Frequently asked questions

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People are reluctant to consider psychotherapy because of many misconceptions about the process. 

Overcoming the worry, however, is worth it when thinking about who you wish to be and where you wish to go in your life as psychotherapy can facilitate these goals. Some of our clients sought psychotherapy because they felt depressed, anxious or angry for a long time. Others wanted help for a chronic illness that  interfered with their emotional or physical well-being. Still others were dealing with the challenges of  divorce, facing an empty nest, feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving the loss of a family member.



Some signs/symptoms that you could  benefit from therapy might include: 1) feeling an overwhelming, experiencing a prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness; 2)noticing that your problems don't seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends; 3) You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities.; 4) You worry excessively, expect the worst or are constantly on edge;  and 5) Your actions, such as drinking too much, fighting with your partner or family, or having difficulty getting work done

 The number of sessions vary for each person depending upon their reasons for seeking therapy and their personal circumstances.  Some concerns can be resolved within a few sessions whereas others can take longer depending on the nature and severity of the problem.  The first step when meeting with prospective clients is gathering a comprehensive overview of his or her reasons for seeking treatment, strengths, and the ways in which they have coped with their problems in the past.  This allows us to identify and set reachable and personalized therapeutic goals which can be met in a timely manner.

Psychologists and counselors cannot prescribe medications. This is done typically by psychiatrists or primary care physicians  Although psychologists and counselors are well read and understand the use of psychiatric interventions, their approaches focus on changing environmental, behavioral, or cognitive factors.    

 During your first  scheduled appointment, you will meet with one of our psychologists  or counselors to discuss your reasons for seeking help.  You may be asked  about your beliefs, expectations, and experiences that brought you to therapy.  This will help us to understand your current situation and to begin devising a treatment plan. You will then work with your therapist to set a schedule for future appointments based on your needs.  

It is important to only work with professionals who are licensed. We offer free initial consultations where you can ask specifically which of the state licensing boards oversees their profession and when they obtained a license. A CERTIFICATE  means nothing, as do any other terms that are used as substitute words for the word license. 

Like many experienced psychologists and counselors, we do not belong to managed care panels because of numerous concerns our clients faced with privacy and quality of care. We did not appreciate the personal details they requested of their clients’ lives and how they would end treatment prematurely by offering limited sessions. We want our work to be absolutely private and the confidentiality of managed care insurance plans insurance records cannot be guaranteed. It is important to BCP that the therapist and client decide when to end the work, not a for-profit corporation. 

What we can do is to provide a receipt for "Out-of-Network" reimbursement if you need one. Be aware that it will include a psychiatric diagnosis since health insurance is only for medical treatment. A diagnosis may affect future eligibility for life or disability insurance, a decision you will have to weigh. If you cannot afford treatment without insurance, then you must balance the costs and the benefits for your particular situation

To determine what your benefits are, contact the 1-800 number on the back of your card and specifically ask them about your "Out-of-Network" coverage.  Ask your insurance provider what your "Deductible" is and what they will pay for once it has been met.

What we talk about in treatment is confidential, meaning that we do not discuss them with anyone without your specific, written permission. There are, however,  certain exceptions which are mandated by federal and state law as well as by the ethical codes set forth by the Pennsylvania Board of Psychology. Limits of confidentiality include but are not limited to: court orders, situations in which there is a suspicion of child or elderly/dependent abuse (involving physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect), domestic violence, and in the event that you are in danger of seriously harming yourself or another person. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights to confidentiality and privacy please don't hesitate to ask questions.