frequently asked questions

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A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance starts helping you cover costs.

EXAMPLE: 

You have a $500 deductible.
You get a medical bill for $1,000.

• You pay $500 (the deductible).
   
• Insurance pays the remaining $500 (or most of it, depending on your plan).

A co-pay (short for co-payment) is a set amount of money you pay every time you get a certain service, even if your insurance is helping cover the rest. In simple terms, it's your share of the bill for each session. 

EXAMPLE: 

You go to the doctor, and your copay is $30.

• You pay $30 at the visit, and your insurance covers the rest of the bill.
   

The amount of your co-pay depends on your insurance plan and the type of service (a specialist might cost more than a regular doctor visit).

Once you’ve paid your deductible, you and your insurance split the costs based on a percentage.

EXAMPLE: Let’s say your plan has:

• 20% co-insurance
• You already paid your $1,000 deductible
• You now get a $1,000 medical bill
   

With 20% co-insurance, you pay:

• $200 (20%)
  Your insurance pays:
• $800 (80%)

If you're using insurance for therapy, we’re required to give you a mental health diagnosis based on official guidelines from the DSM (a book used by mental health professionals). This is necessary so your insurance company can pay for your sessions.

Sometimes, your insurance may also ask for a treatment plan or a summary of your progress. Any diagnosis or related info we share with them becomes part of your permanent insurance record.

We may also share this information with other providers like a new therapist or your doctor but only with your permission.

Therapy is not a linear process, and the length of treatment varies based on the time it takes to reach the goals outlined in your treatment plan. As you make progress, the frequency of your sessions may be adjusted to best support your ongoing growth.

As a psychotherapist, I provide talk therapy to help clients manage emotions, navigate life transitions, and work toward personal goals. Unlike psychologists, I don’t conduct full psychological evaluations, and unlike psychiatrists, I don’t prescribe medication. 

However, I do use brief screening tools like the GAD-7 for anxiety, PHQ-9 for depression, SWLS to assess your satisfaction with life, etc. to help assess symptoms and track progress over time. These tools support the therapy process and help ensure your treatment is effective and tailored to your needs.

G.O.O.D. LIFE THERAPY provides both virtual and in person services; however, the initial (first) session is required to be virtual. After the initial session, location is left at the discretion of the client unless the clinician specifies otherwise.