In addition to the questions in this F.A.Q., we highly recommend you read the information in the About section of this website.  There you can find out more detailed information about our distinctive approach to therapy and a more detailed explaination of the therapy process.

A:  All of the therapists at Plena Vita have fee-for-service practices.  Full payment is expected at the time of your sessions.  We do not accept insurance payment, but many insurance carriers allow for out-of-network payments, which might be a viable option for you.  We can provide the necessary information for you to apply for reimbursement with your insurance company, if applicable.  We also provide a certain amount of our services at reduced fees for individuals whose income or current financial situation leave them unable to afford full payment.  

Q:  Why do you not take insurance?
A:  We have found that psychotherapy works best when there are only two parties involved: the client and the therapist.  Confidentiality is central to psychotherapy, and insurance companies can become a roadblock to this.  We also believe that psychotherapy is most successful when its goals and duration are determined solely between the client and therapist, rather than managed by an outside party that is not part of the actual therapy process.
  
Q:  How often do you expect to see someone?
A:  Once a week is the standard frequency of sessions in order to address your concerns on a consistent and regular basis.  This is especially true in the beginning because this is the time period when we can establish a therapeutic relationship, a feeling of safety, as well as begin addressing your concerns early and often.  Some clients chose to meet more frequently than this, as it generally deepens the work we are able to do together.   Actual frequency is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on your unique needs and concerns.
  
Q:  How long does therapy typically last?
A:  The duration of psychotherapy varies from individual to individual. It is our belief that for psychotherapy to be effective on more than a superficial level, it must generally cover an ongoing period of a person’s life.  This can be as short as a few months, up to a number of years.  We typically recommend that those just starting therapy plan on investing one year in the process, which we can evaluate as we go.  While the majority of our approach is "long-term" work, due to differing needs and situations, sometimes "short-term" therapy is a viable option.  In this approach to therapy, you would typically come from 8 weeks to 6 months and focus on a narrower slice of life, often limiting the scope of our work to a specific area or problem.
  
Q:  What type of therapy do you do?
A:  We primarily approach therapy from a relational psychodynamic perspective, which looks at the underlying issues behind a person’s difficulties, identifying and changing the root causes.  For a more detailed explaination of this approach, please read through our About page.  While this psychodynamic approach is primary, we also incorporate elements of various psychotherapy approaches, such as family systems, cognitive behavioral, and emotionally focused therapy.
  
Q:  Do you ever recommend medications?  Do you prescribe medications?
A:  There are times when medications may be necessary for someone to achieve relief from their struggles, so we will refer that person to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation.  In these contexts, medication is not a replacement for therapy, but something that is used concurent with the therapy process.  We do not personally prescribe medications.
  
These just a few of the many questions that may come up in your decision to pursue psychotherapy.  We would be happy to discuss any additional questions in our initial consultation.