How do I get started?
Once you contact us, we can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to ensure that we can provide a good fit for your needs. Please know that we do not provide emergency psychiatric services. We will then schedule a 90 minute intake at which time you will meet your therapist and clarify therapy goals. Subsequent sessions are 45 – 60 minutes and are usually scheduled one week apart. The total number of weekly sessions varies with each individual and can range from one session to six months or more.
How does payment and health insurance reimbursement work?
Red Bank Counseling is an “out of network” provider for most private insurances. As “out-of-network” providers, Red Bank Counseling will supply you with a statement that you can submit to your insurance company; and your insurance provider will send you any reimbursements that are covered by your plan. It is important to know what your health care coverage is, and we recommend calling or asking for assistance to inquire about your out-of-network therapy benefits.
We accept payment at the time of service by means of check, credit card or cash.
If you are using health insurance for your treatment it’s important to know what your insurance policy covers.
We recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:
- Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
- Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
- What is my co-pay for each visit?
What is your Cancellation Policy?
If you need to cancel, please notify us by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance. If you need to reschedule, we will make every effort to reschedule you within the week. With cancellation less than 24 hours notice, or a missed appointment and no capacity to reschedule within the week, we reserve the right to charge for the missed or cancelled appointment.
How often are the sessions?
Appointments are available weekdays, evenings and occasionally weekends, and last from 45-60 minutes. The frequency of sessions is arranged by you and your treating clinician, and is based on therapeutic needs and goals. Termination is usually a mutual goal that is planned for by the client and therapist.
Psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy, is most effective when done in a consistent manner, so most often psychotherapy sessions are once weekly or twice each month. That said, we are flexible and can personalize a schedule that works best for you.
Once a therapeutic relationship is established, the need may arise for electronic communication via HIPPA compliant, confidential telepsychology software platforms. At Red Bank Counseling, we are comfortable working with telepsychology methods in servicing our NJ and NY clients.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.