
Not all problems or issues that a person experiences meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis. Following the assessment, the therapist will disclose any diagnosable condition as well as collaborate with you on a treatment plan to address the problems in impairment.
Is therapy expensive?
Self-pay rates vary by therapist and are based on the therapist’s level of licensure, years of experience, and specialties offered. Each therapist's self-pay rate is listed on the Clinicians page. You will be provided with a "Good Faith Estimate" so that you are aware of the cost of services. Lastly, for some clients that are experiencing financial hardship we do offer a reduced rate; please call us if you believe you qualify.
Can I use my insurance?
The agency does take a variety of insurances including Medicaid and Medicare. Click on the About Us page to see an updated list or contact illuminatedpathllc@gmail.com to see if we take your plan. You may have to pay a copay or pay your insurance contracted amount prior to meeting your deductible. Before you book your appointment our administrative staff will give you specific details according to your plans’ Explanation of Benefits page. All copays and fees will be collected prior to the start of your appointment.
Can I pick a specific therapist?
Yes! Our therapists have experience, training, and specializations in different areas. We want you to have the best outcome possible so please check out the Clinician’s bios and see if you find someone you think would best fit your needs. Otherwise, we will match you with someone we think would be best suited.
What if my therapist is not a good fit?
We believe that treatment is most effective when there is a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client. If at any time you do not feel that you and your therapist are not a good fit or you need a therapist with more experience in a specific area we will try and match you with someone at the agency or provide referrals to a local therapist who can better meet your needs.
What about prescription medication for mental health?
Not all mental health needs warrant the use of prescription medication and we do not have medical providers on staff that can prescribe medication. We are happy to provide you with local resources to psychiatrists that would be able to do this should the need arise.
How do you treat children for mental health or behavioral problems?
We believe each person and especially a child has unique emotional needs and at times when these needs are unmet children often respond by engaging in negative or acting out behaviors. During the assessment, the therapist will speak with the child/adolescent 1:1 as well as with the parent/caregiver to determine what the child’s needs are and what the best course of action to take during therapy will be. Over the course of treatment, the therapist will engage the child in individual therapy and bring the parent/caregiver in for family therapy sessions.
Is your agency inclusive?
All of our clinicians and staff are trained in and practice cultural humility and demonstrate respect for people from all walks of life. We strive to understand the individual in the context of their environment and meet that person’s unique needs and highlight their strengths.