F.A.Q.

Psychotherapy is the treatment of emotional, behavioral, personality, and psychiatric disorders based on talk therapy. Psychotherapists have been trained in techniques that allow them to treat mental disorders by talking with people. Psychotherapists usually work very closely with psychiatrists and other mental health providers. Only individuals appropriately licensed by the state of Florida may call themselves a “psychotherapist.”

Everyone has occasional feelings of being sad, feeling overwhelmed, or feeling insecure. Normally, these feelings pass within a couple of days. “Depression” is a combination of psychological and physiological symptoms that generally cause a decrease in how a person functions. There are different types of depression, or “depression disorders.” Most people with depression need treatment to get better.

People with depression often struggle with other health and mental health problems such as anxiety, behavior problems (especially teens), panic attacks, sexual identity concerns, suicidality, body image issues, eating disorders, and weight issues.

Visit the National Institute for Mental Health for additional information on depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-index.shtml

Many factors contribute to depression.There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. These factors might include:

1. a family history of depression
2. relationship conflict
3. social stressors (Work, school, relationships)
4. a history of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual) or trauma
5. a recent major life change (college, divorce, pregnancy)
6. use of drugs and alcohol
7. family conflict
8. poor self esteem or poor self confidence
9. past failures

Our clients are adults and teenagers/adolescents who experience depression and anxiety and related problems such as panic attacks, bipolar disorder, sexual identity issues, substance abuse, relationship problems, and post traumatic stress. Depression and anxiety problems manifest in many different ways. If you identify with the any of the following, you would likely benefit for professional help:

1. You feel exhausted a lot of the time.
2. You feel as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible.
3. You spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong, what will go
4. wrong or what is wrong about yourself as a person.
5. You feel like a burden to others.
6. You sometimes feel that life isn’t worth living.
7. You have poor confidence.
8. You have difficulty sleeping.
9. You have gained or lost a significant amount of weight.
10. You feel restless.

A personal recommendation is usually the best way to find a therapist. We also suggest that you consult a professional who specializes in treating people with depression and anxiety.

As a client, most of what happens in therapy depends on you. Arrive for appointments on time, complete any readings or homework assignments, and be honest with your therapist.

Cognitive therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on a person’s beliefs and expectations. The client modifies their thinking in order to modify their emotions or change self-defeating behaviors.

Couples therapy is sometimes referred to as marriage counseling. Not all couples are married, so the term couples therapy is preferred. Similar to family therapy, couples therapy focuses on the relationship between the two people without blaming either person for the problems. Couples therapy focusing on solving “relationship problems.”

Family therapy involves a whole family, or several family members, all meeting with a therapist. Family therapy can be helpful if a family is having problems getting along. It can also be used if one family member has a problem, and family relationships may be contributing to or maintaining the problem.

Teenage depression is a serious concern. Among suicidal teens, depression is the most common diagnosis. Naturally adolescence is a time when your teenager may be having new experiences, and therefore may be experiencing new or unusual feelings. The best thing you can do is talk to your child about how she or he is feeling and ask them if they feel they want or need to see a therapist. The worst thing a parent or caretaker can do is ignore “signs” of depression among teens which may include:

1. behavioral problems at school
2. social isolation/withdrawal
3. difficulty getting along with others including parents and siblings
4. crying spells
5. drug and alcohol use
6. rebellious behaviors
7. poor or complete lack of communication

Research has shown that psychotherapy in conjunction with medication is the best treatment for therapy.

Different medications can be prescribed for depression and anxiety. A medical doctor completes an evaluation and assessment to determine if medication is the right option for you. Research has shown that psychotherapy in conjunction with medication is the best treatment for therapy.

The exact cause of panic attacks and disorders is unknown. Panic attacks are common among depressed adults and teenagers and are related to intense feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Panic attacks happen most when a person feels “out of control” or unable to cope with his or her surroundings. Panic attacks are a physical reaction to feelings and emotions. Panic attacks may include chest pain or discomfort, fear of losing control, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, and faintness. Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy (working with a therapist) are ways to treat panic disorders.

Click here for information on the type of help we offer.

You should see results in several areas including:

• Feeling Better: Feeling more relaxed, calm, happy, and goal oriented
• Communication: You should be able to speak and communicate your feelings better to loved ones and friends. You should also have better confidence and assertiveness.
  

• Insight: You should develop better understanding of your depression and be able to identify triggers to depression
  

• Emotional Stability: You should feel more “stable” and emotionally balanced.

Individual, couples and family sessions are 45 minutes long (i.e., a “therapy hour”), and are typically held once a week. However, some sessions may be scheduled for longer time periods, or with different frequency. For example: some couples might prefer and benefit from more intense work, such as back-to-back sessions, or patients who are experiencing a crisis might benefit from twice-a-week sessions until the crisis resolves or is better coped with.

Therapy does not take a set amount of time. The time that a person/couple/family spends in therapy depends on the nature of the problem, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the illness. The length of your treatment and your treatment success will be based upon your particular symptoms, your motivation to improve and your specific goals for therapy. We generally recommend that an individual commit to at least four sessions upfront.

All communication between psychotherapists and their patients is confidential and legally protected. We do not disclose any of your information without your written consent.

One exception is if you tell us of an intention to hurt yourself or someone else. Another exception is if a minor child (under 18 y/o) or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglect pursuant to Florida Law. We are required to report these instances.

We accept most insurance companies including Aetna, Compsych / EAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Behavioral Health Systems, Tri-Care, Humana/LifeSynch, Integrated Health Plan, and Wellpoint. We also offer some services that may not be compensated by your insurance carrier.

Schedule an initial Consultation with one of our therapists today by calling 305-377-2120, ext. 3.

Clients must call to cancel their appointment at least 4 hours in advance or they may be assessed a NO SHOW fee. Attending the first session and acknowledging that you need help is perhaps the most important t step in treatment.

You and your family are likely to be successful working with us if you…

• want to explore and implement real change in behavioral, emotional and social functioning.
• are open to new ways of thinking about emotions, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors
• understand that psychotherapy and behavior change require a commitment of resources, including time, emotional energy and finances.
• accept that change is a process that can take time and understand that there are no “quick fixes.”
• are honest with yourself and would like to try new ways of being.

Our published rates per session are:

• Diagnostic Interview & Assessment: $300.00
• Individual: $175.00
• Group: $125.00
• Telephonic: $95.00
• We also accept most insurance and offer reduced fees. Call 305-527-3240 for individual pricing information.