FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a crisis clinic?

We do not offer crisis services. Please call 911 or the Hennepin County Crisis Connection in the event of an emergency: COPE for adults (612-596-1223) and Child Crisis for children (612-348-2233.)

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we are in-network with most major insurance companies. We attempt to verify that you have coverage prior to your visit and we will handle all the billing to your insurance plan. Ultimately, your health insurance is your benefit and you are responsible for knowing your coverage.

How do I know which therapist to see?

The provider you see will depend on your reason for seeking therapy, your preference in treatment modality, your insurance, and your schedule. We encourage you to read the biographies of each of our providers to determine who you think may be a good fit for you.

We are available to answer any questions you may have or to facilitate your decision making process.

Click here to learn more.

How often would I come to therapy?

That depends on your reason for seeking therapy and your specific needs. We want you to come as often or as occasionally as is best for your situation. Most clients start with weekly, one-hour sessions but others may come in less frequently. Very occasionally, some clients will come twice a week if they are experiencing a more acute issue or need extra support.

The duration of therapy also varies from individual to individual. Some people need only short-term therapy because their issue requires only a few new skills that are relatively easy to learn and implement. Whereas other people may desire longer-term therapy to explore how their personal history is contributing to their current struggles. Depending on the situation and the individual, learning new skills and gaining insights is a process that can happen slowly or more quickly.

While we do not want to rush the therapeutic process, we also do not want to keep anyone in therapy longer than is necessary or desired. Your therapist will be able to give you a better understanding of your timeline once he or she has had an opportunity to meet you and gain a better understanding of your personal history and reasons for seeking therapy.

For more info, we encourage you to check out these posts from our blog series, Therapy 101:

Who Goes to Therapy?
7 Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy
How to Prepare for Therapy

What are your hours?

We offer services Monday through Friday. We have morning, afternoon and evening appointments available depending on the provider you see. Typically, you will be able to schedule your first appointment within one week of initiating contact with us.

What does Out-of-Network or Point-of-Service mean?

These mean that you have a choice in your insurance plan to go outside of your particular HMO or Managed Care Network. This gives you options and typically you will have a deductible and then an 80/20 plan. The advantage of these is that there is less control from the insurance company over your care.

What is the cost of therapy?

The cost of therapy depends on your insurance coverage. To better understand your behavioral health coverage, contact your insurance company to inquire about your explanation of benefits (EOB).

If you are without insurance or your insurance is limited, we will make every effort to work with you to find a payment plan.

What should I expect at my first therapy appointment?

The first therapy appointment is referred to as the “intake session.” During this appointment, your therapist will be gathering information from you to better understand your personal history and reason for seeking therapy. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Together, you and your therapist will discuss the best plan of action for you moving forward.

Click here for more info on preparing yourself for therapy.

To learn about what to expect at your first appointment with our psychiatrist, please visit our Medication Management page.

Can medication help me?

The short answer: It depends. For many of the concerns that bring folks to therapy, medication can be a valuable tool to help address what’s going on. For others, medication might not be appropriate.

The best way to find out is to request an appointment to talk through your options with our medication management team. And in the meantime, check out this post on 7 common medication questions.

How long will it take for my medication to start working?

Again, the short answer is: It depends. While most medications begin “working” right away, the length of time before you notice a difference can vary quite a bit.

Think of other medications you may have taken before:

• Some are designed to spring into action immediately. (Like a rescue inhaler for an asthma attack.)
• Others take noticeable effect throughout the hour. (Like a mild painkiller for a headache.)
• Still others can take longer for the effects to become apparent. (Like an antibiotic.)

During your medication evaluation, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need, so you know what to expect. And in the meantime, check out this post on 7 common medication questions.

Will medication take the place of therapy?

In most cases, no.

Medication can be an important tool. One that helps you engage more fully in all the other parts of your care. And many people find that the benefits of medication are enhanced and solidified through therapy.

(For more on this, check out our post on how to help your medication do its job.)

Medication, therapy, or a combined approach.... whatever’s best for your emotional wellness, we’re here to help you.