What is Therapy?

Therapy is the process of talking about your problems or concerns and how they make you feel in a safe, supportive, respectful therapeutic environment. The process can be instrumental in helping to reduce or even eliminate unwanted symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, etc. Therapy can also help you to improve interpersonal relationships; it provides a means to express your feelings and identify patterns of thinking. In addition, it helps you develop communication skills for dealing with conflict and frustration. It is also a method for addressing pain, working through loss and adding meaning to your life. Establishing a safe, comfortable and respectful relationship with the therapist is important to achieving a positive outcome. While the process can feel uncomfortable at times, you should always feel that you are in a safe, supportive environment. Research shows the relationship between the client and the therapist is vital to the success of treatment.

All therapy will be provided on Simple Practice a virtual telemedicine HIPPA compliant platform. Before starting therapy, I will assess each individual over the phone to make sure telehealth is an appropriate treatment modality.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is the delivery of mental health services using live streaming video conference. All therapy will be provided using Simple Practice, a HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant telemedicine website. Simple Practice provides a confidential live video conference between the therapist and the client. Clients are able to speak freely without worrying about a confidentiality breach.

Using teletherapy allows clients easier access to therapy by removing common barriers to treatment. Telatherapy allows for flexibility in scheduling and removes any need to travel. These components help create an efficient and stress free experience. Additionally, clients are able to sign on from anywhere using their cellphone, computer, tablet or Ipad.

What is a LICSW?

What is an LICSW A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is a mental health practitioner licensed in New Hampshire by the Board of Mental Health. LICSWs are approved providers for insurance companies and managed care plans, and in addition to working as independent psychotherapists, they also practice in a broad array of community institutions such as medical facilities, schools, nursing homes and mental health clinics. LICSWs must have a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on clinical experience, undergo a formal postgraduate clinical training period of no less than 2 years of supervised clinical practice, and have passed the appropriate state licensing examinations.

Is Therapy Confidential?

Therapists take their responsibilities very seriously to protect your privacy and confidentiality. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and their therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality. These include:

Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse - The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

Threatening serious bodily harm to another person - The therapist is required to notify the police.

Intent to harm oneself - The therapist will make every effort to work with the client to ensure their safety. However, if a suitable plan for safety cannot be agreed upon, then the therapist is required to take the necessary steps to ensure a safe outcome.