What Should I expect during my first appointment?

• Your first appointment will consist of gathering information and getting a moderately detailed history of your symptoms as well as your strengths.  Please visit forms page to download information I need prior to your appointment.  We will discuss your goals, hopes, and dreams.  We will get to know each other and begin to form a partnership focused on your needs. We’ll discuss confidentiality, limits of this (if there’s a cause for harm to yourself, others, or child/adult abuse) and I may ask you to sign releases of information to your insurance company and/or others who you might want involved in your care plan.

What is the best way to contact you?

• Due to the number of calls I receive per day and am generally back to back with client appointments,  I prefer an e-mail exchange to help coordinate your care and will usually e-mail you back after regular business hours.  My e-mail is jill@iatherapysolutions.com.  Feel free to also use the contact form on this website if this is easier for you.   Be sure to include what appointment times you desire along with what insurance you have.   I'll get back to you with what my availability is.  Please note, I am only accepting Blue Cross and Blue Shield or Private Pay.  You can contact other carriers and request their process for billing "out of network."  My rates are posted on this site.

Do you treat children?

• I am currently not accepting clients under the age of 18. 

Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?

• While I previously accepted medicaid, I am no longer a registered or participating provider.  I am also not a Medicare provider.

Do you accept Aetna?

• Unfortunately, I do not at this time.  You may find my name in the Aetna directory but I have been unable to coordinate credentialing with them or have my name removed from their provider terminal.

What are your available office hours?

• I am currently in the office Mondays 11-5, Tuesday 12-2, Wednesday 11-4, Thursday 11-4.  I am no longer seeing clients on Sundays.

Others are telling me I have a substance abuse problem.  I don’t think so and don’t really think I want to come in.  Is it worth it?

• I believe any person considering change in their life starts with a period of ambivalence.  Your treatment goals are your own and sometimes making small changes leads to great outcomes.  We’ll explore both sides in your consideration of change (pros and cons) and ultimately you are the one that makes the decision about what is best for you.  I will help you talk through and distinguish what you ultimately want.  Click here to read about my philosophy on addiction.  If we are unable to determine a course of action related to addiction, we will will discuss this and future recommendations after a few sessions.

Do you accept insurance?

• Yes.   However, I'm only accepting Blue Cross and Blue Shield at this time.  ​​ If you carry another insurance I will not directly submit claims to your insurance company.  I will give you paperwork showing your paid service so that you are able to request reimbursement directly from the company.  I cannot assure reimbursement will be approved from the company.  It is advised you contact your company prior to services and request information on "billing out of network."

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

• Your loved ones are welcome to come to the appointment.  I will ask that we meet individually for part of the first appointment as well.  Your first appointment will last between 60-90 minutes.  You will need to sign a release of information located in the forms page if you'd like your loved one to participate and share information in sessions.

Will my information be shared with others?

• No.  Your health information is protected and sessions are confidential.  You’ll need to sign a release of information (located on the forms page) if you desire me to share any information related to your care.  Confidentiality is only limited if I believe you’ll harm yourself or others or if there is a concern of child or dependent adult abuse.  In these rare cases, I am a mandatory reporter and state law does require me to report.  Please see the forms page for privacy notices and policies.

Do you prescribe medication?  Do I have to get on medication?

• I don’t prescribe medication but may refer you to a psychiatrist or a primary care physician if we agree that medications could be helpful.  Some people can join in therapy and resolve their symptoms without any medications while other people find significant relief when on medications.  You have the right to decide what is best for you and if this is an avenue you’d like to pursue.

Termination of Therapy

• We will begin exploring termination of therapy services when you feel your goals have been met.  I reserve the right to terminate therapy at my discretion.  Sometimes it is necessary to end therapy sessions when you have completed your goals, if you are not attending sessions regularly or are missing frequent appointments.  Other reasons for termination include non-payment of fees, not adhering to the treatment goals we have set, or conflicts of interest that may arise or no longer having insurance that I am credentialed with or accepting.  In addition, if I feel like your needs are outside my scope of practice I'll refer you to another therapist who may be able to assist in better avenues than me.  I am also required to terminate if you're not making progress outside of sessions in a reasonable amount of time.

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