Therapy FAQ
We understand that beginning therapy can raise many questions, whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family. Here are some of the common questions we encounter at Rockland Psychology, along with our responses to help you feel more informed and comfortable as you consider therapy.
Getting Started
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Therapy can be beneficial when you're experiencing persistent distress, navigating difficult life transitions, facing relationship challenges, or when your usual coping strategies aren't providing enough relief. For children, parents often seek therapy when they notice changes in behavior, emotional regulation, social interactions, or when teachers express concerns. An initial consultation can help determine if therapy is the right fit for your specific situation.
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The right therapist often combines expertise in your area of concern with a personality and approach that feels comfortable to you. We recommend reviewing therapists' specialties, reading about their approaches, and scheduling an initial consultation to assess the fit. At Rockland Psychology, we match clients with therapists based on presentation, age, and specific needs while also considering personality factors and therapeutic approach.
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Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees and are trained in assessment and evidence-based therapy approaches. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may provide medication management alongside therapy. Counselors may have master's degrees and provide counseling services. Psychologists at Rockland Psychology are specifically trained in comprehensive assessment and various therapeutic modalities.
The Therapy Process
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The first session typically involves gathering information about your concerns, history, and goals. For children, the first session often includes building rapport and creating comfort through play or conversation. For adolescents and adults, the first session focuses on understanding your concerns and beginning to establish a therapeutic relationship. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the therapy process.
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Therapy duration varies based on your goals, concerns, and progress. Some people benefit from brief therapy (6-12 sessions) focused on specific issues, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to address deeper patterns or more complex concerns. Your therapist will regularly check in about progress and collaborate with you on the appropriate duration for your needs.
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Typically, therapy sessions are scheduled weekly, especially in the beginning as we build rapport and develop strategies. As progress is made, sessions might be spaced out to biweekly or monthly. For some specific issues, more frequent sessions (twice weekly) might be recommended initially.
Practical Concerns
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At Rockland Psychology, therapy costs $235 per hour. We can provide detailed information about our fee structure during your initial consultation. Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological services—check your policy for specific details about coverage amounts and requirements.
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Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy options. Virtual therapy provides convenience and accessibility, while in-person sessions offer face-to-face connection. We can discuss which format might work best for your situation or whether a combination might be beneficial.
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We understand that life happens and sometimes appointments need to be changed. We ask for 24 notice to cancel or change therapy appointments to allow another client to use that time. Our specific cancellation policy will be explained during your initial sessions.
Therapy Specifics
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Yes, therapy is confidential, with specific legal exceptions related to risk of harm to yourself or others, child protection concerns, or court orders. For children and adolescents, we balance confidentiality with appropriate parental involvement based on age and maturity. These limits will be explained clearly at the beginning of therapy, but never hesitate to ask and clarify later if something comes up.
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Parent involvement varies based on the child's age and concerns. For young children, we typically have regular parent check-ins and may include parent-child sessions. For adolescents, we balance the teen's need for privacy with parents' desire for information, usually providing general updates without sharing specific details unless safety concerns arise.
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As psychologists, we do not prescribe medication. If medication might be helpful for your situation, we can provide referrals to medical doctors and coordinate care with your prescriber to ensure a comprehensive treatment approach.
Effectiveness & Outcomes
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Research shows that therapy is effective for most people who engage fully in the process. Effectiveness depends on factors including the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the appropriateness of the therapeutic approach for your specific concerns, and your commitment to implementing strategies between sessions. At Rockland Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches and regularly monitor progress to ensure positive outcomes.
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You'll know therapy is working when you notice improvements in your concerns, feel more equipped to handle challenges, experience better relationships, or achieve your therapy goals. We regularly check in about progress and may use standardized measures to track changes over time. Sometimes progress is gradual, while other times breakthroughs are more apparent.
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The therapeutic relationship is crucial to effective therapy. If you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, we encourage you to discuss this directly or request a different provider. At Rockland Psychology, we want to ensure you have a therapeutic experience that feels supportive and effective, and we can help match you with another therapist if needed.