FAQs

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

About Therapy

Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Q. What is the purpose of therapy?
Therapy allows individuals to identify, acknowledge, and address powerful emotions. Therapy can assist in breaking free from toxic thought patterns, building self-esteem, processing childhood or past traumas, learn coping mechanisms, and ensure positive functioning in social and familial settings.

Q. Do I need therapy if I have a good support system and friends to talk to?
Having a great support system and BFF to talk to is an added bonus to therapy. Connecting with a therapist allows you to process things you don’t desire to share with others. In some cases, therapy will unmask and unveil things you may not recall in a general exchange with family or friends. In therapy, everything you say is confidential and you can know that you are working, processing, and journeying toward healing.

Q. Do I REALLY need therapy?
We believe everyone can benefit from therapy. It allows individuals to go deeper and experience the freedom associated with living beyond the mask.

Q. What if I am taking Medication? Do I still need therapy?
Just as therapy is not a substitute for medication, medication is not a substitute for therapy. Therapy allows you to work through challenges that exacerbate symptoms.

Q. Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Therapy sessions are confidential. At Beyond the Mask, we create a safe place to feel, deal, and heal. To learn more about confidentiality, refer to that section in the Informed Consent Agreement.

Q. What is the cost of therapy and how do I pay?
The cost of therapy varies. 

  • For individuals with insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurance provider to verify coverage. This will tell you your responsibility (i.e. copay, coinsurance, deductible amount etc.). It is important to tell them you are receiving TELEHEALTH services.
  • For Self-Pay services range from $100 and up depending on the therapist and service. Please submit a contact form inquiry for more information.

Preparing for Teletherapy – What to do before your session begins.

Q. How does Teletherapy work?
Beyond the Mask (BTM) uses a HIPAA compliant telehealth portal for all therapy sessions. Clients are expected to be in a safe private location for the entire session. It is important to client care that the sessions are in safe and private locations. PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of the client, clients may NOT drive during the therapy session. If this happens you may be required to reschedule and a late cancellation fee will be charged. Additionally, it is expected to have 100% participation and attention during the session time.

Q. Do I have to do teletherapy or can I have an in-person visit?
Beyond the Mask Trauma and Wellness is a 100% Virtual Therapy Practice.

Q. How long is a counseling session?

  • Individual sessions are 50-60 minutes. Many EAP plan sessions are 45 minutes. 
  • Couples Sessions range from 50 – 75 minutes depending on request (additional cost for extended sessions). Generally, couples sessions are self-pay as they are not covered by insurance. 
  • Most extended sessions are 75 – 90 minutes. These sessions are typically self-pay and are based on need.
  • Sessions which extend beyond the stated length are charged an additional fee based on 15 minute increments.
  • Intensives are extended sessions with a targeted focus and goal. Extended sessions and intensives are coordinated with the therapist during the treatment planning or review session. These sessions are not covered by insurance. You may be able to use your FSA/HSA card to pay for these sessions

Q. What should I do if I didn’t get the appointment reminder with the telehealth link?
If you have not received the link, contact the office to have the link resent.

Q. Is Telehealth private?
Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.

Q. What is Therapy Notes?
Therapy Notes is the practice management software for scheduling, case management, Telehealth, and
therapy notes. Therapy Notes uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.

Q. What can I do to improve the quality of the connection?
If you live in an area with slow internet, this can really affect the speed of your connection.

Here are some basic steps that can improve the overall video quality:

  • Use wired Ethernet instead of WIFI whenever possible. WIFI will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. Wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
  • Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. Simply search internet speed test. Click the blue button that says Run Speed Test. If it is under 0.35 mbps and you’re using WIFI, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.
  • Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files. If you are unable to connect, please contact the office as soon as possible to see if we can help you troubleshoot.

Q. Where’s the best place for a video call?
When deciding the best place in your home, you will want to choose a space that is private and away from household members, coworkers, pets, or any other potential distractions.

Here are some additional recommendations:

  • Adjust your light. Some small lighting tweaks that can have a huge impact include placing a lamp or other light source behind your monitor, pointed toward you. Also, make sure you don’t have too much light behind you. If you’re on a laptop, make sure the camera is at eye level and not pointing up at the ceiling lights, or down at the floor.
  • Choose a quiet, private location. Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, close any doors and shut any windows.

Q. What if the video is not working?
There are times when you can have your call via telephone. Some insurance companies allow telephonic calls. Please be sure to discuss this with your therapist if you feel telephonic sessions is what you will need.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns regarding Telehealth or preparing for your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Where Else Can I go For Help?

  • Suicide Prevention and Support
  • Substance Use/Abuse and Alcoholism
    • US: National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    • US: Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention: 1-800-234-0246
    • US: National Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-COCAINE (262-2463)
    • US: Al-Anon/Ala-teen Hotline (for friends and family) 1-800-344-2666
             
  • Rape, Abuse & Domestic Violence
  • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES / ORGANIZATIONS
    • ULifeline – A directory of resources available for college students— take a self-assessment test; or find your college psych services center.
    • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Alcoholics Anonymous is an informal meeting society for recovering alcoholics whose primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
    • Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Narcotics Anonymous similar to AA, is an international, community-based association of recovering addicts.
    • Self-Mutilators Anonymous – A community-based association for individuals struggling with self-mutilation.
  • INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES