FAQs
Q: How do I know if I need therapy?
A: Hey there! This is a question that most of us ask ourselves and I am here to tell you there is not 1 solid answer to determine if you need therapy or not. Here are my thoughts on the question: It’s a little different for everyone. Some signs that you might need some help from a professional are when the way you feel begins to negatively impact your sleep, your job, appetite, relationships with friends and loved ones, or your decision-making abilities. If you find that you feel “down” a lot, or that things just aren’t getting better or even that things seem hopeless – these are also strong indicators that it’s time to seek out a trained professional to help. I also say I think everyone would benefit from having a therapist in their life!
Q: I don’t need therapy, but I need some guidance on my life; can you help me?
A: It sounds like you need a session just to get clarity on things right? Yes, you can book what I call a strategy session where you aren’t necessarily ready or in need of therapy but need a session to gather your thoughts and create a plan. More information is available here (clickable link to services)
Q: How much are sessions?
A: 50 minute sessions range from $100-$200 depending on if it’s an individual, family, or couple’s session. Sliding scale is available on a limited basis.
Q: Do you offer in office and online sessions?
A: Yes! At our Southern California location in Rancho Cucamonga we offer in person sessions throughout the week and some Saturdays. Our Texas and New York location are 95% virtual sessions; we offer in person sessions 1-2 times per year at these locations.
Q: How do I know if online therapy will work for me?
A: If you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer than you are a good candidate for online therapy! Online therapy is perfect for those who have schedules that don’t allow for traditional office therapy hours. You meet with me through a secured video platform by a click of a button. All problems may not be ideal for this method so you will be assessed before starting online therapy.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: At our California location we accept IEHP, and Cigna for our Texas services. New York is private pay at this time.
Q: How can I schedule a therapy session with you?
A: Click here on the book session button or email appointments@empirecounseling.net
Q: How can I book you for events, conferences, workshops, etc?
A: Yes, I love events LOL feel free to head over to my personal site www.patricendouglas.com to check out my features as well as feel free to email me at info@patricendouglas.com
WHAT IS ONLINETHERAPY/COUNSELING/COACHING?
Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, e-counseling, telemental health, distant counseling, teletherapy or cyber-counseling, is a relatively new development in mental health in which a therapist or counselor provides psychological advice/psychoeducation and support over the internet.
Our online psychoeducation/coaching service practice utilizes secured HIPPA compliant modern technology allowing the client to receive counseling via video, email or chat.
However, in order for our communication to be effective, you need to have basic knowledge of the technology required for the type of online therapy you are requesting.
A web browser and Internet connection are sufficient for online services. Prospective clients are encouraged to make sure the online specialist they are inquiring for support has the correct education and credentials.
BENEFITS OF Telehealth Services?
For clients and specialists, the option to connect online offers numerous advantages by overcoming obstacles related to time and distance.
This means greater accessibility to:
- Clients living in remote areas with fewer centers offering psychoeducation and coaching services.
- Clients with rigid school schedules, or lack of means, preventing regular visits to a specialist.
- Clients with physical conditions making travel difficult.
- Clients stigmatized by living with mental illness and discouraged from regular visiting a specialist.
- Clients who may become highly distressed with the notion of coming face-to-face with strangers, even mental health professionals.
- Online therapy is usually fairly affordable and convenient. Since you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, you can often schedule your sessions for times that are the most convenient for you.
Disadvantages of Telehealth Services
- Technological glitches such as inconsistency in internet connection strength or problems with the video chat platform. Understandably, frozen screens, echoing, low-resolution video feeds, and dropped calls are not conducive to the therapeutic experience. Internet strength, weather, and other variables all play a role in disruptions, and this is undeniably a con on both sides.
- Online specialists CAN NOT respond to crisis situations. Since online specialist are distant from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when crisis happens. If a client is experiencing suicidal thoughts or has suffered from a personal tragedy, it can be difficult or even impossible for the specialist to provide direct assistance.
- Online therapy can be useful for a variety of situations, but not when it comes to more serious psychiatric illnesses that require close and direct treatment.
- It is also not appropriate for people with complicated or detailed problems. The scope of-services tends to be limited, so it is rarely effective in more complex situations.