QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
THERAPY
What happens in our first session?
This is a session in which we can meet and I can gather information about what symptoms you are currently experiencing and what you would like to work on in therapy. Using this information I can determine what type of treatment would best meet your needs. This session also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have about therapy and get a sense of what it would be like for us to work together.
Together, we will develop a plan to guide our work. We will also talk about the types of interventions that we may use. This initial process normally takes 1 to 3 sessions.
What can I expect in a regular therapy session?
In each session the client and therapist will set an agenda for the therapy session. The agenda usually includes a review of the experience in the previous session, a review of homework, a discussion of one or two current problems that relate to the client’s therapy goals, a review of what the client accomplished in this session, and assignment of homework for the next week. A session lasts approximately 55 minutes and usually the sessions are held on a weekly basis. Some clients who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week until the level of distress has decreased.
How long will I be in therapy?
This length of time in therapy depends upon your treatment goal(s). Most cognitive behavioral therapy treatments last approximately 12-16 weeks and take place one time per week. But this time frame is dependent on a client's therapy goals and symptom profile. In general, the more specific the issue the shorter the treatment time. Problems that are long-standing often take much longer to treat becomes the treatment involves changing deeply ingrained patterns. Schema therapy treatment, which targets long-standing problems, is a long term treatment (approximately 1 - 2 years or more).
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a scientifically validated treatment for a variety of mental health issues. It is a structured, symptom-focused, skills based, short-term (time-limited) therapy that is active and collaborative. CBT is a combination of two highly effective forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. The cognitive component of the therapy focuses on identifying and modifying irrational and/or detrimental beliefs and thinking patterns that can lead to or be symptoms of a variety of mental health issues. The behavioral component of the therapy focuses on reducing or eliminating unhealthy and/or detrimental behaviors and increasing those behaviors that are adaptive and beneficial.
What is Schema Therapy?
Schema therapy is an innovative psychotherapy developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young for personality disorders, chronic anxiety, chronic depression, and other difficult long-term difficulties. Schema therapy integrates elements of cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, object relations, and gestalt therapy into one unified, systematic approach to treatment.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an approach to treatment that has been found to be helpful in treating anxiety disorders as well as effective in the prevention of relapse in depression. It involves learning a new way to relate to thoughts, emotions, behaviors and sensations that helps an individual to live life in a less reactive and more proactive manner. This approach blends very well with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Is our work confidential?
It is my professional responsibility to provide the utmost in privacy and confidentiality. There are a few exceptions in which I am mandated by law to breach confidentiality. These exceptions will be described in depth in a consent form that is given at the beginning of therapy.
LOGISTICS
How do I make an appointment?
E-mail me at mck@mkyrimis.com to make an appointment for an initial evaluation session.
Where are you located?
All services are provided via telehealth.
Do you take insurance?
Not directly, but once you pay me you can submit your statement to your insurance company. I am what's known as an out-of-network provider, so if your insurance has out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be reimbursed for some percentage of the fee. At the end of each month, I will provide you with a statement that you can submit to your insurance company for a claim. To find out about your specific mental health coverage, you may want to ask the following:
-Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
-What is my deductible and has it been met?
-How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
-How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
-What is the reimbursement amount per therapy session for individual psychotherapy (CPT code 90837)?
-Is approval/pre-certification required?
What are your fees and what forms of payment do you take?
Please call my office for current rates. Payment is at the time of service and made by credit card or check.
What is the rescheduling and cancellation policy?
At least two business days notice is required to reschedule or cancel appointments. Without this notification, the client will need to pay the full session fee.
Is there a free phone consultation?
Yes, you may call (206)488-5283 for 10-15 minute phone consultation.
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RESOURCES
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