
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you've experienced therapy in the past or you are new to therapy, setting up your initial appointment can be quite intimidating. Our priority at soulspeak wellness florida, inc. is to ease your mind and ensure you feel welcomed and relaxed. Below is some information we put together that we hope will ease any of your questions, worries, or concerns,and will make the process as easy and streamlined as possible for you.
Everyone questions: "How can therapy help me?"
The benefits that you obtain from therapy is limitless. Therapists can provide support and assist you in increasing your coping strategies to deal with life’s stressors and other issues that are impacting you in your current life. Therapy opens and through the connection of mind, body, and spirit, you can begin to address issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, addictions, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, creative blocks, and so much more. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective and a nonjudgmental safe environment that assists you in addressing problems and finding solutions. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
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Becoming clear of your goals, values and an authentic connection to yourself
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Developing skills to have authentic personal/professional relationships
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Finding resolution to address concerns that guided you to seek therapy
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Increasing coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety
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Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional reactions
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Improving communications and listening skills
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Releasing old behavior patterns and developing new healthy behaviors
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Improving your family relationships
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Improving your self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-confidence
How do I know if therapy is for me?
People enter into therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may be going through a major life transitions, self-improvement, medical concerns, and other areas that the stress may be overwhelming. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as relationship problems, creative blocks, managing emotional symptoms, and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they want to be more effective with their goals in life or find a higher meaning in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
Do I need therapy?
Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, guidance, and acceptance to allow support in your life. Therapy provides the tools for long-lasting benefits and support, offering support to change old patterns and behaviors, and assisting you in achieving a more authentic self.
What is therapy like?
Therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or longer-term to deal with more difficult patterns showing up in your life. You can expect to discuss the events happening in your life, your relevant history and your progress towards your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives. It is common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist, usually weekly.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
Medication is not the only answer for mental and emotional problems. Therapy addresses the cause and root of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor and your therapist may be the right course of action.
Do you take my insurance?
soulspeak wellness florida,inc. is an out of network provider. You may contact your insurance company prior to the first session and ask how much they will reimburse you if you choose an out of network LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). Upon request, we will provide you with a "super bill" (an itemized form used by healthcare providers reflecting rendered services) for your sessions with all the information the insurance company requires. You may submit this directly to your insurance company for applicable reimbursement.
Why don't you take insurance?
Many who practice counseling in Miami Dade and Broward choose not to participate with insurance panels for various reasons. Insurance companies often restrict the type and duration of service that can be provided, including a limit on the length and number sessions they will allow regardless of your needs. Also, insurance companies require your therapist to provide a diagnosis code. Many believe that this diagnosis code is a “label” of sorts and are apprehensive about therapy because they do not want to have a record of a diagnosis on file with an insurance company. Many therapists prefer not to share your information (such as treatment plans and diagnosis codes) with insurance companies to better protect your confidentiality. While there are many reasons to seek treatment without insurance, the soulspeak wellness florida team understands that therapy is an investment. We will work with you to make sure you have the required documentation needed to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement under your out-of-network benefits, upon request.
What are your rates?
At soulspeak wellness florida, inc. therapeutic sessions are conducted in office setting or as a concierge service. Concierge therapeutic services are offered in your home, office, or other convenient or comfortable private location of your choice. This service is offered based on availability.
In office first/initial evaluation is $180 for a 60-90-minute session.
In office therapeutic sessions are charged at $140 per 50-55-minute session.
In office hypnotherapy sessions are usually charged at a two-hour session ($250).
Payment is due at time of service. Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis. Cash, check, all major credit cards, Cash App, and Venmo are accepted for payment.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. For Monday appointments, we ask for a 48-hour notice.
What should I expect during my first session?
You will meet with your therapist in a comfortable and private office setting. Our new client paperwork is usually provided to you in advance through our secure, online client portal or if you prefer, you may complete paperwork electronically when you arrive. During the first session we will review and discuss some basic questions regarding your history and reasons for coming to therapy. This allows you and your therapist to get to know each other, to discuss your strengths and resources, and to better understand the nature of your particular situation. You will also have the opportunity ask your therapist any questions or concerns that may have come up for you. All paperwork is stored electronically in our secure, HIPPA-compliant, online EHR system.
Your initial visit will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. After that, appointments will last approximately 1 hour.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Success in therapy requires a high degree of trust and confidentiality. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone about your progress, but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
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Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.