Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a free-flowing conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
Have you gone to therapy before? How did that go?
What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?
You can ask me questions as well. The most important part of a first session is that you see if you feel I’m a good fit for you. If you feel supported, seen, and at-ease with me, we will discuss if you’d like to meet again.
If you would like to learn more about what to expect for the first sessions of couples therapy, please reach out for a consultation!
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Unless you are in danger or someone else is danger, your story is confidential and your time in the session is protected. Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance.
If you choose to sign Release of Information forms that specifically allow me to speak with other members of your treatment team, such as your primary care provider or your couples therapist, I then will be permitted to speak with those parties regarding your care with me.
If you see me out-of-network and choose to submit to your insurance the superbills I provide, your insurance will require that I list a diagnosis on the superbill. Thus, your insurance company will be aware of whatever diagnosis I list, even if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you are using your insurance benefits directly for the sessions, your insurance will have access to any diagnoses I list for you as well as any other information your insurance company requests regarding your care.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during a free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.
Can I have therapy sessions with you in-person?
No, at this time I am offering only virtual services through a secure video telehealth platform. I can work with anyone who lives in Pennsylvania with an internet connection and a device such as a smart phone or laptop.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
I do my best to be understanding that life is unpredictable when managing cancellations and rescheduling requests. I require 24 hours notice for any cancelled or requests to reschedule appointments. If for any reason you must cancel an appointment within less than 24 hours notice, I will charge your credit card on file for the full fee of the session as I dedicate that time to you and your growth.
How often should I come to therapy?
Weekly therapy will get you the best, fastest results, but we have some options! I request that all new individual clients commit to meeting weekly for the two months of therapy. This allows us to jump start the process of getting to know each other and for me to assess how to best meet your needs. After that initial period, if it is clinically indicated for you to reduce your session frequency to bi-weekly (every other week), I am happy to discuss that possibility and make the shift. I generally do not see clients less than bi-weekly and can’t hold a recurring therapy slot in my schedule for anyone seeing me less than bi-weekly. However, if you are no longer in need of consistent therapy but still want the option to “check in” once in a while, we can discuss how we can schedule you in my non-recurring “flex” slots.
For couples, I request that all new couples clients commit to meeting weekly for the first 5 weeks, and after that we can decide together what an appropriate session frequency will be for you.
How can I get started?
I'm here to talk during a free phone consultation where you can discuss what's on your mind and we can decide together how I can help.
Email me today to get your free phone consultation at aliciadlugoslcsw@gmail.com.