Finding a therapist is more about what you need and what you want—Do you want to work on your trauma? Do you struggle with attention? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Are you struggling with sex or substance use? Do you have a racial, cultural, gender identity, or community preference? You have the power to interview your therapist and ask for specific specialties and identities that you feel safe and comfortable with.

Personally—you should vibe. If the vibe feels off, it’s just not a good fit. Ultimately, It doesn’t matter what tools your therapist has because all therapists have the basic tools to to facilitate growth. If you feel uncomfortable working with them—then therapy will not work.

This depends on your needs, your goals, and your growth.

Most clients see their therapist for 50-minute long weekly sessions, especially the first 1-2 months of therapy. We always encourage collaborative feedback—so if you feel like you don’t need weekly therapy, then let your therapist know. If your therapist feels you need to decrease or increase in frequency, they will let you know.

For some, therapy can last less than 10 sessions, for some it can last up to 6 months with ongoing quarterly/semi-annual check-ins as needed, and for others it can take months or years to develop the kind of therapeutic space required for deeper, long-term healing. You and your therapist can determine this part of your treatment plan together.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a federal law that protects sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s knowledge or consent.

All information discussed between clients and therapist remain confidential unless: a) clients give written consent to release specific mental health information b) clients present risk for harming themselves/others or disclose of child/elder abuse. We may be required by law to report this information to the appropriate emergency services.

FFHT is dedicated to the growth of our mental health clinicians and is a teaching practice. Some of our clinicians are associates (provisionally-licensed) working under fully-licensed and board approved clinical supervisors. Associate therapists will discuss your treatment with their supervisor as needed. Feel free to discuss this further with your therapist.

With COVID-19 still in effect, all sessions are currently virtual to ensure both client and therapist health safety. We are also receiving feedback that clients are finding therapy more accessible through telehealth.

Ultimately, your therapist should make you feel seen, heard, understand your values and goals, and work with you from a place of non-judgement and curiosity. If you feel the vibe is off and the fit isn’t right, then we encourage you to try another therapist. We will always support you in finding the best fit—our priority is YOUR growth.

If you feel you no longer want to attend therapy—the decision is yours. However, your therapist may or may not recommend ending therapy. We understand that clients aren’t always ready to engage in therapy and respect that.

That’s totally okay! Sometimes it requires some more time and patience before your partner feels safe to begin couples therapy. It’s hard work! We can guide you on how to have a constructive discussion with them about each of your needs.

Reach out to michelle@foodforhearttherapy.com or your therapist of choice with questions.

This depends—sometimes we need to work with all family members in order to facilitate a deeper and sustainable change—sometimes we just need to work issues out between a few family members. We always prefer to begin with everyone in order to determine what the family needs.

Reach out to michelle@foodforhearttherapy.com or your therapist of choice with questions.

Yes—Cancellations are not covered by insurance policies. Sessions cancelled with less than 24-hour notice will result in a full out-of-pocket session fee. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will result in 50% of the out-of-pocket session fee.

Having a cancellation policy is standard across all medical, mental health, and healthcare practices. A cancellation policy can help create space for another client who needs care and also helps therapists to prepare/organize their day appropriately—and with healthy boundaries—for all clients.

Most people—including therapists—don’t know what their insurance benefits are or what they mean. It’s always best to call the Member/Customer Services number on the back of your insurance card for more details. Here are some key questions to ask:

• Do I have outpatient behavioral health coverage?

• What is my co-pay and/or co-insurance amount(s)?

• What is my annual deductible & how much is remaining?

• When does my deductible reset?

• Is there a per year session limit?

• Is pre-authorization needed prior to beginning services?

This article can provide more details about insurance benefits.

We accept out-of-pocket pay ranging from $175-$250 per session.

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be reimbursed for 50% - 80% of your care. Please call your insurance company to review your Out-of-Network benefits. We can provide a monthly statement at your request for out-of-network reimbursements.

Insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for reduced, sliding scale fees.

We accept out-of-pocket private pay at reduced, sliding scale fees ($80-$165) and full session fees ($175-$250). Reduced, sliding scale sessions are limited and will need to be discussed with your preferred therapist. Therapists may or may not have openings for reduced fees.