Frequently Asked Questions

First, let’s completely acknowledge that it’s normal to feel unsure about starting therapy. Many people wonder if it will really help them, and the truth is, therapy can be a powerful tool for understanding yourself, gaining clarity, and learning new ways to cope with life's challenges. It’s a personal journey, and while it may take time, many find that therapy provides valuable support, insight, and strategies to improve their well-being.

Therapy can help with many aspects of mental and emotional well-being, including managing anxiety, depression, stress, and relationships. It can also support you in navigating life transitions, overcoming past trauma, building self-confidence, and improving communication skills. Therapy is a personal process, and together we can work on whatever you feel is most important for your growth and healing.

The length of therapy can vary depending on your goals and needs. Some people find short-term therapy helpful for specific issues, while others may choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Together, we’ll determine the frequency that works best for you, and we can reassess as you make progress. Ultimately, the duration of therapy is about what’s most beneficial for your healing and growth.

At Resilient Roots, we typically recommend starting with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build a strong rapport with your therapist.

A good match with a therapist is key to feeling comfortable and making progress in therapy. Look for someone who listens to you, makes you feel safe, and respects your needs and values.

It's important that their approach aligns with your goals, whether it's a focus on specific issues, a certain therapy style, or a collaborative process. Would you like someone to mainly listen and then help you process your thoughts? Or maybe you’d benefit from a more direct approach that will be more conversational in sessions?

Trust your feelings—if you feel understood and supported, you're likely on the right track. Definitely ask questions and schedule a consultation call to see if their approach and personality feel like a good fit for you.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a trusting relationship. We’ll review your intake paperwork and talk about why you're seeking therapy, discuss your goals, and explore any challenges you're facing. It’s a time for you to ask questions, and for me to explain how I work, so you feel comfortable and informed moving forward. We will also schedule out your sessions. It’s a relaxed, supportive space for you to share at your own pace.

In most cases, yes. If you choose to use your insurance benefits, request a superbill for “out-of-network” reimbursement, or use your HSA card, we are required to show that therapy is "medically deemed necessary", which typically involves having a formal mental health diagnosis.

However, if you choose to pay our self-pay rate and opt not to use insurance or your HSA card, a formal diagnosis is not necessary.

Sometimes. But it’s a bit complicated…

Insurance companies require identifying one person as the 'client' and providing a specific diagnosis in order to approve coverage. We always recommend calling your insurance and asking what your benefits are and if family/couples therapy is a covered benefit.

By choosing not to go through insurance, we can focus on the goals and needs of the relationship as a whole, without the constraints that insurance requirements often impose.

If you are currently working with us in individual therapy and would like to bring a parent, caregiver, partner, or other loved one into a session to address a specific concern, that is absolutely fine. In this case, we can process the session through your insurance.

The difference between these professionals lies in their training and roles:

• Therapists (such as licensed counselors or social workers) provide talk therapy to help with emotional struggles, personal development, and coping strategies.

• Clinical Therapists are trained at a higher level and often have specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through therapy.

• Psychologists hold advanced degrees in psychology, and specialize in both therapy and psychological assessments, using research-based techniques to treat mental health concerns.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, diagnose mental health conditions, and provide therapy, with a focus on the biological and medical aspects of mental health.

Depending on your needs, you may choose one or a combination of these professionals for the right support.