FAQs

Therapy gives you an opportunity to understand yourself, others, and the world (especially because all of us have our blindspots). It can help you also find ways to change the unhelpful and controllable things in your life, and learn how to accept the things that are uncontrollable. Therapy can be the first step to help you make some lasting changes in your mind and behavior, that can lead to flourishing and emotional wellbeing.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.”

Therapy is designed to be a safe space that you can show up and be your authentic self, and discuss the difficulties that you may have faced/continue to face. It is helpful to come unfiltered and talk about whatever it is that is on your mind. Some topics may be more difficult than others to share, and the decision is always yours whether or not, and to what extent, you want to share these sensitive topics. You certainly will not have to talk about something that you wish to not talk about.

Both the frequency and length of therapy depends on many factors such as the complexity of the issues, your goals, and your willingness and motivation for change. We typically recommend weekly 50-minute sessions, especially in the beginning phase of therapy. Generally, situational stressors take fewer sessions to address, by comparison to issues related to ongoing mood difficulties, trauma, and abuse.

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you flourish and live a fulfilling life.

Currently, we are in network with Aetna, Highmark, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans (such as Anthem, Empire, Capital, Federal, etc), as well as Medicare, and Quest/Penn Behavioral Health. We can offer documentation for out-of-network benefits reimbursement through your insurance policy if your insurance is not listed here. There are some benefits to not using your insurance for therapy, such as further protecting your confidentiality, and allowing the therapist, not a third party, determine what is the best treatment plan for you.

Current therapy session out-of-pocket fees are between $135 to $200.

The fee for ADHD evaluations is $1700.

Click here if you are interested in finding lower cost services in the Philadelphia area.

We always take some time to verify your benefits before you get started with us.  We also always recommend that you contact your insurance company directly and give them our practice name (Philadelphia Center for Psychotherapy), and ask them if we are in network for you, if you have a deductible that applies, and what your copay will be.  

A virtual option is always available to anyone, and is conducted on a secure, HIPAA-compliant site. If you are fully vaccinated, we can do sessions in person and/or virtual.

We are all human, and things sometimes get in the way of our schedule. If you need to cancel and reschedule a session, please give us a 24-hour notice. If the session is cancelled within 24 hours, you would have to pay for that session. Emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis.