What Should I Expect When I Make the First Call?
Taking the first step toward therapy can bring up many emotions—uncertainty, hope, or even discomfort. This is completely normal. Reaching out for support is a big decision, and it’s okay to feel a mix of feelings.
If you're feeling ambivalent, it may help to reflect on why you're seeking therapy. Consider making a mental or written list of your concerns, what you hope to gain, and whether the potential benefits outweigh any temporary discomfort.
I offer a brief initial consultation (20-30 minutes) to determine if we’re the right fit. During this call, we’ll discuss any questions you have about my approach, background, and experience. I’ll also ask about your reasons for seeking therapy. If we both feel we’re a good match, we’ll schedule an initial intake appointment to begin working together.
What Should I Expect on My First Session?
During our first session, I will take the time to understand your reasons for seeking help, including the factors contributing to and maintaining your current challenges. We will also explore your strengths, coping strategies, and support system to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Therapy is a collaborative and personal process, and building trust and comfort is key to its success. If you have concerns about the therapeutic fit after a few sessions, we can discuss them openly and explore ways to address them, whether by adjusting our approach or exploring other resources.
What Happens in Therapy?
Together, we will define your goals, develop an active treatment plan, and establish benchmarks to track progress. Therapy involves meaningful conversations as well as tasks and activities both in and outside of sessions to support your growth.
How Long Does a Therapy Session Last?
Standard therapy sessions are 45 minutes. Assessment and evaluation appointments may vary in length depending on their purpose. Clients are typically seen weekly, with some attending more than once a week when needed. If you are experiencing a crisis, a session may be extended to 60 minutes. As treatment progresses and goals are met, we may transition to biweekly or monthly sessions, which we will discuss in advance.
How Long Will Therapy Take?
The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. We will work toward achieving the objectives set in your treatment plan, and when those goals are met, therapy will conclude. If additional work is needed, we can adjust the timeframe accordingly.
Ending therapy is a significant phase of treatment. Ideally, termination occurs over several sessions (typically three or more) to ensure a smooth transition. However, therapy may also end if there are frequent cancellations, unresolved nonpayment, or if your needs fall outside my area of expertise, in which case I will help connect you with appropriate referrals.
Is there a Risk to Psychotherapy?
Engaging in psychotherapy can be an emotional process as you explore difficult thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences. You may encounter emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. While this can be challenging, psychotherapy can provide significant benefits, including improved overall well-being, stronger relationships, effective problem-solving skills, and a reduction in distress and symptoms. Each experience is unique, but therapy is designed to support your growth and healing.
Is My Therapy Confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is essential to creating a safe space for open and honest discussions. What you share in therapy is strictly confidential, and information is not disclosed to anyone without your written permission—except in specific circumstances required by law.
Laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are in place to protect your medical records and personal health information, including details of your psychotherapy. However, there are exceptions where therapists are legally required to break confidentiality to prevent serious harm. This includes situations where there is a risk of suicide, harm to others, or cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, elderly individuals, or individuals with disabilities. In these situations, disclosure is made to ensure safety, and I will work with you to find the necessary support and resources.
For more information, refer to Section 1.07(c) of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, which states:
“Social workers should protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of professional service, except for compelling professional reasons. The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person. In all instances, social workers should disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the desired purpose; only information that is directly relevant to the purpose for which the disclosure is made should be revealed.”
Why Do You Call Yourself “Wellness Therapist”?
I believe true well-being extends beyond mental health to encompass physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects of life. My approach is holistic, integrating evidence-based psychological techniques with complementary wellness practices to support your overall growth and balance.
What Makes You Different From Other Therapists?
Every therapist brings a unique perspective, just as every client has their own story. I offer a warm, compassionate, and direct approach, blending curiosity with a deep commitment to my clients' well-being. As a Latinx, bicultural, and bilingual immigrant with diverse personal and professional experiences across various socio-economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, I provide a broad and inclusive perspective. My lived experience informs my practice, allowing me to meet clients where they are with understanding and cultural sensitivity.
Learn more on the About page.
How Can You Help Me?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. My role is to support you in your unique process, helping you develop and practice effective skills to manage the challenges you are facing. Together, we will find strategies that work best for you.
Can You Prescribe Medications?
No, I do not prescribe medications. However, if we determine that medication might be helpful, I can assist you in finding a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
Why Can’t I Just Go See My Doctor About My Mental Health?
You can, but medical doctors primarily focus on physical health. While they can prescribe medications, therapy provides a space to explore the emotional, behavioral, and psychological aspects of your well-being. In therapy, we work together to identify core issues and develop long-term strategies for change.
What Should I Bring to the First Appointment?
Before our first session, I will send you intake forms to review and complete. Bringing these completed forms to our session will help streamline the initial assessment and treatment planning process.
Do you Take Insurance?
Yes, I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS-MA).
If I Use my BCBS insurance, What are Some Questions Should I Consider Asking my insurance carrier?
Do I have mental health benefits?
Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my primary care physician?
Do I have a deductible, and has it been met?
What is my copayment for each session?
How many sessions are covered?
What types of concerns are covered under my plan?
If you have a different insurance provider and your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement. In this case, you would be responsible for payment at the end of each session, and I can provide you with a Superbill (a detailed receipt) to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. If you choose this option, please review your plan’s policies on out-of-network coverage.
If I Choose to Use my Out of Network Benefits, What are Some Questions Should I Consider Asking my insurance carrier?
Do I have mental health benefits?
Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my primary care physician?
Do I have a deductible, and has it been met?
How many sessions are covered?
What types of concerns are covered?
At what rate will my insurance reimburse me for therapy sessions (full, partial, or none)?
How long do I have to submit claims for reimbursement?
Why Would Some People Choose to Pay "Out of Pocket" and Not Use Their Insurance?
Some clients prefer to pay privately for therapy for various reasons, including:
Ensuring greater confidentiality, as insurance companies require diagnostic and treatment information
Having the flexibility for longer or more frequent sessions than insurance may allow
Accessing virtual or phone sessions that their insurance plan may not cover
Is there a Cancellation Fee?
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid being charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or circumstances beyond your control.
If you arrive late, your session will still end at the scheduled time, and you will be billed for the full appointment duration.
Can I Share with Others about my Psychotherapy Treatment?
Yes, your privacy is your right, and you are free to share that you are seeing a therapist if you choose. However, I am ethically and legally bound to protect your confidentiality, regardless of what you disclose to others.