FAQ

What is therapy?

Therapy is designed to be a place where individuals, kids, teens, couples, and families can go and seek support and resources for their mental health and wellness needs. Trained and licensed mental health providers use therapy to benefit anyone who is looking to work on their mental health and well-being in a safe and professional environment.

What are your fees/accepted insurances?

Please contact Michelle directly for the current rates. Rates vary depending on length and type of appointment.

Insurances accepted:

  • OHP (YCCO & CareOregon)
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Providence

What happens during my first therapy session?

Developing a good therapeutic relationship is key to therapy and this starts with the very first session, and sometimes with an initial phone call prior to your appointment. In order for therapy to be fruitful it is essential for you and your therapist to work well together. During the first session typically the therapist will use this time, and probably even during the second and third sessions, to get to know you, ask you a series of questions to better understand you and your needs, go over important documents such as informed consent, and confidentiality, and work on better understanding your goals for therapy. All of this can be done together in a collaborative and supportive way. 

What is Telehealth like, or should I try in person sessions?

Especially since COVID Telehealth has been increasingly a way to support your mental health needs virtually. Some people prefer the flexibility of being online and virtual to be able to connect with a mental health provider. Many times therapists will offer in person or online options. I do offer both options and there are benefits to each. It is important to talk to your provider about the benefits of both in order to determine which is the best fit for you, but sometimes online is the only option based on availability, time, geographic location, etc. I like to partner with my clients on what is best for them, where they feel most comfortable, and which way can best support their needs.

What are some benefits of therapy?

There are too many benefits to list in order to answer this question completely, but here are a few benefits:

  • Boosting self-confidence, self-esteem, and/or self-awareness
  • Improving communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Understand and process family dynamics and family patterns
  • Provide resources and support for a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, phobias, etc.
  • Working through grief and trauma, as well as developing coping skills
  • Stress reduction and building resiliency

How long does therapy typically take?

This is a hard question to answer because everyone’s needs are unique, so trying to pinpoint how long therapy will last is difficult. It also depends on the extent of the mental health needs and the situations, issues, topics that someone is working through. Therapy typically starts on a weekly basis to establish care and work on goals. After that the therapist and client usually works together on how often and when to meet. There really is no one-size-fits-all approach to the pace and flow of therapy, but with a strong therapeutic relationship this topic can be frequently discussed with the therapist and client. 

What is your cancellation policy for counseling sessions?

If you must cancel please do so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled session to avoid being charged for that session.