Frequently Asked Questions
Here are several answers to questions new clients have asked.
What ages will you see for psychotherapy?
Michael sees clients as young as 4½-years-old through seniors (his the oldest client to date was 98-years-old).
Individual psychotherapy sessions are generally 55-60 minutes. Family and conjoint therapy sessions are generally 45-55 minutes.
Individual psychotherapy sessions are generally 55-60 minutes. Family and conjoint therapy sessions are generally 45-55 minutes.
How Often Do I Attend Sessions?
Initially, new clients will be seen once a week. In time, many clients sessions decrease to once every two weeks as they make progress. As treatment nears completion, many clients decrease their sessions to once a month for several months for check-in sessions to insure they have integrated the skills and techniques they have learned. In other cases, some clients chose to continue and shift to supportive treatment rather discontinue treatment. Generally speaking, supportive treatment is for clients with chronic or long-term mental health concerns (e.g., bipolar disorder, chronic traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia) or managing chronic or long-term stressors including chronic medical conditions.
Can Clients Schedule Sessions In Advance?
Michael tries to keeps his schedule full to serve as many clients as possible; however, it can be difficult to get an appointment should you attempt to schedule each week. Instead, Michael encourages his clients to schedule their session about 4-5 weeks out and add one more each time they come which allows them to have regular days and times and the most flexibility in the choice of days and times.
What About SSDI Applications & Clients?
Michael does not see clients who are seeking disability unless the client is willing to pay for their sessions in cash (e.g., out of pocket). In the event an established client becomes disabled or decides to file for disability (SSDI), Michael will continue to see the client as long as the client agrees to pay for all of their future sessions in cash (e.g., out of pockets). Michael will work with you to transfer your care to a clinician who will see clients with SSDI. Reason: Michael has had fees retroactively taken back by an insurance company when a client was found disabled.
What clients are you not able or willing to see?
- Michael does not see clients who are seeking Disability (SSDI) unless the client is willing to pay cash for sessions out-of-pocket.
- Michael does not see clients for primary substance abuse issues as the clinic facilities do not allow for drug testing and he regards chemical addictions treatment as a specialty.
- Michael does not see clients for primary eating disorders (where a client is losing significant portions of their body weight each month). He does see clients with minor body image issues.
- Michael does not see sex offenders for any reason as the clinic has a public waiting room and he sees clients who are minors.
- Michael does not see couples for couples counseling or marital therapy. He does see individuals, who are in couples counseling with their partner, when the individual has been referred for their own individual psychotherapy. Michael does allow caregivers and partners to participate in conjoint-family sessions when they are in critical supportive roles (e.g., caregivers and partners of individuals with significant medical issues). Occasionally, Michael will do several brief conjoint sessions a with partner of a client whose in individual therapy to work through minor issues on a case-by-case basis when requested by the client.
- Michael does not allow therapy animals in his sessions or the clinic waiting room. No exceptions.
- Michael does not see individuals where there are conflicts of interest or whom he knows in other walks of life (i.e., where dual relationships might be an issue