FAQ About Psychotherapy in West Bloomfield

Q: How much does therapy cost?

A: If you have insurance that covers therapy, typically you would only pay your copay, which is usually a small amount. Some insurances have deductibles—in other words, you have to pay a certain amount out of your own pocket before your insurance benefits kick in. If you are not using insurance, the fee is agreed upon by you and your therapist prior to beginning therapy.

Q: When you go to Counseling Associates, who knows about it?

A: Only you and those who help you are aware of your therapy. The only records are kept by Counseling Associates and are confidential. No information can be released without your knowledge and written consent, including the fact that you come to Counseling Associates for therapy, except under a few very specific circumstances (see question below about the rules for confidentiality.)

Q: How long does therapy take?

A: Every client’s needs are unique, so there is no set number of visits. Sessions are scheduled based on these individual needs, including frequency and total number of sessions. The details of therapy, including how long therapy continues, remain the patient’s choice.

Q: How do I choose the right therapist for my needs?

A: One of the most reliable ways to find a good therapist is to obtain a referral from a trusted friend, physician, or colleague. You can also call our main number, and a staff member will link you to a qualified therapist.

Q: What is done in a therapy session?

A: Therapy sessions vary significantly from person to person. While therapy for children is often play driven, sessions for adolescents and adults are talk-oriented. Establishing goals with your therapist at the outset of treatment will enable you to sustain a productive focus over time.

Q: What kinds of people seek therapy?

A: All kinds – adults, children, teens, families, and seniors seek our help. The general purpose of therapy is to help a person improve their overall satisfaction with life. For some people, therapy is a way to improve their state of mind while dealing with a specific life challenge. For others, therapy is helpful for dealing with chronic difficulties such as depression and anxiety.

Q: How do I know that I have completed necessary therapy?

A: The choice to continue or stop therapy belongs to each individual. Part of each client's treatment record is a list of concrete, identifiable goals established by the client. The purpose of the goals is to identify the client's objectives and to provide an objective record for tracking the progress of therapy. It is recommended that a client consult his or her therapist prior to discontinuing therapy so that post-therapy care plans can be discussed and arranged.

Q: What do I do if the therapist chosen does not seem like a good fit for me?

A: Working with a therapist is a very personal decision, and we respect our clients’ word regarding his or her fit with a therapist. The final say is always up to the client, and the therapeutic process is facilitated by a strong, respectful, positive working relationship. Before discontinuing therapy, clients are encouraged to discuss concerns with the therapist. This step provides closure to the therapist and client, and may lead to the discovery that resistance is more related to emotional discomfort related to a therapeutic issue than the therapist. Discussion about uncomfortable issues is more productive than leaving therapy due to discomfort. If you decide, after discussion with your current therapist, that you would like to switch to a new therapist, you can contact the front office and request you be transferred to a new clinician. **Keep in mind that it is unethical for multiple therapists to treat a client at the same time for the same problems and in the same manner. To do so would create overlapping treatment that is considered non-beneficial to a client's therapeutic work.

Q: Who do I contact at the clinic with questions or concerns about billing or insurance?

A: Call the main phone number 248-626-1500 and speak with our office staff.

Q: How does Counseling Associates keep records and protect my privacy?

A: Counseling Associates keep written records in compliance with professional mandate and state law. Such information includes specifics such as name and contact information, as well as emergency contact. A client’s written record will also include billing and insurance information and record of treatment.

Q: Who may access records?

A: Unless a Release of Information is signed by you, your record will only be seen by your therapist and the clinic's clerical and billing staff.

Q: What are the rules for confidentiality? Are there circumstances in which they do not apply?

A: A client has confidentiality when speaking with a therapist. This means that all information discussed during each session is kept private, as well as the fact that a given client is in therapy. Such information can only be revealed to outside parties under a few specific circumstances. First, a therapist can reveal specified treatment information to specified individuals for a specified period if the client authorizes it by signing a complete release of information form. Second, the professional code of ethics, as well as law, obligates a therapist to report any physical or sexual abuse perpetrated on the client or by the client. Finally, a therapist is ethically responsible for warning an identified person or group of people if there is reasonable suspicion of fatal, harmful intent to those in question. In case of danger to him or herself, the client’s safety must be ensured. It is the therapist’s ethical and legal obligation to break confidentiality so that proper care may be instituted. Urgent care may include emergency admission to a hospital or reputable mental health facility.

Q: If a client suspects that he or she may present a serious danger to self or others, what should be done?

A: You should go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency room or call 911. Another option in metro Detroit is to call Common Ground Sanctuary at 800-231-1127 (This is a toll-free, 24 hour a day crisis intervention line). You can also contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or by clicking here