How do I know if I should get therapy?
Often I hear that people waited for a long time to try therapy because they felt that "other people have it worse," or because they’ve been told that they’re supposed to figure out everything in life on their own. In therapy, you can still figure things out for yourself — you just don’t have to do it alone. Probably you are reading this because things have been feeling tough for a while, and keeping all of your thoughts inside doesn’t seem to be helping. Healing and growing can take time, but many people tell me they start feeling better by the end of their first session. Just having someone who is able to hear you and help you express yourself can make a huge difference. And when you take good care of yourself, it puts you in a better place to be there for the other people in your life, too.
What happens in the first session?
In the first session, we will get to know each other a little bit. You can talk about anything, and you don't have to talk about everything. The first session allows us to talk through some of the things on your mind that are bringing you to therapy, and to help you figure out if I might be the right fit — that is, someone who you feel comfortable talking to, who you feel you can trust, and you feel will be helpful to speak with.
Can I pay for sessions using my insurance?
Some people use their insurance to pay for sessions, and some pay for sessions out-of-pocket. I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I also frequently work with UMass graduate students and undergraduates who use the school insurance (CHP/Wellfleet/Cigna) to cover sessions.
Many people may be able to utilize insurance even if they have an insurance I am not in-network with by using “out-of-network” benefits. To learn more about what your insurance company will and will not cover, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the customer service representative about your “out-of-network mental health benefits”, particularly:
What is my deductible? (In other words, how much will you be required to pay before they begin to reimburse you?)
What percentage of therapy fees will they cover?
Are there any limits on coverage, such as number of sessions per year?
What are the steps involved in submitting a receipt (also called a “superbill”) for reimbursement?
Some of my clients have used Better app for insurance reimbursements and found it simplified the process for them.
Do you provide video sessions?
Yes, I provide video therapy to clients who are located throughout Massachusetts.
How do I get started?
Give me a call at 413.461.0098 or email me at daltabefphd@gmail.com. The first step is for us to chat briefly, to help me get a sense for what you're looking for help with, and to answer any questions you might have. This initial call can help you get a sense if I might be a fit for what you're looking for, and we can talk about next steps from there.