Help & FAQs

During the initial session, your therapist would like to know more about what has brought you to therapy. In the case of couple and family sessions, each person will be asked to share their perspectives. The therapist will ask questions about the problem to develop a deeper understanding and may also ask questions about solutions attempted, other issues, and individual histories. Within the first few sessions, your therapist will ask you about your goals for therapy. Subsequent sessions will focus on reaching your goals along with addressing obstacles and conflicts which may arise along the way.

Within our general framework, we usually meet with clients weekly. Weekly sessions allow for addressing important issues and maintain a sense of continuity through the process. However, the frequency of sessions is flexible and is based on your needs.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled appointment to complete information forms. This will help the therapist know the reason(s) you are seeking services and how s/he can assist you. The therapist will meet with you for approximately 60 minutes. At this first session, you will be asked questions to clarify your current situation and history. The therapist will discuss treatment options with you.

Whatever you say in therapy, stays in therapy. However, there are times when a therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality:

1. Harm to self or others. If a therapist believes that you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else, a family member, police, or ambulance will be called to ensure safety.
2. A child under the age of 18 or an older adult in care is in danger. In these cases, Family and Children’s Services or the police will be called.
3. Your files are subpoenaed by the court
4. A client experienced a health emergency during a session. In this case, medical staff would be provided only with the necessary information. No information about why a client is in therapy will be shared.

Some therapists carry confidentiality into the community. We inform clients that if we see them in the community we will not say hello. We don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to explain how they know me. We are open to speaking to clients outside of the office, but they get to make the first contact

Since each of these professionals can provide mental health services, it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for you. The best way to explain it is by breaking down the services they provide.

1. Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has done extra training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can diagnose a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia, and prescribe any necessary medication. Some psychiatrists provide therapy to their patients, but due to the shortage of psychiatrists, in my experience, they usually provide diagnosis and medication management. Psychiatrists may refer their patients to therapists/psychologists for therapy.
2. Psychologist: Psychologists hold at least a master’s degree in psychology and also go as far as obtaining a Doctorate. They are qualified to diagnose mental health issues, but not prescribe medication. They provide counseling.

TCHD accepts all insurance forms. Please walk with your form and a referral.