It’s natural to have questions before beginning therapy or coaching. Over the years, we’ve gathered some of the most common ones we hear from clients — along with thoughtful answers to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about taking your next step.
1. How can therapy help me?
Therapy gives you a safe, supportive space to work through challenges. Whether it’s stress, grief, anxiety, or just wanting to grow, your therapist helps you gain new perspective and practical tools. Many clients say the process helps them feel lighter, clearer, and more in control of their lives.
2. Do I really need therapy?
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Some people come because they’re overwhelmed or anxious, others because they want to make changes and aren’t sure where to start. If you’re wondering whether therapy is right for you, that’s usually a sign it could help.
3. What kind of things do people go to therapy for?
Clients come with all kinds of needs — anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, grief, workplace stress, or navigating life transitions. Some come for short-term support, others for deeper healing. Everyone’s path is unique.
4. What happens during a session?
Sessions are typically 45–54 minutes long. You’ll meet one-on-one with your therapist (in person or online) in a supportive and private space. Your therapist will listen, ask questions, and work with you on the goals that matter most to you.
5. Therapy vs. Medication — what’s the difference
Medication can help with the biological side of mental health, while therapy focuses on processing experiences, understanding patterns, and learning healthy coping strategies. Sometimes therapy is enough; other times, a combination of both works best. If medication is something you’re considering, we can provide referrals.
6. How much does therapy cost?
Our rates vary depending on the therapist and service, typically between $125–$300 per session. We also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients who need financial flexibility. All fees will be discussed with you up front so you know exactly what to expect.
7. Do you take insurance?
Yes, we bill insurance directly for clients whose plans we accept. If you’d prefer not to use your insurance and pay out-of-pocket, you’ll sign an Insurance Opt-Out Form. This form simply confirms that you have insurance but are choosing not to use it here. It’s your choice, and it protects everyone from confusion.
8. Will my sessions be private (confidential)?
Yes. Everything shared in therapy is confidential and HIPAA-protected. The only exceptions are rare situations where the law requires us to act to keep you or others safe.
9. Do you offer online/virtual therapy sessions?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our office and secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions. Many clients like the flexibility of choosing what works best each week.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice (or missed altogether) will be charged the full session fee, since that time is reserved just for you.
11. What if I’m in crisis or need immediate help?
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent emotional support, dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. While we don’t provide emergency services, we encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment with us once you’re safe.
12. Can I choose my therapist?
Yes. You can request a specific therapist, and if your first match doesn’t feel like the right fit, we’ll help you switch. Our team includes both licensed and pre-licensed clinicians, and all pre-licensed staff are supervised by licensed therapists to ensure quality care.
13. How do I book my first appointment?
You can book online at https://theworkplacetherapists.com/book-appointment to see availability, or we can send you the link directly. Once you schedule, you’ll receive intake forms to complete before your first session.
Bonus FAQs
14. Do you prescribe medication?
We don’t prescribe medication, but we can refer you to a psychiatrist or your primary care provider if you’d like to explore meds alongside therapy.
15. How often will I need to come, and for how long?
Most people start weekly to build momentum, then shift to biweekly or monthly as they feel more stable. How long you stay in therapy depends on your goals—some folks come for a handful of sessions, others prefer longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly about progress.
18. What if I need to switch therapists?
Totally okay. Fit matters. If it doesn’t feel right, tell us and we’ll match you with someone who’s a better fit—no hard feelings.
19. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and (when eligible) HSA/FSA cards. Copays/coinsurance are due on the day of service. We’ll go over any fees during intake so there are no surprises.
20. Do you provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement?
No. Since we bill insurance directly, and clients who opt out sign a self-pay agreement, we do not issue superbills. We can provide a basic payment receipt for your records.
21. What is the Insurance Opt-Out Form, exactly?
It’s a short form that confirms you chose not to use your insurance and prefer to self-pay. It documents your choice so everyone’s clear.
22. Do you provide letters or forms for work/school (e.g., FMLA, accommodations)?
We can discuss letters that reflect your treatment and clinical needs. Some documents (like extensive forms or evaluations) may not be appropriate for outpatient therapy or may carry an admin fee and a standard turnaround time. Ask your therapist early so we can plan.
23. Can you help in legal/custody matters or go to court?
We don’t perform forensic/custody evaluations. Court appearances are strongly discouraged because they can affect the therapeutic relationship. If testimony or records are legally required, additional policies and fees apply—please ask before making any legal requests.
24. How do I contact my therapist between sessions?
Use the secure client portal for non-urgent messages or scheduling. We don’t text for clinical matters, and we’re not able to provide emergency services between sessions. If it’s urgent, call 988 or 911 as appropriate.
25. Telehealth: do I need to be in a specific state during my session?
Yes. For licensing reasons, you must be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed at the time of the telehealth session. Our intake team will confirm your location details.
26. Do you see children, teens, couples, or families?
Many of our clinicians work with adults, teens, couples, and families—it depends on each clinician’s specialty. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll match you.
27. Are sessions really private? What about teens?
Therapy is confidential and HIPAA-protected. With teens, we balance privacy with appropriate parent/guardian involvement in line with state laws. We’ll explain how that works during the intake.
28. Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Some clinicians do. Availability varies by provider, so check the online scheduler or ask us for options.
29. Accessibility & accommodations
If you have accessibility needs or preferences (e.g., seating, virtual session adjustments), let us know. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
30. What happens if I’m late?
If you arrive late, we’ll use the remaining time in your scheduled slot. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, it will be considered a no-show and you’ll be charged the full session fee. This helps us keep sessions on track and fair for all clients.
31. What should I bring to my first session?
Just yourself. Completing your intake forms beforehand helps us make the most of your time. Some clients like to bring a short list of goals or questions.
32. Do you provide a Good Faith Estimate (self-pay)?
Yes. If you self-pay, you’re entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of costs under federal law. We’ll provide that upon request and during intake.
33. Why might someone choose to self-pay instead of using insurance?
Some clients prefer extra privacy, more choice in services, or to avoid insurance limits. If that’s you, we’ll have you sign the Insurance Opt-Out Form and we’ll keep things simple and transparent.
Still Have Questions?
Don’t worry — you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Contact us today and let’s talk through what’s best for you.
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