Frequently Asked Questions…

Whether you are considering mental health therapy services for the first time or looking for a new therapist in Fargo with whom to work, there are several common questions that arise. Please take a moment to review the frequently asked questions below, and if you do not find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us.

Why would therapy be a good option for me?

If you are considering making a significant life change, or perhaps there are circumstances beyond your control that are forcing you into a major life change, therapy is a great option to help you work through that change with the assistance of a trained professional. Therapy is also a great option for anyone who may simply  feel stuck and isn’t quite sure what that change should be yet. Therapy can be a way to work on long term changes based on goals you will create in the first few sessions. You may have a clear idea of what this should be prior to coming, or Emily can help you clarify your goals. Therapy is a good option for anyone who wants support in creating change in their lives.

What happens during a therapy session?

What happens during your therapy session with Emily will completely depend on what your goals are, and each session will be tailored to your specific goal or set of goals. A therapy session is a safe space for you to be challenged in some way. Perhaps it’s looking at a situation differently, trying a new skill, or learning about different, proven coping skills that can help you in your daily life after you leave your therapy session. There may be times that you will be asked to work on things outside of a session to augment and expand on what you work on during your session. This “homework” helps you translate the skills you develop in session with Emily out into your day-to-day life, thereby gaining greater long-term benefits from your therapy.

How do I know if I need a therapist, a Psychiatrist or a medical doctor?

A therapist can help you develop coping skills to help you manage and overcome mental health or relationship issues without medication. A psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine if medication could be an appropriate or necessary course of treatment. A medical doctor will look at your physical health to determine if there are any contributing factors to your concerns.

Many people will work with both a Psychiatrist and a therapist to develop a more robust treatment plan, with the Psychiatrist carefully monitoring the use of any medications and the therapist helping to build up the coping skills needed for long-term success. During any routine checkup or exam, a medical doctor will be able to recommend a psychiatric screening or mental health therapy if he or she feels one or the other is the proper next step for you. But it’s important that you discuss your concerns with your doctor during your visit. If you are having thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, please call 911 immediately. 

What's the difference between working with a therapist like Emily vs. a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

Emily is trained to work with individuals, children, couples and families and has a specific emphasis on relational issues (any challenges you may face in dealing with and relating to those around you, including friends, family, coworkers, significant others, etc.). Therapy becomes a conversation between the therapist and those present in the session. Goals, also known as a treatment plan, are created to determine a course of therapy with the client’s input. A psychiatrist will evaluate an individual to determine if psychopharmaceuticals—i.e. medication—are an appropriate course of action for treatment. Therapists, like Emily, cannot prescribe any medications. 

Does Coler Hanson Therapy Professionals accept insurance?

This is a benefit we hope to introduce soon. In the meantime, please check with your insurance provider prior to your session. You can get a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if your policy allows. In the meantime, Emily accepts, cash, check or credit cards for services.

What do I need for the initial assessment session?

If you plan to request receipts for insurance reimbursement, please call your provider regarding your coverage prior to the first session to learn what you will need to collect from us in the form of a receipt or proof/explanation of service. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to bring your parent or legal guardian with you to the first session to consent for services. If you have goals in mind for what you want to accomplish, you are encouraged to bring those with you to your initial assessment so we may begin forming the best, most results-oriented treatment plan possible. They may be formally written down or simply at the top of your mind for our first session. 

What should I expect in the first session?

A little bit of necessary paperwork. In the first session, Emily will work with you to complete some initial intake paperwork—HIPPA forms, contact information and informed consent for treatment. The majority of our first session will simply be an opportunity for you to talk about what your hopes for therapy are and begin the process of outlining goals for therapy (i.e. creating your treatment plan). 

What is your cancellation policy in case I need to reschedule an appointment?

We realize that you may need to reschedule an appointment for a variety of reasons. We simply ask that you call or email us to let us know. If you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, please notify us within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. Missed appointments that have not been cancelled, or those not cancelled within 24 hours, will be charged the full rate.

 

Contact Info

Coler Hanson Therapy Professionals
225 4th AVE North, Suite 27G
Fargo, ND 58102

701-200-7039

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