Mothers Have Needs Too!

How do I set up an appointment?

Contact me by phone or email for more info or to set up a FREE 30 minute phone consultation:  (831) 425-4475 or aworkofheart@att.net

When I call, what can I expect to happen?

1. You will reach my voicemail.  I check my voicemail frequently, throughout the day, and generally will be able to return your call the same business day.
2. At that time, I will call you back and if needed, we can arrange a time to discuss your concerns. That's when I'll provide an assessment. This is a free 20 minute phone consultation. If phone counseling is appropriate for you, we'll schedule an appointment for our first session together.
3. For our first and subsequent sessions, I will call you at our appointment time.
   

How can phone counseling be as effective as meeting with my therapist, face-to-face?

Phone counseling allows people to focus exclusively on what is being said without any distractions. If you have children at home, it's important that you have someone else there who can meet their needs while you are on the phone. Sometimes that means getting a babysitter. Sometimes it can be a video depending on the child's age and personality. If you are able to get the time to just focus on the therapy, you may find that the privacy and anonymity of working over the phone increases a feeling of safety in the counseling relationship. Some find it simply more convenient. To learn more, the links below provide articles that support the efficacy of Phone Counseling:

http://www.consumerreports.org/mg/free-highlights/manage-your-health/depression/phonetherapy.htm

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9C02E2DD123EF936A1575BC0A9629C8B63

http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr02/studyshows.html

How many sessions should I expect to have?
This can vary, and is something we can decide on together. My intention is to help people get what they need from therapy as quickly as their circumstances allow. Some people find they get what they need out of just one session. Some find it more useful to do two, three, or as many as eight sessions. Others may want to do more. Again, this will be up to you.

What are the costs?
I have a standard fee and a sliding scale.  I can be flexible with the cost of this service, and we can discuss this during your free phone session. 

How is payment made?
You can pay for your session, up to one hour in advance, through PayPal. If needed, I will be happy to help you through this simple process. It is highly secure, and PayPal allows you to use most major credit cards.

Will my insurance cover Phone Counseling?

Some insurance carriers do reimburse for phone counseling, some do not.  Please contact your insurance company for coverage limits.  If you wish to use your insurance, I will collect the fee and send you a superbill which you can then send to your insurance company so that they will send the reimbursement to you.

What if my insurance company does not cover Phone Counseling?
You may find the convenience and effectiveness of phone counseling is worth the investment. It's like working with a personal trainer to enhance your body's fitness. Working with a therapist can do the same for your life. This is a decision only you can make.

If you are not local to my area and insurance reimbursement is a concern for you, I will encourage you to seek counseling with a licensed therapist in your area.  If you are in my area and your insurance doesn't cover phone counseling and you still wish to use it, give me a call or email me and we can discuss setting an in-office appointment for you.