FAQ

We see clients Monday through Friday. Your therapist will let you know her availability during your consultation call.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes, 80 minutes or 110 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.

We do not bill insurance directly, so we’re considered “out of network.”

There are many reasons for our status as an out-of-network provider, including a commitment to your privacy, freedom from having to declare a diagnosis, and the ability to design effective treatment plans without limitations.

A special receipt called a “Superbill” can be provided if you wish to claim out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement varies across insurance plans, so you should call the number on your insurance card to confirm.  You should also know that in order to file claims with insurance, you must have a mental health diagnosis.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask when you contact your insurance company:

• Do I have mental health or behavioral health out-of-network benefits for outpatient settings?
• What is my deductible? Has it been met?
• How many mental health sessions does my plan cover annually?
• How do I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network mental health provider?
• What will the coverage amount be per session? How much can I expect to be reimbursed?
• How long does it usually take to receive reimbursement once I’ve submitted my claim?
• Is a referral required by my primary care physician?
• Does my insurance plan cover sessions provided via telehealth?

Just reach out by phone or email! We will then set up a free 20-minute consultation call to explore if we are a good fit.

During the consultation, we will learn why you’re seeking therapy and what you want to get out of it. Then, we will explain our style. If it’s a match, we will set up your first appointment. If not, no worries! We will help connect you to someone who might be a better fit for you.

The number one predictor of successful outcomes in therapy is a positive relationship with your therapist, so it’s important to find someone with whom you work well.

Once we schedule your appointment, that time is reserved in our schedules just for you. If you must cancel, we require 48 hours’ notice. If you do not give the required notice, you will be charged the full fee for the session.

Foundations boldly specializes in providing services to women and girls.  We are proud to staff clinicians who are passionate about focusing on the unique challenges and pressures that girls and women face in today’s society.

As a small, niched private practice, Foundations Mental Health Services is not specialized in and does not have the infrastructure for clients who require a higher level of care:

• Clients with severe and persistent mental illness
• Clients with clear and present danger to self or others

Foundations Mental Health Services does not staff forensic psychologists or any therapists specialized in family law matters, therefore we are unable to provide therapy for clients seeking services in order to support them with the complex challenges associated with:

• Custody disputes
• Litigation / mediation support

*Note for parents seeking services for minor children: Mental health therapists are required to obtain signed consent to provide services to each client. In the event of divorce or shared custody of a minor client, we will require custody or guardianship paperwork and both parents still need to sign for consent. If either parent opposes treatment, we will not be able to see your child.

Foundations Policy (online therapy safety notice):

Due to the physical limitations of telehealth, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts with a plan or intention of self-harm, have recently been hospitalized for mental health concerns, are experiencing psychosis (hearing voices, etc.), or are in severe distress, we will not be the best fit for you. In those cases, in-person therapy with a clinician specially trained to treat your specific needs is necessary and appropriate.

If you need to talk to someone immediately call or text the crisis lifeline at 988

Or visit www.988lifeline.org

If you are in crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

First, to get ready for this session, we’ll send you a link to our client portal, which contains the digital documents to sign, including our informed consent, privacy policy, client history form, and payment authorization forms. If you plan to do online therapy, you will also receive that information in this email.

We will have already had our consultation, so we will come into it with an idea of what you hope to work on. But the client history form will help us gain a little more insight into your history and goals. This way, you can begin where you want [instead of answering random (but necessary) questions], and we will meet you there.

Our goal in the first session is to get to know each other, discuss your goals for therapy, and begin to lay a foundation of trust and comfort. We may ask you some clarifying questions about what’s going on in your world right now, and you’ll have space to ask questions. Then, we’ll dive right in!

As your daughter enters adolescence and develops more independence, it can be challenging as a parent to navigate how to support her mental health while also respecting her need for privacy.  Some questions you might be asking are:

Should I be part of the consultation call?

At Foundations, we always begin with a consultation call. In this call your teen will share why they are seeking therapy, the therapist will discuss practice policies such as billing and scheduling, and answer any questions you may have about your therapist’s approach, specialties and best practices. Discuss the call with your teen beforehand to explore what level of participation they hope to have from you. Letting your teen share their concerns using their words can empower them, increase commitment, and help in selecting the right therapist.

Who is present during the first session?

We meet with teens individually.
For tweens: At our initial therapy appointment with tweens, parents of are invited into the office for a brief period to review informed consent and confidentiality, after which time we will request to meet with your tween privately. To respect your child’s privacy, we recommend that parents continue to permit us to meet with their tween privately and submit any thoughts and concerns to the therapist using the client portal.

How can I stay involved if I’m not present and my teen/tween isn’t telling me anything?

The therapist will check in with you for updates regarding ongoing concerns and progress. To maintain confidentiality, we do not share details of what is discussed during the session. This approach allows us to provide effective support for your child.

What if I want tools to help support my teen?

As needed, your teen’s therapist may contact you to offer information regarding how to best offer support while your teen is practicing their new skills.

How will I know therapy is helping?

Each session helps girls tackle negative self-talk, build resilience, and embrace their unique identities. Teens will gain confidence, improve boundaries and communication skills, and reduce anxiety as they build trust in themselves and others.

How long will it take to see results?

A key factor in achieving successful outcomes in therapy is a positive relationship between client and therapist. Additionally, clients need to be prepared to be open and willing to challenge themselves.  Adolescents often need time to build trust with an adult. Your child may strengthen their bond with the therapist before showing significant progress on their goals. Once trust is established, they will be more open to self-reflection and challenges beyond their comfort zone. This process can take weeks or months, depending on your child’s challenges. It’s usually not linear, but with family support and regular attendance, the therapist can ensure steady progress toward her goals by addressing any barriers.

How often will my adolescent need to attend sessions?

It is a best practice to hold weekly sessions for a minimum of 4 weeks initially to build a strong therapeutic bond and begin to explore issues in depth. Frequency is then tailored to the needs and goals discovered and agreed upon in the initial sessions with each client.

Ahhhh… homework! Well, the answer is “yes,” but it’s probably not what you think.

We might have specific suggestions for you but think of homework as a sense of direction or focus between our sessions to maximize your progress. Your growth depends on what you do outside of session.

Yes! Therapy helps us to be better therapists, and it helps us address the stuff that comes up in our own lives. After all, we’re all human. Therapy helps us to be healthier people; ultimately, it helps us help you!