Do I need help?

Are my problems significant enough for therapy?

You don’t have to have a “major” problem to come to therapy. Just feeling unhappy or really stressed, or wanting guidance though a difficult situation makes you a good candidate to benefit from therapy

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call me at (206)844-9766, email me at irishogan@reasontohope.net, or use the contact form {link to the Contact page} on this website to connect. I will get back with you as quickly as I can, usually by the next business day, to schedule an appointment.

How long are sessions?

Regular sessions usually last about 50 minutes.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

That depends on your presenting concerns and therapy focus. We will clearly identify and define your problems and therapy goals. Treatment length will be determined by your goals.

The length of time it takes to feel better in therapy can vary greatly depending on the you and your specific situation. There is no set timeline for how long therapy will take, as each person’s journey is unique.

Some people may start to feel better after just a few therapy sessions, while others may need to attend therapy for much longer to see significant progress. The amount of time it takes to feel better can depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your mental health condition, the type of therapy, and how committed you are to the therapeutic process.

It is important to remember that therapy is not always a linear process, and progress can sometimes be slow or uneven. However, even small steps forward can be meaningful and significant. Additionally, therapy can provide you with valuable tools and coping strategies that can help you manage your symptoms in the long term.

How will I know if therapy is working?

When therapy is working you will see and feel the evidence of it in your daily life. In addition, we will have clear goals to track your progress, so you will know if we are moving in the right direction. We will have an open dialogue about how you feel your therapy is going and if you feel you are moving in the right direction.

Knowing if therapy is working for you can be a subjective experience, but here are some signs that treatment may be effective:

1. You feel more comfortable opening up:  I will work hard to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your feelings and experiences. If you find that you are becoming more comfortable opening up and sharing your thoughts and feelings, it may be a sign that therapy is working.

2. You are more self-aware: Therapy can help you to gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you find that you are becoming more self-aware and can identify patterns in your thoughts and behaviors, it may be a sign that therapy is working.

3. You are developing new coping strategies: Therapy can help you to develop new coping strategies and skills to manage your emotions and behaviors. If you find that you are implementing the strategies discussed in therapy and they are helping you to feel better, it may be a sign that therapy is working.

4. You are seeing positive changes in your life: If you are seeing positive changes in your life, such as improvements in your relationships, work, or overall well-being, it may be a sign that therapy is working.

5. You have a good relationship with me: The therapeutic relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process. If you feel comfortable and supported by me as your therapist, it may be a sign that therapy is working.

If I am on medication (or considering taking medications) do I still need therapy?

Research has shown that the use of medication and therapy in combination is an extremely effective way to facilitate change. It is not uncommon for people to be on an antidepressant or an anti-anxiety medication before or during their therapy work. If you feel you would benefit from a combination of medication and therapy, I am happy to refer you to a psychiatrist or a physician for a medication consultation. I can then coordinate your care with them, so you will gain the benefits of both approaches.

Some people seek to discontinue their medication as a treatment goal. In this case, therapy will be used as a means of gaining skills and insights so that medication may no longer be necessary.

If you are on medications or considering taking them, you may still benefit from therapy. Medications can be an important part of treating mental health conditions, but they are not a standalone solution. Therapy can provide you with additional support and help you to develop coping skills and strategies for dealing with your symptoms.

Therapy can help you to better understand your mental health condition and how it affects your life. It can also help you to identify triggers for your symptoms and develop ways to manage them. Additionally, therapy can provide you with a safe and supportive space to talk about your concerns and work through any issues that may be contributing to your mental health condition.

It is important to remember that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength, and that there is no shame in getting the support you need. Whether you are considering medication, already taking medication, or prefer not to take medication, therapy can be a valuable tool in your journey toward mental wellness.

How much does therapy cost?

My standard rate is $190 per 50-minute session. I have some sliding scale therapy slots reserved for people who are experiencing financial hardship. If you are concerned about the cost, please talk to me.

Do you accept insurance?

While I am not an in-network insurance provider, most of my clients find that they can gain reimbursement from their PPO insurance plan for out-of-network therapy services. I will be happy to fill out any required clinical paperwork for you to facilitate this process. I recommend that you check with your insurance company about the terms of your coverage and reimbursement rates for out-of-network therapy.

Here are some of the benefits of using an out-of-network provider:

• Choice of clinician – You get to pick the person with whom you have the best fit, rather than simply having to work with someone on a preferred provider list. A good fit with your therapist is essential to getting the most out of your therapy work. In addition, it can be challenging to find an in-network provider that is qualified, local, and available.
• Choice of therapy focus, length, and treatment type – Insurance policies often restrict the type of services, the number of sessions, and the scope of therapy, and they typically require a review of your medical records to justify “medical necessity.” With an out-of-network provider, you work on what you want to, in a way that is meaningful to you, for as long as you feel treatment is needed.
• Choice of provider qualifications – You get to review the qualifications of your clinician. Insurance companies often contract with clinicians at far below market rate, which means that providers with specialized qualifications may be underrepresented on your insurance panel.

When should I not consider therapy?

If your schedule does not allow you time to come regularly (weekly or every other week initially), then therapy may not be right for you. Especially in the beginning, it is important to commit to regular attendance in order to build a strong foundation and facilitate healing.

I do not provide substance abuse treatment as a primary focus. If you are struggling with active addiction, please seek help with a specialized Addiction Counselor.

A good place to start is Alcoholic Anonymous.