Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy, sometimes called “talk therapy” is a process where psychological problems are treated through communication and relationship factors between an individual and a trained mental health professional.
How do I find a therapist?
How do I pay for therapy sessions?
What is psychotherapy?
How do I get in touch with you?
How can therapy help me?
Therapy can help resolve underlying issues, which fuel ongoing complaints. After understanding your struggles and what you would like to change, we will explore strategies that best fit for you to help you cope with feelings and symptoms and change behavioral patterns that may be contributing to your struggles.
What is the first session like?
During the first session, I will obtain as much information as possible to gain a clear picture of the issues you want to work on and the best way to proceed. We will develop a plan specifying your goals and frequency of sessions. Throughout therapy, I will be asking you if your goals are being met and, if not, what changes need to be made. This is also a time when you can get a sense of my style and whether you will be comfortable working with me.
How do I know therapy is right for me?
Some questions you can ask yourself:
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Have you been struggling lately?
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Have you been having troubling thoughts, feelings or moods?
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Are you experiencing low motivation, feeling overwhelmed or unlike yourself?
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Do you think it may help to talk to someone who is not a family member or friend who can offer a different outside perspective?
Therapy can really help. Talking with someone does not mean you are weak or that you can’t handle your problems. Gaining a different perspective and understanding yourself shows great strength in character. Therapy allows you to process issues in a different way that will help you make the changes you want in your life. Although it can sometimes feel scary to take the first step to reach out, reducing your symptoms and learning to cope in healthier ways can make doing so worthwhile.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on the symptoms or struggles you may be having, how long you have experienced your symptoms and your treatment goals. Some people enter therapy to work on a specific problem or concern. In general, sessions could last approximately six sessions. For those who have more long-standing problems and want to explore deeper, therapy could last for several months. Initially, sessions usually start once a week and can move to every other week or even once a month. Some may end therapy but return a year later for a few sessions to address a specific concern that may have arisen. It all depends on your needs and what works best for you. We would establish the best fit for your particular situation.
How long do we meet?
Sessions last 50 minutes although sometimes people request longer sessions and we figure out how to make this happen.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
Many people may be nervous the first time meeting a therapist and don’t know the best way to proceed. It is my goal to make you feel as comfortable as possible. I will ask questions to help guide you through the process and to get a sense of the best way to help.
Will you prescribe medication?
Since I am not a medical doctor, I am unable to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication as well as your primary care physician.
How do I find a therapist?
How can I tell if a therapist is a good match for me?
Therapists should offer a safe, confidential place where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings and concerns. A therapist should offer a place and time, which is just for you to talk about things that bother you and to feel listened to and accepted and to help you make the changes you would like to see happen.
What if I don't connect with a therapist?
Not every therapist will be a good fit for you. Therapists have different styles and it is important for you to assess whether you are comfortable talking with the therapist. When we meet, you will decide whether this is a good fit. If not, I will be glad to give you referrals to others therapists who may be better aligned with who you are looking for. It is very important that you work with a therapist whom you feel comfortable and safe with in order for therapy to be helpful.
How do I pay for therapy sessions?
Will my insurance cover our sessions? (How does that work?)
It is important to know what your insurance will pay for. Some insurance companies will only pay for a certain amount of sessions. By calling your insurance company, you can find out about your benefits. Many times insurance companies require you to pay a co-pay. If I am a provider for your insurance company then I will collect your co-pay and then file with your insurance for the rest of the amount. If I am not a provider for your insurance then I can offer you a statement that you can submit to your insurance. You would pay for the session and then submit the statement to your insurance company. Depending on your out of network benefits, you may receive some money back from your insurance company. It will be your responsibility to know what your particular benefits are.
How much does each session cost?
Each session costs $185. The expectation is that you pay at the beginning of each session unless we came up with a different arrangement. You can pay by credit card, check or cash.
What if I can't make it to a session?
If you are unable to attend a session that has been scheduled please allow at least 24 hours notice to cancel the session. If you do not cancel and don’t show for the session then you will be charged for the full amount for the session. If you contact me less then 24 hours, you will be charged half the session fee. Insurance will not pay for any late charges or missed appointments.
How do I get in touch with you?
What is the best way to contact you?
The best way to contact me is by calling me. My voicemail is 303-437-5132. I will return your call no later then the end of the next business day. You can also email me at drsigel@ivysigel.com.
Where are you located?
My office is located at 2121 S. Oneida St., Suite 336, Denver CO.
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