Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Mental health:
Is my information confidential?
Trust is an important principle in the relationship between therapist and patient. One way to build trust is by knowing that therapy sessions are confidential. This means that therapists are not allowed to talk about patients and conversations had in therapy without a patient’s written consent. There are a few exceptions to this rule: child abuse, danger of hurting self and others, and insurance purposes.
What are risk factors for suicide?
Suicide is defined as intentionally ending one’s own life. Risk factors include – For self: hopelessness, intention, plan, deep despair, accessibility to firearms. For concerned family members and friends: isolation, loss of interest in things/hobbies, history of impulsivity, hopelessness, helplessness, history of suicidal attempts, long term struggles.
Some important terms and concepts to know when seeking help for yourself or someone you love includes the following types of care:
Inpatient hospitalization- when a patient is admitted to a psychiatric hospital for any length of time (typically 3+ days).
Outpatient treatment- when a patient receives mental health services from a psychiatrist (services include medication management, cognitive & behavioral therapy); nurse practitioner ( services include medication management); mental health therapist ( a licensed clinician who provides cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, family therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, etc) and/or psychiatric rehabilitation program (community-based services that focus on daily living activities such as employment, housing, medication management, organization skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, parenting, mobility, financial literacy, etc). Services can be conducted in a patient’s home, the community, the provider’s office, or at school.
Intensive Outpatient treatment- patients are able to receive care daily, if needed, based on the severity of symptoms.
If you or someone you love are endanger of hurting self or others, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital.
How do I know when to seek therapy?
A therapist serves as a mirror who reflect back your innermost thoughts and emotions. Behavior is the result of perception, thought, emotions, and triggers. The reflection process in therapy allows you to gain a better awareness and an ability to understand causation, functionality, as well as alternative ways to respond. Therapy is useful to patients who want to gain better insight into how they are experiencing and showing up to life.
How long does therapy last?
There is no time limit for reaching therapy goals. Once goals are reached, your therapist will begin conversations about discharge. Patients can terminate services at anytime. However, we encourage you to give your therapist 1-2 sessions prior notice so that discharge paperwork and referrals are prepared