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Wellness Possebilities
     Call Us Today!  406-672-2693

1629 Ave D, Bldg A #1 Billings, MT

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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Entering Therapy
How much will therapy cost?

Wellness Possebilities is a credentialed contracted provider for most insurance, Employee Assistance Programs as well as Medicare.  We also accept Crime Victim's Compensation, MT Council on Problem Gambling funds, Healthy Montana Kids, and Medicaid.   If you are concerned whether insurance will cover or reimburse for therapy services you may contact your insurance provider directly or my office at 406-672-2693.  If we are not already a provider credentialed with your insurance, we would be happy to become a provider and can speak with your insurance carrier.  It is likely you will have a co-pay that you are responsible for with any insurance. 

How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

       •What are my mental health benefits?
       •What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
       •How many therapy sessions does my plan cover? 
       •How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
       •Is approval required from my primary care physician?

What can be expected during the first session?

The first session is centered around your individual needs and will determine your specific goals for therapy. Problem solving toward the issue you bring to therapy will begin as early as your first session. A small amount of time to complete paperwork will need to be billed.  Any questions regarding payment options can be discussed at this time.

How long will it take to get an appointment?

You will hear back within 24-hours of your call or email and will generally be scheduled within the week when we are accepting new patients.  It is more common now to experience a delay in services as we have a wait list for most services.  Please be clear about the type of services you are requesting when you call.  

How long will each session last?

Sessions last 40 to 55 minutes unless prior arrangements are made.   Sessions that go beyond the time allowed by insurance for billing purposes will become the responsibility of the patient.  

How often will I need to attend therapy?

Your individual needs will be discussed during the first session. Most clients are seen on a weekly basis, however this may be increased or decreased depending on your specific needs.

How many sessions will be necessary?

For most clients a commitment of 4-6 weeks is recommended initially. Your treatment goals will be reviewed with you to determine if additional therapy could be beneficial to you.

Is my information kept confidential?

Respecting privacy and your need for confidentiality is extremely important to us. Strict confidentiality is maintained unless you sign a Release of Information Authorization Form. This form allows your therapist to discuss your case only with the individual or agencies you designate. The limitations of confidentiality are detailed in the Provider Patient Agreement and will be discussed in your first session.  However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  •  Suspected child or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  •  If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  •  If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure safety.   However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

What are some reasons people come to therapy?

The reasons people come to therapy vary greatly. Some people come to be assisted with day to day stresses such as financial issues, relationship issues, or family concerns. Others may come to address issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, eating disorders, relationship issues or life transitions. Each client has unique and individual needs and each need will be addressed accordingly.

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people see a therapist. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, such as child abuse or addiction; at other times it is to deal with unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek therapy to pursue personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and coping strategies for a variety of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in gaining greater self- awareness or taking responsibility for change in their lives.

Do I really need therapy? 

Everyone goes through challenging circumstances in life. While most times we manage to cope with challenges successfully, there are times when extra support is helpful. There's nothing wrong with seeking help when it is needed. It takes courage and self-awareness to ask for help and this is a real strength of people who seek therapy. It indicates you are accepting responsibility for where you are at in life and making a commitment to change by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you greater coping skills, changing harmful patterns of behavior, and allowing you to redirect your energy to the personal growth you envision.  

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, education, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for many issues. Therapists are a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some possible benefits :

     •Attaining a better understanding of yourself, including your thoughts, goals and values
     •Improving a broad range of social and relational skills, including communication skills  
     •Learning new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, managing anger, grief, depression, and emotional pressures
     •Changing old behavior or problem solving patterns and developing new ones
     •Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around 45-50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect from a therapist:

     •Compassion, respect and understanding
     •Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
     •Real strategies for enacting positive change
     •Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your physician you can determine what's best for you. It is well established the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved by medication alone.  Instead of just treating symptoms, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.



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