Therapy FAQs

We use the terms of counseling and therapy interchangeably. Counseling involves a collaborative process where you work with a trained professional who will support you in resolving personal conflicts and emotional difficulties. There are several different types of therapy but all have the goal of supporting you in making the changes you desire in your life.

Your therapist will begin the process by completing an intake. The intake often takes the first two to three sessions and involves exploring:

• Your current concerns and symptoms
• Your family of origin and childhood
• Your relationships
• Current family dynamics
• Past treatment
• And more…

The intake process allows your therapist to have a deepened understanding of your past experiences, how they shape your current reality and allows your therapist to provide you with insight into your current thoughts, behaviors and problems.

Following the intake sessions your therapist will guide you through the process of change through deepened self-learning. Change usually involves a combination of developing healthier ways of thinking, learning new coping skills and changing behavior.

The ultimate goal of counseling is to enhance your sense of well-being and happiness, however the specific goals for how to reach this vary with each person. Counseling is designed to empower and support you through the process of change towards your goals.

The cost of counseling services will vary depending upon whether you use insurance or not and also per insurance plan. To give you the most accurate estimate of your cost, we suggest you call in to provide us your full insurance information so we can verify your mental health benefit coverage.

We do like to remind all clients that a quote of benefits and/or authorization does not guarantee payment or verify eligibility. Payment of benefits is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at the time of service. Any cost not covered by your insurance is your responsibility.

Yes. We follow HIPAA guidelines as well as those of our ethical guidelines. These guidelines and the State of Minnesota/Wisconsin impose some limitations to your rights to confidentiality. The following is a list of situations when you may lose your right to confidentiality:

• Any maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults (including physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect).
• Any prenatal exposure to controlled substances.
• Any serious harm you intend to inflict on yourself or another.
• Any information that is ordered or directed by Court Order to conform to state or federal law, rules or regulations.
• Any information requested by the licensing board as is pertinent to a disciplinary proceeding involving a provider.

If you are a minor, you also have a limited right to privacy because your parents may have access to your records. However, if your therapist believes sharing this information will be harmful to you (which it very often is), confidentiality will be maintained to the limits of the law.

Group Therapy: The right to confidentiality is addressed in the group setting; however, Collaborative Counseling & Psychology and group therapists are not responsible for any breaches of confidentiality by group members.

Deciding whether or not to see a therapist is one of personal preference. If you are unsure of your preference, we recommend scheduling an initial appointment with a therapist to explore whether therapy is a good fit for you. At the initial visit your therapist will help you explore your concerns and goals and will make recommendations tailored to your needs.

Sessions are typically between 45 to 60 minutes. When longer sessions are warranted we provide 75 to 80 minute sessions as well.

The length of time in therapy varies significantly depending upon your unique, individual circumstances and goals. Some clients are able to complete therapy in one session and others require ongoing therapy for years. When you initially meet with your therapist they will help you explore and better understand what therapy will look like for you.

Research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for about half of those seeking therapy to recover from what they are seeking therapy for, according to self report measures. Some clients may also be in therapy for years and others may be in therapy for a number of sessions several times off and on throughout the course of their lifespan.

When you initially meet with your therapist they will help you explore and better understand what therapy will look like for you and what they recommend based on your own personalized treatment plan and goals.

Call us to schedule your initial visit at 763-210-9966. We are excited to hear from you!