What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?

As described by humanservicesedu.org (2020), “The LCSW practices a type of mental health therapy that is strength based, meaning that they work with the client to find out what strong natural skills and talents they possess that can be used as a launching point to tackle issues causing hardship in the individual’s life. The social work framework for mental health therapy is very holistic, it will take into account not only the individual client’s emotional and psychological makeup, but also societal and environmental factors that can impact the well-being of the client”.

To become an LCSW with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, one must complete the jurisprudence exam, the clinical exam by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), 3360 clock hours of post-graduate work experience over 24 months, 96 clock hours of post-degree supervision over 24 months with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 40 professional development hours over 24 month period for continuing education and ongoing license renewal.

References:

LCSW vs. Psychologist. (2020). Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.humanservicesedu.org/lcswvspsychologist/

What treatment modalities do you use?

Being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker my training includes strengths-based and solution-focused outlooks which are embedded in all that I do. I work with clients through a combination of talk-therapy, psychoeducation, and skill building. I also draw from the following modalities:
-Compassion Focused Therapy: providing review and emphasis on self-compassion and understanding of your current state, your view of yourself and your concerns.
-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: practicing making room for your emotions/reactions even when they are difficult, and finding strategies to continue to move forward in the way you want your life to be.
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: looking at thought patterns that are not serving you well and learning strategies to change these when you can, and how to work through them when they persist.

Learn more on my Resource Page

What to expect for the first session/meeting(s)?

It is important to be aware that the first session or two may look and feel different from ongoing therapy sessions. This is because these initial sessions require some time for me to get to know you, for us to clarify your goals and create a treatment plan. This will include me asking questions, gathering history and clarifying information you share with me. As therapy progresses, it will result in more of your voice and less of mine.

How long will I be in therapy?

Length of therapy is different for each individual based on your unique needs and concerns as well as the style of therapy that fits you. For some people with specific concerns/issues, some direct solution-focused and targeted skill-building may be the most effective, and you may find you have met your needs in just a few months. For others, taking more time to explore past and present experiences to better understand your issues, (for example, why they are arising now, what patterns they have, and developing coping skills to navigate them moving forward) may take more time. Remember that therapy does not have to be a one-time event. You can always return if additional needs arise in the future.

Why do some people say to use insurance and other people say not to?

If you have health insurance it is possible that your plan includes a mental or behavioral health benefit. This means it is a coverage that you pay for and are entitled to access. I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to learn about your coverage including co-pays for sessions, and how many sessions you are entitled to, etc. Also, it is important to know that your insurance may request from me (and I am required to provide) information including your diagnosis, treatment plan, progress and therapy notes.

Some people feel more confident seeking therapy knowing that their insurance is not getting or tracking information about their mental health, and that their insurance is not dictating their access to care (ie. if insurance has a limit on the number of sessions or concerns/diagnoses that are covered or not covered).

It is most important that you understand that how you choose to pay for your services is entirely up to you. My investment and commitment to you and your goals will remain the same either way.

Do you accept insurance?

I am currently credentialed with Aetna, Cigna, United HealthCare and Kaiser.

Please note you will be responsible for any copayments at the time of our session. You will be asked to provide your credit card number which will be kept on a secure, online system to allow for easy payment with your permission.

If you prefer to pay out-of-pocket, meaning you choose not to use insurance, my session rate is $100-$120 per hour.

How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?

The relationship between you and your therapist is very important as therapy requires you to feel comfortable being open and honest about your concerns, feelings, fears and hopes. It works best when you can also be open and honest about the therapy process itself- sharing what is helpful and what is not. Similarly, I recommend you find someone who can also be honest and direct with you- which means someone who you are willing to accept support and feedback from, and who you feel you can collaborate with. It can take a few sessions to get a sense of if a therapist is a good fit for you or not.

Please refer to additional readings about this on my Resource Page.

How do I get the most out of my time in therapy?

As I have mentioned earlier, everyone needs different kinds of support at different times in their life and I commend you for deciding to pursue therapy as an extra layer of support for yourself. As you continue to identify your concerns, it will be helpful to consider both short term and long term goals with regard to the issues that have brought you to therapy, as well as your hopes moving forward. It is also important to share with me what is feeling helpful or not helpful along the way. This will help to guide the work we do together. I cannot guarantee any particular outcomes for you as your success is dependent on you and your involvement and engagement in the process, however I am committed to do my best to create effective treatment plans with you and to utilize therapeutic interventions to meet your needs.

Please refer to additional readings about this on my Resource page.

Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Telehealth (therapy and medical appointments through video sessions) has become more common during this time of the pandemic. It provides some benefits as well as challenges, both of which are important to consider. I do believe that therapy via telehealth can be equally effective in supporting you as you navigate the current challenges, changes, and successes in your life.

Please refer to my Telehealth page for more information on how to have the most success with your sessions.

What does the ‘No Surprise Act’ mean for me:

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the Colorado Division of Insurance at 303-894-7490 or 1-800-930-3745.