FAQs

Therapy is a collaborative process where you meet with a trained mental health professional to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You’ll work together to understand patterns, develop coping strategies, and set personal goals. Over time, therapy can lead to greater self-awareness, improved mental health, and more fulfilling relationships.

People seek therapy for many reasons—from persistent sadness or anxiety to feeling “stuck” in life. If you find that stress, emotional difficulties, or relationship issues are affecting your day-to-day functioning, therapy can help. You don’t need a formal diagnosis; therapy is a resource for anyone looking to learn, grow, and heal.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how past experiences influence current feelings and behaviors.
• Humanistic Therapy: Encourages self-discovery and personal growth.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Use present-moment awareness techniques.
• Couples/Family Therapy: Addresses relationship dynamics within a partnership or family.

• Therapists/Counselors: Often hold master’s degrees and are trained to provide talk therapy and support.
• Psychologists: Typically have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and can provide therapy, testing, and research-informed interventions.
• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They may or may not provide therapy.

Look for a licensed professional (e.g., LPC, LCSW, psychologist) with the training and experience that align with your needs. Our practice includes a diverse range of licensed professionals, each bringing unique skills and specialties. We do not employ LMFTs, and while we have a variety of qualified clinicians, we do not highlight interns or trainees.

Consider your preferences: specialty areas, cultural background, language skills, or therapy style. Our practice offers a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can speak with a therapist before committing. We also have a matching tool on our website to help filter by your preferences, making it easier to find the right fit.

• CBT: Targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• DBT: Focuses on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Psychoanalysis: Delves into unconscious patterns and past experiences.
• Other approaches include solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and more. We’re happy to discuss the methods our therapists use.

Not at all. Therapy can help anyone experiencing stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, or those seeking personal growth. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from therapy.

Yes. Many clients use therapy to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve communication, and find balance when managing day-to-day stressors. Even a few sessions can provide valuable tools and insights.

Before your first session, you’ll complete intake paperwork through our client portal, including uploading your ID and payment information. After that’s done (at least 24 hours before the appointment), your initial session focuses on getting to know you, discussing your goals, and ensuring you feel comfortable. It’s a chance to build rapport and set the stage for future work.

Our fees range from $165 to $225 per session for out-of-network services and for all couples therapy sessions. We do not bill insurance for couples therapy. We also offer sliding-scale or reduced-fee options—please inquire for more details.

We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, CareFirst/BCBS, and Tricare, and anticipate joining Johns Hopkins in early 2025. We offer a “soft check” of your benefits when you start, but coverage confirmation must come from your insurer. Individual therapy may be covered, but couples or marriage counseling is not billed to insurance and we cannot produce a superbill for those services.

Check your insurer’s provider directory or contact them directly. Our website lists accepted insurance plans for convenience. If you have questions, our administrative team can help clarify coverage.

Yes. We offer some sliding-scale options—just contact our office for details. We also partner with ProBono Counseling Services in Maryland. Additionally, searching online for community clinics and non-profits may yield more low-cost or free resources.

Yes, we offer telehealth sessions with no additional steps needed. Just let our team or your therapist know you prefer virtual appointments, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements.

Session frequency varies by individual. Many start weekly to build momentum and later switch to bi-weekly or monthly as they progress. Your therapist can help you find a schedule that meets your needs and goals.

Therapy duration depends on your goals and challenges. Some clients find a few months sufficient, while others may continue for a year or longer. It’s a personal decision you can revisit as you progress.

Yes. Your comfort is crucial, and you can request to change therapists at any time without additional steps. We want you to feel well-matched with your provider.

Individual: One-on-one sessions focusing on your personal concerns.
Group: Sessions with multiple participants who share common issues, guided by a therapist.
Family: Involves the primary identified individual with a medical condition, plus family members to support that person’s treatment.

Yes. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance to ask questions, discuss concerns, and see if the therapist’s approach feels right for you.

Yes. Therapy is highly effective for anxiety and depression, often using approaches like CBT to reduce symptoms, improve coping skills, and foster resilience.

Absolutely. Trauma-informed therapies (e.g., EMDR, trauma-focused CBT) help process traumatic memories, reduce distressing symptoms, and restore a sense of safety.

Couples therapy improves communication, understanding, and conflict resolution. We offer approaches like the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy. Gottman focuses on skill-building and research-based techniques, while Imago looks at how childhood experiences influence current dynamics. Please note that couples therapy is not billed to insurance.

Yes. Therapists may incorporate relapse prevention, coping strategies, and referral to specialized programs. Therapy often complements other forms of support like support groups or medical treatment.

Yes. Our practice includes culturally competent therapists who have training and, in some cases, personal identification with the LGBTQ+ community. They provide an affirming space to discuss identity, relationships, and mental health concerns.

Therapy offers a supportive environment to process grief, understand complex emotions, and gradually move toward acceptance and healing.

Yes. Therapy can clarify career goals, improve work-life balance, and build coping strategies to manage job-related stress.

Therapy for young people may use age-appropriate activities, like art or play, and involve family members as needed. It focuses on building trust, communication, and emotional expression.

Yes. Some therapists understand the unique stressors of military life, providing trauma-informed care and support for reintegration challenges.

While it can’t cure physical conditions, therapy helps manage emotional stress, improve coping strategies, and enhance overall quality of life despite ongoing health challenges.

It’s normal to feel nervous. Therapists create nonjudgmental spaces and will go at your pace. You can start by sharing what feels comfortable, and trust often grows over time.

Yes. Therapy can stir up strong feelings. Your therapist will help you navigate these emotions safely and supportively.

Complete the required paperwork in our client portal, upload ID and payment info, and think about goals or topics you’d like to discuss. No need to plan everything—just come as you are.

That’s okay. Therapists are skilled in guiding conversations. It’s fine to say you’re unsure or talk about whatever is on your mind at the moment.

No. Therapists maintain a nonjudgmental stance and understand everyone has unique struggles. Their role is to offer empathy and guidance.

You can ask about their qualifications, approach, or training. Therapists may keep personal details limited to maintain professional boundaries and focus on your care.

Discuss concerns with your therapist. They may adjust their approach or help you consider a different therapist. Honest feedback ensures therapy remains effective.

Recognize therapy as a proactive step toward well-being. Many people find it empowering. Surround yourself with supportive people and remember you’re investing in yourself.

Yes. We’re HIPAA-compliant and maintain strict privacy policies. Therapists must break confidentiality only if there’s imminent risk of harm or legal mandate. Our staff undergoes ongoing training to protect your information.

Crying is a normal emotional release. Therapists expect and welcome authentic emotional expression. It can indicate meaningful progress and healing.

You and your therapist collaborate to identify what you hope to achieve. Goals are broken down into manageable steps, and progress is reviewed periodically.

Short-term focuses on immediate issues over a few months, while long-term can span years and delve deeper into patterns, history, and personal growth.

In individual therapy, you are the sole client and the focus is on your well-being. Sometimes involving a family member or partner can help, though these sessions may be coded differently (often as “family” sessions), and insurance coverage may vary. Most insurances do allow family sessions, but we do not bill insurance for couples or dyadic work. Ultimately, individual sessions maintain the therapist’s focus on your personal best interest.

You might feel you’ve met your goals or gained enough tools to navigate life’s challenges independently. You can discuss this with your therapist and gradually reduce session frequency if desired.

Some approaches, like CBT, include homework (e.g., journaling, practicing new skills) to reinforce insights outside of sessions.

Yes. Mention your preferences, and we’ll try to match you with a therapist skilled in that modality.

Progress may be gauged through symptom reduction, goal achievement, improved relationships, or standardized assessments, depending on your situation and preferences.

Yes. We offer therapy in English, Spanish, and East Slavic. Let us know your language preference during intake.

When ending therapy, you and your therapist review progress, discuss maintaining gains, and address any lingering questions. You may schedule a follow-up check-in later.

Therapists keep confidential notes. Session recordings are only allowed if the client, therapist, and our company provide explicit, documented consent. Unauthorized recordings violate our privacy policy.

Confidentiality is key, but it must be broken if you’re at imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others, there’s suspected abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult, or a court order requires disclosure.

Not without your written consent, except in legally required situations.

No. All minors must have legal guardian consent. Additional paperwork or legal documentation may be required to verify custody and consent before services begin.

Contact our administrative team and request the Clinical Director. They will address your concerns and, if requested, guide you on filing a formal complaint with the licensing board.

Yes. Therapy is regulated at state and federal levels, with licensing boards setting ethical standards. Check your state’s board for specifics.

Generally, past illegal acts remain confidential unless there’s imminent danger or a legal obligation to report (e.g., ongoing abuse).

You have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board or local health regulatory body. Most boards provide online guidelines for submitting concerns.

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Canceling late or no-showing (not arriving within 10 minutes of the start time) results in a $100 fee billed at that time. Rescheduling early helps avoid charges.

Yes, courts sometimes mandate therapy (e.g., anger management). In these cases, therapists may need to provide progress reports as required by the court.

Therapists are mandated reporters of child abuse. For suicidal thoughts, if there’s imminent risk, therapists must take steps to ensure safety, which can include breaking confidentiality.

All our therapists are culturally competent, and we strive for a diverse team reflecting various backgrounds. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll help you find a therapist who aligns with your cultural and personal values.

Yes. If you have a gender preference, let our intake team know. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Our offices are ADA-accessible, and we continuously adapt to support our diverse client base. Therapists tailor approaches, communication styles, and accommodations to ensure clients of all abilities feel understood and empowered.

Yes. Many therapists support identity exploration and provide a safe space to discuss gender dysphoria. They offer understanding, guidance, and information to help you align with your authentic self.

Look into community mental health centers, non-profits, or pro bono services. We partner with resources like ProBono Counseling Services in Maryland, and we can guide you to options that suit your financial and cultural needs.

Yes. Therapists working with older adults understand issues like retirement, grief, and chronic illness. They help clients maintain emotional well-being, resilience, and meaningful connections.

Some of our therapists integrate spirituality into therapy if it’s important to you. They respect your beliefs and can incorporate faith-based perspectives into the therapeutic process if desired.

Yes. Therapists trained in cultural competency can help process experiences of racism or discrimination, build resilience, and restore self-esteem.

Support providers who prioritize diversity, give feedback requesting culturally sensitive care, and engage in advocacy groups. Your voice can help shape more inclusive services.

Yes. We offer therapy in English, Spanish, and East Slavic. Just let us know your language preference during intake.

CBT identifies and challenges unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, teaching healthier coping strategies for lasting change.

Mindfulness encourages present-moment focus, reducing stress and improving emotional awareness.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while recalling trauma, helping the brain reprocess painful memories and reduce distress.

Yes. Creative therapies help express emotions nonverbally and can be especially useful when words are hard to find.

Role-playing rehearses challenging scenarios, allowing you to practice communication and coping skills in a safe environment.

These are mental exercises led by the therapist to imagine calming scenarios, improving relaxation and focus.

Some therapists offer clinical hypnosis to help clients relax, access deeper insights, and address issues like anxiety or phobias.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy emphasizes building on strengths and focusing on desired outcomes rather than past problems.

Yes. Therapy teaches assertiveness, active listening, and boundary-setting, improving interactions in personal and professional life.

Journaling can track progress, clarify thoughts, and provide insights to discuss in sessions, bridging the gap between appointments.

Couples therapy improves communication, resolves conflicts, and strengthens connection. Both partners share their perspectives while the therapist guides constructive dialogue. Please note that couples therapy is not billed to insurance.

Yes. Family therapy often focuses on one identified individual’s presenting medical condition, with other family members involved to support that person’s well-being. Medical insurance generally covers services related to the identified individual, not other family members’ separate issues.

Premarital counseling addresses communication, financial expectations, and relationship goals before marriage. Like other couples services, it’s not considered a medical service and is not billed to insurance.

Parenting concerns are explored in individual therapy first. If family or couples work is recommended, your therapist will guide you. Parenting-focused sessions may not be covered as a medical service if they address multiple individuals’ needs.

Yes. Blended families face unique challenges, and therapy can improve communication and understanding, fostering a more harmonious family environment.

Yes, but non-traditional dyads can be complex when billing insurance. Contact our admin office for clarification. These sessions are often
private pay if not centered on an individual’s medical condition.

We recognize the complexities of intergenerational trauma. Each therapist brings a unique approach, and many have personal or professional insight into these issues, helping to heal and break harmful cycles.

Therapy isn’t co-parenting coaching, but individual or dyad sessions can help navigate communication and emotional challenges. If sessions involve multiple parties’ concerns, it’s not considered a medical service and not billed to insurance.

Mediation focuses on negotiating fair agreements (e.g., custody), not emotional growth. We do not offer mediation services and recommend seeking a trained mediator or legal professional.

Yes. We can work with siblings on communication and conflict resolution. However, when focusing on the relationship itself rather than an individual’s diagnosable condition, it’s not a medically billable service. These sessions are private pay.

Therapy can lead to lasting improvements in resilience, self-awareness, coping skills, and relationship quality, enhancing overall well-being.

Better mental health can indirectly improve sleep, reduce stress, and encourage healthier habits, positively affecting physical health.

Therapy identifies unhelpful beliefs and nurtures more positive self-perceptions, fostering greater confidence and self-worth.

Yes. By building strong coping strategies and emotional regulation skills, therapy enhances resilience and adaptability.

Success varies widely—reducing anxiety, improving relationships, or gaining self-confidence. While details are confidential, clients often report greater fulfillment and peace.

Therapy teaches mindfulness, reframing thoughts, and coping strategies to manage intense emotions, leading to more stable moods.

Yes. Clearing emotional blockages and gaining insight can enhance problem-solving, creative thinking, and confident decision-making.

Therapy improves communication, empathy, and boundary-setting, often leading to healthier, more rewarding relationships.

Regular sessions support ongoing growth, prevent relapse into old patterns, and provide sustained emotional support, improving overall mental health.

Yes. Therapy facilitates self-exploration, clarifying values, interests, and goals, helping you find greater meaning and fulfillment in life.