Below are some frequently asked questions.

What is Marriage and Family Therapy?

“Marriage and family therapy is:

• brief

• solution-focused

• specific, with attainable therapeutic goals

• designed with the "end in mind."

Marriage and family therapists treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems. Research indicates that marriage and family therapy is as effective, and in some cases more effective than standard and/or individual treatments for many mental health problems such as: adult schizophrenia, affective (mood) disorders, adult alcoholism and drug abuse, children's conduct disorders, adolescent drug abuse, anorexia in young adult women, childhood autism, chronic physical illness in adults and children, and marital distress and conflict.
Marriage and family therapists regularly practice short-term therapy; 12 sessions on average. Nearly 65.6% of the cases are completed within 20 sessions, 87.9% within 50 sessions. Marital/couples therapy (11.5 sessions) and family therapy (9 sessions) both require less time than the average individuated treatment (13 sessions). About half of the treatment provided by marriage and family therapists is one-on-one with the other half divided between marital/couple and family therapy, or a combination of treatments.” (taken from www.aamft.org)

Why a LMFT?

“Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems. Adolescent drug abuse, depression, alcoholism, obesity and dementia in the elderly -- as well as marital distress and conflict -- are just some of the conditions Marriage and Family Therapists effectively treat.
Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with services of Marriage and Family Therapists. Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.  In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98 percent of clients of marriage and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent.” (www.aamft.org)

How much does it cost?

50 minute session is $120.

What are the benefits of psychotherapy?

After receiving treatment, almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly two-thirds report an improvement in their overall physical health. A majority of clients report an improvement in their functioning at work, and over three-fourths of those receiving marital/couples or family therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship. When a child is the identified patient, parents report that their child's behavior improved in 73.7% of the cases, their ability to get along with other children significantly improved and there was improved performance in school.  Marriage and family therapy's prominence in the mental health field has increased due to its brief, solution-focused treatment, its family-centered approach, and its demonstrated effectiveness. Marriage and family therapists are licensed or certified in 48 states and are recognized by the federal government as members of a distinct mental health discipline.
Today more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists treat individuals, couples, and families nationwide. Membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has grown from 237 members in 1960 to more than 23,000 in 1996. This growth is a result, in part, of renewed public awareness of the value of family life and concern about the increased stresses on families in a rapidly changing world.” (www.aamft.org)

How often do we meet?
Typically, we will meet once a week.  After the initial assessment, frequency and duration of sessions will be recommended.

How long do I need therapy?
The length of treatment depends greatly on symptom severity and your preference.  This also becomes your treatment plan as the length of treatment period will be discussed.  In recent study, the average treatment lasts 10-12 sessions.  It’s not uncommon for individuals to return to therapy at a later time to address another issue.

Do you have evening and weekend hours available?

Currently, my office hours are from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m./Monday -Friday.  Weekend hours are by appointments only.

Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance for direct payment.  Your insurance coverage may include “out of network” providers and so you would need to call your administrator or insurance company for details.

What form of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, debit card or credit card.  Check out my Services & Fees page.

Are you accepting new clients?
This varies from time to time.  Currently, I am taking new clients.  At times when I cannot take new clients, I will be happy to provide you with 3 referrals to other respected counselors.

Where are you located?
Please refer to Contact page.

How can I reach you?
Please refer to Contact page.