Getting Started
This page provides information on what to expect during therapy.
The purpose of this page is to provide as much practical information as possible to reduce the "mystery" around mental health.
Client forms are available here for download.
Starting Therapy
Welcome to Art of the Heart Counseling.
We know that the decision to start therapy can be a difficult one. Acknowledging that you need help and then taking the steps to seek and receive that help takes courage.
Finding the right therapist, figuring out insurance and payments, and scheduling an appointment can feel like a daunting task.
Hopefully, the information on this page can help make the process of taking the first step easier.
Quiet the mind
and the soul will speak.
FAQs About Therapy
QUICK LINKS:
How do I know if I need therapy?
How do I get started?
INSURANCE COVERAGE AND PAYMENTS:
How can I find out what my insurance coverage is? Do I have a co-pay?
How can I be considered for the sliding scale out-of-pocket fee?
What is the office attendance policy?
What happens at the first session? What about the other sessions?
Does having a mental health diagnosis mean that something is wrong with me?
How do we decide what to work on and what type of treatment to use?
What is my role in my child's therapy?
How does privacy in child or teen therapy work?
When does a child need a psychological assessment?
What if I need medications?
What do I do if the type of therapy is not a good fit for me?
How do I know that therapy is done?
STARTING THERAPY
How do I know if need therapy?
Some people come to therapy with a specific clinical diagnosis, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and are experiencing symptoms related to their diagnoses. For others, therapy is a safe place to talk about difficult life events such as a death in the family, job loss, recent divorce, or just life stress in general. You might find yourself feeling stuck, numb, or overwhelmed, having repeating negative thoughts, being in unhealthy relationships or repeating unhealthy patterns, or struggling with past events.
Young children and teens often come to therapy following difficulties within their home or school settings, or within their family and peer relationships, which can cause disruptions in their ability to function in a healthy way. Some parents seek therapy so their child can learn to build social and communication skills, or to learn parenting skills and child behavior management.
How do I get started?
Here are the steps to getting started:
You can start by calling our office at (203)200-7055, send us an email directly at marissa@artoftheheartcounseling.com, or send us a message through our contact page.
We will reach out to you to make an initial inquiry about your contact information, insurance information, and ask you for a brief description of your treatment needs and concerns. Getting a brief description is necessary to start so we can determine if outpatient therapy is the appropriate level or type of care for you or your child. This phone call generally takes about 15 minutes and is free of charge.
If this is the appropriate care for you, we will either email you a link to set up your client portal with us to complete your paperwork or ask you to fill out the New Client Forms located below to either bring to your first appointment or email back prior to your appointment. Whatever method you feel most comfortable doing is fine. We will then schedule the first appointment. If this is not the appropriate care, we will do our best to refer you to providers that offer the care you need.
INSURANCE COVERAGE AND PAYMENTS
How can I find out what my insurance coverage is? Do I have a co-pay?
Our Insurance page provides information on insurances where we are in-network. On the page, you can click on the icon for your insurance company which will then take you to their member page. You can access your general insurance benefits there by logging in. You also have the option to call the Member Services number typically located at the back of your insurance card. On our Insurance page, you can find tips on what to ask your insurance company when you call. We will also contact your insurance prior to your first appointment to gather information about eligibility and coverage.
How can I be considered for the sliding scale out-of-pocket fee?
To be considered for the sliding scale out-of-pocket fee, you must be experiencing hardship that is significant and beyond your, a guarantor, or any other responsible party's control. Financial information, which includes documentation of income and monthly expenses, will need to be provided. You can complete the Out-of-Pocket Form for consideration. If you do not wish to provide financial information, you can pay the regular session fee through private pay.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
What is the office attendance policy?
Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a reminder closer to your appointment date. Please confirm your appointment during this time.
If you need to cancel, please give at least a 24-hour notice. Otherwise, you will be charged for a cancellation or no show fee. The Cancellation or No Show charge is not covered by your insurance.
TREATMENT QUESTIONS
What happens at the first session? What about the other sessions?
The first session is called a Clinical Intake, formally called Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessment. During this session, we will discuss developmental and educational history (for children/teens), family history, medical history, any prior stressful or traumatic events, current symptoms and concerns, and goals for treatment. This session typically takes 90 minutes to complete. If we do not complete the assessment within the given time, we will do so at the next appointment. If appropriate, a preliminary diagnosis may be assigned to you (for adult therapy) or your child (for child/teen therapy) once the intake is complete and will be discussed with you at the onset of treatment. It is important to know that mental health diagnoses can change or evolve over time, depending on a variety of factors. Throughout treatment, we continually assess whether your current diagnosis is still appropriate or whether it needs to be updated. Any changes will always be discussed with you.
Sessions typically go for 45-60 minutes, depending on the need. You will know in advance whether you are scheduled for 45 or 60 minutes. Some young children who are not able to stay focused for at least 45 minutes can have a reduced session time of 30 minutes. The most common appointment frequency is 1x/week, although it is possible to meet bi-weekly or once a month if it is appropriate.
Does having a mental health diagnosis mean that something is wrong with me?
Absolutely not. Mental health diagnoses are summaries of symptoms to describe what someone is currently experiencing. It can be helpful in identifying a proper course of treatment to help someone feel better. Would you think that something is "wrong" with someone who has medical symptoms and diagnoses? Not everyone who comes to therapy have a mental health diagnosis, and mental health diagnoses are not necessarily permanent. The goal of coming to therapy is to resolve these symptoms and live a healthy and happy life.
How do we decide what to work on and what type of treatment to use?
Following the completion of your clinical intake, we will work together on building your treatment plan. Your treatment is about YOU and what you choose to work on first. Treatment plans include:
Goals - what you want to resolve in the long term,
Objectives - what smaller steps you will take to reach your larger goal, and
Interventions - what the therapist will do to help you achieve your objectives and goals.
We will meet periodically to review your treatment plan and assess if it is working. Remember that treatment plans are ongoing and can be changed based on need at any time if it is not effective or meeting your needs. We will discuss any changes to your treatment plan together.
What is my role in my child's therapy?
Children (and adults) live within the family system, and your participation in therapy as a parent or caregiver is essential. What happens in the home impacts the child more than anything else in their lives. Because children's brains are still developing, they need their parent or caregiver's support with calming down, staying healthy, and in learning effective ways to communicate. Depending on your child's needs, this might mean that you will need to remain in the session with the child, or the child may need to be seen in the session without you in the room. In this case, we will meet for separate Parent Sessions (without the child) as needed to discuss concerns and progress. Therapy may also be solely Parent Guidance Sessions (for example, for parents that need help with managing children's behaviors) rather than sessions with your child.
How does privacy in child or teen therapy work?
Children and teens have a right to privacy just like any other person. The 3 main exceptions to privacy include: if the child is hurting themselves, if someone is hurting your child, or if your child is hurting someone else.
As a parent, you still play an important role in your child's progress. We will still meet periodically for either Parent Sessions (without the child) or Family Sessions (with the child/teen) to discuss your child's progress.
When does a child need a psychological assessment?
A child needs a psychological assessment when they are experiencing a wide array of symptoms and further clarification is needed to determine an appropriate diagnosis. A psychological assessment is performed by a Licensed Psychologist. The psychologist will look at your child's overall development and history to determine best recommendations for your child's well-being.
What if I or my child needs medications?
Medications can be prescribed by psychiatrists, psychiatric APRNs, your child's pediatrician, or your primary care provider. If you need medications, you will be referred to the appropriate psychiatric provider. You or your child may need to complete a psychiatric evaluation to determine if medications are appropriate for you. A psychiatric evaluation involves examining your overall history, identifying current symptoms, and determining appropriate medications to help you or your child feel better. If medications are indicated, it is best to combine both psychotherapy and medication support during treatment.
What do I do if the type of therapy is not a good fit for me?
Having a good relationship with your therapist is one of the most essential aspects of therapy. Open communication is important. If the therapy is not a good fit for you, talk to your therapist to determine if changes need to be made on your treatment plan or with the overall treatment approach. Your therapist will appreciate this conversation. If the type of therapy still does not feel like a good fit, your therapist can help you transfer your care to a different provider.
How do I know that therapy is done?
People have different needs. For some, a brief course of therapy is enough, and for others, a longer course of therapy is needed. The best way to know is by checking yourself to see if you feel better. You do not have to feel "perfect" to end therapy. It is normal to have highs and lows in life. Even if difficult emotions resurface, it does not mean that you didn't make any progress in therapy. Knowing how to handle situations when symptoms or problems arise is a good sign of progress, and this is not something you can "unlearn." Sometimes, handling situations simply mean being able to tolerate difficult emotions while staying safe until the distress passes. That is progress too.
We will usually close therapy with a Discharge Session, where we review your progress, complete all needed transfers/referrals, and say goodbye.
Client Forms
Client forms in PDF format are available for download below. Please return completed forms via email or mail prior to your scheduled appointment.
New Client Forms
Other Office Forms
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