Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you help me if I am in a crisis?

 

If you are in crisis, there is no time to wait for an appointment.  If you are in the US and need immediate attention, please dial 911 or contact one of the agencies below:

 

In Maricopa County

EMPACT Crisis Line - 480.784.1500

Outside Maricopa County

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800.273.TALK

Outside the US

Befrienders International -http://www.befrienders.org  Choose your country for a listing of crisis response agencies that can serve you.

 

What types of counseling do you provide?

 

I limit my practice to voluntary, individual behavioral health counseling and group sessions.  I do not provide marriage or couple's counseling.  I specialize in treating adults (18+ years) with stress, anxiety and panic-related disorders; however, I treat clients with a wide range of behavioral health concerns.  I also specialize in serving Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans clients, but do not limit my practice to the GLBT community.

 

If you are seeking a counselor that specializes in substance abuse counseling, family therapy, or other specialty outside my expertise, I will do my best to refer you to an appropriate therapist in your area. 

 

What can I expect in a counseling session?

 

A session usually lasts 50 minutes, although longer sessions might be appropriate or necessary.  To begin, many clients find weekly attendance very beneficial.  Between sessions, clients are encouraged to think about and process what was discussed.  They are encouraged to practice new skills and challenge their old ways of thinking and behaving.  I often suggest activities to be completed outside of therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping a record of reflections or reactions.  For maximum effectiveness, I encourage you to be as active a participant as you are willing to be, both during and between therapy sessions.  Outside the counselor's office is where the real work is done!
 
What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor?

 

You can benefit in a number of ways from actively participating in counseling.  Often it's helpful just to know that someone accepts you for who you are, how you feel and what you are thinking.  Counseling provides you with an opportunity to speak your mind without fear of being judged.  You can gain a fresh perspective on a difficult problem, take the time to explore and define your needs/goals and reduce your overall stress level. 

 

Sometimes people entering counseling can experience a short period of deeper distress because they are beginning to accept and work on things they may have been avoiding through ineffective thinking and behaving. It is important that you are honest with the counselor and update him on your feelings and your perception of your progress.  It doesn't mean you have failed if you feel more distressed in therapy, it means we are getting to the heart of the matter and moving through it.  It can be frightening to not know what to expect.  That's understandable.  Doing what you are doing now isn't working in relieving your distress so why not try something new?

 

The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on the strength of our working relationship, the match between your needs and my expertise and how well you are able to put into practice new strategies based on your self-discovery.
 
Do you accept insurance?

 

I am currently in approved for:

  • APS Healthcare
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona
  • Cigna HealthCare, Cigna Behavioral Health and Cigna EAP
  • Humana (LifeSync)

 

There is a confusing array of insurance arrangements.  Contact your insurance company to understand exactly how to access your mental or behavioral health benefits.  Check your coverage carefully before you make an appointment.  You are financially responsible for any uncovered fees or sessions.