Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
I'm interested in therapy. How do I get started?
What additional information will you need from me to get started?
What can I expect from my first session?
What insurances do you accept?
What if I don't want to use my insurance?
How can Therapy Help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
I'm interested in therapy. How do I get started?
Thank you so much for your interest in working with OCC! To help us get started, please complete the following survey. Your answers will help us better support you and your needs. Completing this survey does not guarantee availability.
Click Here For Scheduling Survey
What additional information will you need from me to get started?
We will need your legal name, date of birth, and email address. Providing this information will allow us to email you an invite to create an account within our patient portal. You will be asked to first complete our Registration Form which includes a space to upload photos of your insurance cards and other pertinent information that will help us review your insurance benefits. Once eligibility is determined, you will be asked to complete and sign our new patient packet. All of these documents may be completed and submitted electronically.
What can I expect from my first session?
During your first session, your assigned clinician will review your completed paperwork and general guidelines for treatment and offer you the opportunity to ask specific questions related to your care. Expect to talk a lot about yourself including current challenges and symptoms as well as past treatment and diagnoses. Also expect to answer questions about yourself. And expect to talk a lot about your feelings.
What insurances do you accept?
We accept:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- IBX
- United Healthcare
- BCBS
- Horizon
We plan to accept a few other insurance plans in the future. Please check back often as this list may change.
What if I don't want to use my insurance?
You don’t have to! Utilizing your insurance typically allows you to pay less for treatment. However, this means that your insurance plan is entitled to know information related to your treatment such as your diagnosis, frequency of meetings, treatment plan, session notes, and progress achieved. Some individuals prefer to keep this information confidential and opt to pay out of pocket for services. Please feel free to discuss this with us when you make your appointment.