FAQ
what is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is a way to treat people with a mental health disorder by helping them understand their illness. It teaches people strategies and gives them tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps patients manage their symptoms better and function at their best in everyday life.
In psychotherapy, scientifically validated procedures are applied to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. There are several approaches to psychotherapy – including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and other theories of talk therapy – that help individuals work through their problems.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process of change, based on the relationship between an individual, a couple, or a family, and a therapist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and nonjudgmental. You and your therapist will work together to identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from being your best.
What Does “Evidence-Based Therapy” Mean And Why Is It The Gold Standard?
Evidence-based treatment (EBT) is defined as clinical decision-making that integrates both individual clinical expertise and the best scientific evidence. EBT’s are processes and techniques used by your therapist that have been scientifically proven to be more effective than other therapy approaches. In order to be considered an evidence-based treatment by the American Psychological Association (APA), it must have been researched in multiple clinical trials that have been repeated by several different research teams, usually in university, hospital, or community settings.
A mental health provider who uses the EBT approach is considered an “evidence-based practice.” Evidence-based practices may sound like a cookie-cutter approaches to treatment, but, they are actually more tailored to the individual than other types of therapy.
Dr.Polizzi’s graduate training at Stanford was focused exclusively on EBT’s, and we are proud to be an evidence-based practice. So, when you put your trust in Silicon Valley Psychology, you know you are getting the best care available.What’s The Difference Between A Therapist, A Psychologist, And A Psychiatrist?
A therapist or counselor has a master's degree (MA) in psychology, counseling, or a related field, which usually involves two years of course work and a thesis. In order to be licensed, the professional counselor also needs two additional years of experience (or 3,000 hours) providing therapy services directly to clients under the clinical supervision of a licensed therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. A therapist is qualified to evaluate and treat mental problems by providing counseling or psychotherapy.
A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, which usually involves a total of 5 or more years of schooling and training. The training activities within the different degrees can vary greatly depending on the program and choices of the student. Generally, the Ph.D. degree is focused more heavily on learning to do research in the field of psychology, with some training and experience providing therapy and psychological testing directly to clients. The Psy.D.degree is focused more heavily on learning to provide psychotherapy and testing to clients, with some training and experience doing research. The first three years are usually spent doing full time course work, research, and providing therapy and psychological testing services directly to clients under the clinical supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Doctoral level psychologists also spend about one year completing a research project and dissertation, and a year-long clinical internship, which is also clinically supervised by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and psychotherapy, and psychological testing. However, because psychologists are not medical doctors, and except for in a couple of states, psychologists cannot write prescriptions for medications.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness, usually with medications and medical procedures. A psychiatrist’s training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist evaluates and monitors medications for mental health disorders and takes into account the interactions of other medical conditions along with the medications prescribed for mental illnesses. As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions, and some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy or counseling. But generally when you work with a psychiatrist, the focus of treatment is on determining the best medication(s) and dosage(s) for your illness, and maintaining optimal effects of the medications over time by monitoring and adjusting them.
What Should I Expect In A Counseling/Therapy Session?
The first 1 to 4 sessions will be used to gather information necessary to assess the issues for which you sought therapy. Your clinician may ask you some questions or ask you to fill out a short survey during these first few sessions, which will help him or her become more familiar with you and the problems you are having. Then, your clinician can make a diagnosis and work with you to develop appropriate therapeutic goals and the best plan to reach them. Your treatment plan may involve gaining insight on past experiences, learning new skills and techniques, reading or writing about relevant topics, or may involve referrals to other organizations or providers for medications or other services your clinician thinks may benefit you.
Your sessions will typically be 50 minutes long and will usually follow a general format. First, your clinician will check in with you and discuss any new issues or significant changes since your previous session. Depending on your treatment plan, your clinician will assist you with any new issues, and/or address any problems you may have had applying the techniques learned in previous sessions. Finally, during the last few minutes, your clinician will summarize what has been discussed and review any “homework” for you to do prior to the next session.
In order to get the most out of therapy and to successfully achieve your therapeutic goals, it is important for you to actively participate in your sessions, as well as outside of sessions, when you will need to practice and apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life. The relationship that develops between you and your therapist is based on trust. So, if at any time during the process you feel uncomfortable or have any concerns, your therapist is always open to discuss them with you.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
The number of sessions required for any individual is almost impossible to predict. It depends on several variables, including the complexity and severity of the issues you want to work on and how much you apply what you’ve learned outside of sessions. If you have any concerns in this area, it’s important to discuss your expectations with your clinician early on, to avoid any misunderstandings.
Can I Use My Health Insurance To Pay For Therapy?
Depending on your health insurance policy, you may have partial coverage for mental health treatment. It is very important that you contact your insurer before starting therapy to find out exactly what mental health services your specific insurance policy will cover. We will provide monthly statements or “superbills” that you can submit to your insurance carrier to reimburse you for the fees you have paid. However, please remember that you, not your insurance company, are responsible for full payment of fees to SVP at each appointment.
How Is My Privacy Protected?
In general, communications between a patient and your clinician is kept confidential according to HIPAA laws, and except for a few rare situations, your clinician will only release information about your treatment if you have given written permission. You may review the “Privacy Policy” in our “Outpatient Services Contract” form for more information on this topic. Generally, in order to break confidentiality, your clinician would have to believe that you are in danger of causing serious harm to yourself or to someone else, or that you are gravely unable to care for your basic needs. Your clinician is also mandated to report any suspected child or elderly abuse to Child or Adult Protective Services. Whenever possible, your clinician will discuss the situation with you prior to disclosing your information.