FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let’s See If IMPACT Is The Right Fit For You

GET IT TOUCH

General FAQs

How do I choose a therapist? How will I know which therapist is right for me?

Choosing the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy. Research indicates the primary predictor of success in therapy is the alliance between the therapist and client (Horvath & Bedi, 2001; Martin, Garske, & Davis, 2000). While the journey of therapy can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be challenging and sometimes painful. Therefore, it is essential to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable sharing your private thoughts and feelings. Building this type of trust takes time, but many clients often report having a "gut feeling" about their ability to work with a particular therapist. This is your time—a dedicated space each week where you don't have to take care of someone else or meet their expectations.

What will therapy be like?

Psychotherapy is a different experience for each individual. That being said, there are some common processes and themes that arise. Usually you will talk about yourself while your therapist listens and facilitates the talking. In the course of this self-exploration certain thoughts, feelings, and experiences in your past and present will come to light. This information will help your therapist better understand the nature of the problems you are experiencing and their origins. With this knowledge, we can collaborate to expand your awareness of yourself and your relationships and identify strategies for change and transformation (Weiner & Bornstein, 2009). Therapy with adults focuses mainly on talking together. When we work with children we often play in the office while we talk. Play is the primary language of childhood and most children and adolescents find it easier to connect with a therapist while playing.

  • Providers in our practice do not participate in any insurance networks, but your insurance company may provide out-of-network coverage. Fees for psychotherapy range from $250-350 depending on your financial situation, level of coverage, and the level of training of your therapist. Call your insurance company to learn more about your out-of-network mental health coverage. If you have out-of-network benefits, your insurance company will reimburse you for psychotherapy. This typically ranges from 50% to 90% after a deductible is met. Your therapist will give you a billing statement each month containing all the information required to process your claim.

  • Individual sessions are 45 minutes. The first session usually differs from later sessions. In the beginning your therapist will want to hear what brings you to therapy, what troubles you have been experiencing, and how you have been coping so far. If it is your child or adolescent who is in need of treatment, your therapist will ask you questions about your child’s history and current difficulties. We will take some time to get to know you so we can develop an idea of how to proceed.

  • Our practitioners are psychologists. We are not psychiatrists so we do not prescribe medication. Our practice works with several psychiatrists whom we can refer you to if needed. Many people who seek therapy do not need medication; they find that talking and working through their problems is helpful enough. Others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. We can discuss these options when we meet.

  • Yes, your information is kept in the strictest confidence. Your information will not be disclosed to anyone unless I have your written permission.

    Your privacy and right to confidentiality are protected by the law and the American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics. All communications between a client and a psychologist are protected. Information about you or your treatment cannot be disclosed without your written consent. There are three exceptions to this rule:

    In the case of suspected child abuse or dependent adult/elder abuse, we are required by law to notify the appropriate authorities.

    If a patient threatens serious bodily harm to another person, we are required by law to notify the police and the intended victim.

    If a patient threatens to cause imminent harm to himself or herself, we are required by law to ensure their safety. We make every effort to enlist the cooperation of the patient in creating a safety plan, but if that is not possible, we may have to take additional steps without the patient's permission.

    The above exceptions are rare. We take your right to confidentiality seriously.

Sliding Scale FAQs

  • The first step is to contact our intake coordinator to learn more about the services offered at IMPACT. After talking with our intake coordinator about the services you are seeking, she will provide you with a link to the sliding scale application.

  • We use a sliding scale fee model based on income and resources because it allows us to address some of the systemic inequalities of class in our culture. We believe that financial resources and insurance coverage should not be the only determining factors in whether or not someone can access psychotherapy, testing or coaching. We have an abiding commitment to serving individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford these services.

  • We provide four main types of assessments:

    • Learning Disorder Assessment for conditions like dyslexia or dysgraphia ($2,750-$3,300)

    • Targeted Assessment for specific concerns such as ADHD, autism, or personality disorders ($4,000-$5,700)

    • Therapeutic Assessment combining short-term therapy with assessment ($5,000-$6,000)

    • Neuropsychological Assessment for comprehensive evaluation of cognitive, academic, and social-emotional functioning ($6,000-$7,500)

    Learn more on our testing and assessment pricing page.

  • Fees for psychotherapy range from $200 - $350 per session depending on therapist experience and expertise. The cost of a full psychoeducational, diagnostic, neuropsychological or personality assessment ranges from $4,000 - $8,000 depending on the time required, number of tests administered, and the complexity of the assessment process. Executive functioning coaching is typically $250 per session.

  • IMPACT offers a sliding scale fee for those who cannot afford the full fee. Our sliding scale model is designed to help those who have limited financial resources, do not have out of network coverage, or have high insurance deductibles. Our ability to offer a sliding scale fee is based on availability and financial need.

  • In order to be eligible for the sliding scale, you must complete the application, providing income information and an explanation of why you cannot pay the full fee. Although in most cases sliding scale is offered on an honor system, we may occasionally ask for you to verify your income (with a paystub or financial statement). A link to the application will be provided to you by our Intake Coordinator.

  • Sliding scale rates are approved for a duration of 12 months at a time. If at any point during that time your financial situation changes, please communicate this to your therapist and complete this form again. This includes changes in income, expenses, number of dependents, or insurance coverage.

  • Each provider in our group is able to accommodate 3-5 sliding scale clients at a time. The number of spots available varies over time as clients begin and conclude their work.

  • Time slots are based on therapist availability. We see clients weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings, and some therapists have weekend availability.

  • At IMPACT Psychological Services, our commitment to social justice and combating systemic oppression is reflected in every aspect of our work. We strive to create an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers individuals from all walks of life. Our dedicated team is trained to recognize and address the various forms of systemic oppression that our clients may face, ensuring that our therapeutic approaches are both culturally sensitive and equitable.

    Our therapists utilize their clinical skills and training to support asylum seekers, applicants for withholding of removal, those seeking relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Through our partnership with Physicians for Human Rights, we conduct comprehensive, trauma-informed assessments to identify mental health challenges and evaluate the potential impact of repatriation. These evaluations are crucial in supporting applicants' cases and are often conducted in various settings, and our pro bono services include drafting detailed affidavits and providing court testimony to support applicants during the asylum process. For more information about our asylum services, please visit our Social Justice page.

Still Have Questions?

Send Us A Message!

GET IN TOUCH