Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need therapy?
People come to therapy for a variety of reasons. While some individuals come to therapy for major emotional or behavioral concerns, some individuals benefit from therapy after life changes or for grieving purposes. A quick rule of thumb when considering therapy is whether or not your concerns are impacting your functioning and wellbeing. If this is the case, therapy may be right for you.
What is therapy?
The therapy at Infinite Wellbeing, LLC is based on evidence-based approaches that have shown to enact change in individuals. It is tailored depending on each client’s needs and specific concerns.
How will therapy help me?
Therapy can offer you a safe space to discuss concerns while offering also offering skills and tools to support changes to your mood and functioning.
What will we talk about in therapy?
That is completely dependent on each individual’s presenting concern. Education regarding how to improve functioning will be offered based on the evidence-based approach (or approaches) that best suit your concerns.
How much does therapy cost?
Out of pocket costs are:
- Initial Session with Dr. Colleen Brown: $300.00
- Follow-up Session with Dr. Colleen Brown: $250.00
- Initial Session with our masters’ level clinicians: $200.00
- Follow-up Session with our masters’ level clinicians: $150.00
We take most health insurance plans including Medicare. Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting medicaid plans. Most insurance plans have deductible and copays, which you may pay using cash, check, debit card, or credit card Discover™, VISA™, and MasterCard™. In accordance with the No Surprises Act of 2022 we can provide you a Good Faith Estimate of fees of services, which will be determined prior to your first appointment.
Do you have cancellation fees?
We understand that sometimes emergencies and sicknesses occur, resulting in cancellation of sessions. However, we cannot support same day cancellations or no shows for reasons other than emergencies or sickness. Therefore, a cancellation fee of $75 will be charged to your credit card on file or to your account in the event of this occurring.
When will I see you? How will we schedule?
Usually before the first session, the team at Infinite Wellbeing, LLC will inquire about your availability for sessions. If the therapist has a time in which both therapist and client are available, an initial session will be scheduled to discuss concerns. If the therapist determines that Infinite Wellbeing, LLC is the right place for you to receive care, additional sessions will be scheduled. Sessions usually occur weekly or biweekly, but this can depend on the presenting concern and level of care needed (as determined by your therapist).
What happens in the first session?
Information is gathered about your background and history as well as your current concerns to determine the correct path moving forward for treatment.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy length is highly determined by the presenting issue, the environment and stressors around the client, and their engagement in therapy. Therapy length can be as short as ten sessions or longer depending on the concerns of the client.
Therapy doesn’t work, I tried it before, what makes you think it would work this time?
The relationship between the client and therapist is an important component of therapy success. Dr. Brown often tells her clients the importance of rapport. Obviously, most individuals will feel uncomfortable sharing intimate details of their lives in a first session. Dr. Brown suggests gauging how therapy feels by the third session. If the “fit” of therapist and client is not there, your therapist will be happy to help you find another therapy source.
Further, it is important for individuals to be ready to go to therapy. While you will meet with your therapist on a weekly or biweekly basis, you will be expected to work on your concerns between sessions. It is important that individuals be ready to change and ready to put in the work to change, or therapy will not be effective.
How do I find the right therapist?
It is important to find a therapist who is comfortable with your concern. Often this can be determined by reading their bios, calling their office, or checking with your insurance company.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a newer form of therapy that has been gaining respect in the field for its effectiveness in many scientific research trials. It was developed and advanced by Dr. Aaron Beck and his daughter Judith Beck. CBT focuses on changing Cognitions (or Thoughts) and Behaviors to improve your mood. We will talk about things that have happened in the past to understand what is going on (and address things from the past as needed) but the main focus will be on building the life you want now. Contrary to many movie depictions and some other types of therapy, we will work very collaboratively with you. Both believe that you are the expert on yourself and your life so we will work together as we develop and test strategies to move us forward. This gives us the best understanding of where you are at, often makes change more meaningful and helps you build the skills that you will use to resolve similar difficulties at a later time. For more information on CBT, give us a call or check out the Beck Institute for information direct from the source.
What about medications? Psychologist versus psychiatrist? What’s the difference?
Psychologists such as Dr. Brown have a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, which specializes in advanced knowledge of evidence-based therapies and the completion of psychological assessments. Psychologists do not prescribe medications. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. At times, some primary care physicians are also comfortable prescribing medications as well. Medication use is a very personal decision and individuals often have strong opinions on medication use. During your initial session, your therapist will discuss whether your specific concerns would benefit from medication use and help you to obtain a referral for medication if necessary. It should be noted that research has shown for numerous diagnoses that medication use in conjunction with therapy is the most beneficial in regards to improvements in symptoms.
Do you do assessments?
Dr. Brown is trained in psychological assessments (utilizing measures such as the MMPI-3 or PAI), psychoeducational assessments (utilizing measures of ability and achievement), ADHD assessments, and autism assessments (utilizing the ADOS-2). As the practice is in it’s infancy, assessments are not being offered at this time, but will be available in the future.
What happens if I see you in public?
You are welcome to say hello. However, we will not say hello first or acknowledge you, so that we do not break your confidentiality. We will not discuss any treatment related information with you in public, we will ask that you schedule a time to discuss it in a more private setting.
Do you do group therapy? What about couples counseling?
At this time, we are not offering group therapy. Couples counseling may be offered in conjunction with individual therapy, but it is not a service we offer independently at this time.
How safe is my information?
Any physical client information is stored in a locked cabinet at the practice. You information will never be released without your consent (with the exception of times in which therapists are required to breach confidentiality, as is highlighted in the consent form you will sign upon starting therapy). Your information will be stored in an electronic health record called Theranest which is compliant with HIPAA standards. Some information will need to be shared with your insurance company for payment of services, and this will be discussed with you during the intake process.
What is the electronic medical record system you use?
We use Theranest. More information can be found here- https://theranest.com/