Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Wondering what to expect? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Have a question that isn’t answered here? No problem. Feel free to ask any question HERE and we’ll get right back to you with an answer!
1. How much is therapy and how long are the sessions?
Leavitt Institute seeks to provide affordable options for those seeking counseling. Our fees are as low as $50 per fifty-minute session.
2. How do I know if I need to see a therapist?
Most people think of therapy as a last resort. What many don’t realize is that therapy can greatly enrich your life whether you’re in ‘crisis’ or not. Therapy may be fitting if you can relate to any of the following: the problem feels too big or complex to handle alone; others suggest you need to talk to someone or get some form of help; you’ve tried numerous strategies over the years but still seem to feel ‘stuck’ in negative patterns of emotions, thoughts, behaviors or relationship patterns; or, you just don’t seem to be reaching your full potential in your marriage, career, friendships, or hobbies.
3. Will my health insurance pay for therapy?
We are happy to provide you with a detailed receipt to help you seek reimbursement from your insurance company. You may want to call them to ask if your plan has “out-of-network mental health benefits” and get details about your benefits.
In addition, you must qualify for a mental health diagnosis in order to have insurance reimburse you for treatment. Insurance generally does not cover relationship/marriage counseling. If this arrangement does not work for you, we are happy to help you find another provider who is on your insurance provider panel. We also accept payment from LDS Bishop’s and other religious clergy.
4. What can I expect in the first session?
You can think of the initial session as a two-way interview. It is a chance for you to get a feel for your therapist and make sure that they are a “good fit” for you. Each therapist has his/her own style and theoretical approach, but during the first session your therapist will ask many questions regarding what brings you to counseling, what you hope to gain from your visits, and information about your emotional, behavioral and relationship history. From there we may seek to gain a clear understanding of how and to what extent the issue gives you difficulty or concern and how we can address the issue in terms of working toward a solution. The session may end by discussing how many sessions it is likely to take to attain your goals, as well as find a time and day each week to meet on a consistent basis. It is normal to have some apprehension about the initial session. We understand that and will do our best to help you feel at ease.
5. Does religion have to play a role in counseling?
No. In fact it is unconventional for therapists to involve religion in therapy unless the patient(s) have established this preference. In this case, it is still considered unethical for a therapist to impose personal beliefs on clients and religion is incorporated only to a level based on the client’s wishes. Although this is a frequent concern of potential clients; however, it is usually resolved as the role of the therapist is better understood in the first session. Should you have this concern in seeking therapy, voice your preferences with the therapist.
6. How long will I be in treatment?
Because everyone is different it is hard to foresee the length of time needed to make the desired progress. In general, you can openly discuss the length of treatment with your therapist as you progress along the treatment process. Generally in the beginning, it is most effective to attend therapy weekly and the national average number of sessions is eight to ten.
7. Am I a failure if I go to a therapist?
No. This inaccurate perception has largely died out. Seeking help in a time of need shows courage and character. Wise is the person or family who utilizes those resources from which they can best benefit. A person consults with a physician because they undergo training to help treat physical ailments. Similarly, a person can consult with a therapist because they train to help treat behavioral problems, situational stressors and relational issues. It stands to reason that humans are not mere physical beings, but that mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions all factor in and contribute to healthy living.
8. What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and marriage and family therapist?
Generally speaking, each of these disciplines function under the umbrella of mental health professionals. However, once closely examined, there are some differences in education and training that can impact the type of services you will receive. The following is a brief overview of what you might expect from each discipline:
- Psychiatry: Primarily deals with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental disorders in the form of medication.
- Psychology: The study of the mind and behavior processes of humans.
- Sociology: Examines the social behavior of humans including social, economic, culture, and religious influences.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: The study of human behavior in the context of families and interpersonal relationships.
The type and extent of training for each of these professions varies, but as a minimum, each has a master’s level education (with the exception of a psychiatry where a MD (Doctor of Medicine) is required) and satisfies extensive requirements which usually includes numerous hours of clinical experience.
9. How can simply talking about a problem fix it?
Talking in of itself does not fix problems. But if through talking comes understanding and meaningful insight, change may begin to occur. Many therapists believe that real, meaningful change is first experienced within. That change from within will suggests a positive shift in perspective (a paradigm shift). If this can be accomplished, the likelihood that a change in behavior will follow significantly increases. That’s not to imply that therapy is all talk. Many therapeutic models include identifying goals and developing treatment plans that reflect regular assignments. These are given to apply, or to act, as it were, on what has transpired in therapy. Lasting change takes work. It is a process, not an event.
10. Will I be sent off to a mental hospital against my will?
In some forms of treatment (e.g. residential) hospitalization may be more likely to occur, but in general, hospitalization is not common. Only in rare cases is hospitalization necessary. These include life threatening emergencies, and revolve around the safety and well-being of the person being treated and or others. Out of the general population, only a very small percentage ever needs to be hospitalized for psychological reasons and even fewer are taken against their will (again, these few have threaten harm to themselves or someone else).
11. Can’t I just read a book, attend a parenting class, etc. and get the help I need?
There are many excellent resources that can contribute to individual and marital happiness. A good book and parenting classes are certainly among them. If however, you are still experiencing problems after these activities, therapy may be able to help. One of the benefits of therapy is that it is designed to work on a personal level. That is, you or your family, and your presenting goals and concerns are the primary focus of treatment. If you are looking for resources you may take a look at our blog, our helpful articles, as well as some recommended reading.
12. Can’t I just put my problems behind me, move on, and hope for the best next time?
You can certainly try. However, sometimes when problems are not adequately addressed, they continue resurfacing. Oftentimes, the more we deal with life in this manner the more difficult it usually becomes to move on after each successive disappointment, frustration, or conflict. In some cases, each issue that is not dealt with appropriately accumulates with other prior unresolved issues, thus creating a wedge in our relationships or personal progress. Furthermore, when too many issues accumulate, the overflow can surface in the form of symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, a lack of focus, ulcers, headaches, muscle tightness, and the like. Our problems are akin to a container that becomes too full and spills over if not monitored regularly.
13. Will what I say in therapy sessions be kept private and confidential?
Confidentiality is a legal and ethical requirement in therapy. What is discussed between therapist and client(s) is strictly confidential. There are however some exceptions this agreement. These include, but are not limited to: 1) written permission from client(s) to obtain or release information with a third party (e.g. physician), 2) reviewing case content with an approved supervisor, 3) mandated reporting laws (e.g. elderly abuse, child abuse, plans to harm self or another), 4) subpoena by a judge, 5) providing required information to an insurance company to collect payment for services rendered.
