Commonly Asked Questions About Young Adult Therapy
The decision to begin therapy is a significant one. No matter what feelings or emotions you are experiencing, they deserve attention, care, and and a space to be heard; which is exactly what I am here for. The client-therapist relationship that you build is the foundation for effective and meaningful therapy. That is why finding the right match is so important. You should not have to accommodate or settle. As a young adult you may be facing questions, doubts, fears, and uncertainties about your life and your future. In my client-centered approach, I will help to affirm your strengths while also challenging you to confront those areas of your life that may be impeding your happiness or holding you back. Together, we will help you find your path. If you are new to therapy or want to learn more about the services that I offer, please check out the FAQ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need therapy?
Ultimately, you’re the only one who can answer this question. But in my experience, if you’re asking it to begin with, the answer is more than likely yes. We all struggle with periods of difficulty, stress, or negative emotions. Significant life transitions like college or leaving the home for the first time can be especially challenging. Between the stresses of adapting to college life or trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, it’s easy to feel lost, helpless, or directionless. Therapy can help with these feelings and provide you with the space you need to figure things out. If you’re on the fence about pursuing therapy, my advice is to give me call so we can talk it over. I’ll never pressure you to go into therapy, but I’m more than happy to answer your questions and give you more information about what to expect.
What can therapy help with?
Psychotherapy can help with a number of aspects of mental health, ranging from mild problems to severe handicaps. Some of the most common issues that bring clients into see me include:
- Feelings of sadness, anger, stress, grief, or anxiety
- Depression and anxiety
- Self-harm behaviors like cutting
- Negative or self-doubting thoughts (I am bad, I am worthless, the world is bleak, my future is hopeless)
- Struggles with drinking or substance abuse
- Recovering from sexual assault or trauma
- Stress and anxiety management
- Social anxiety & social issues
- Relationships
- Eating disorders such as under eating, over eating, or bulimia
- Discovering and changing problematic coping methods
What can we talk about in therapy?
In the simplest of terms, anything! My approach to therapy centers on creating an open atmosphere where we’re free to discuss any aspect of your life without judgment. My goal is to help you understand and address the underlying issues and find ways to move through them, but the subject matter of our sessions is entirely defined by you.
How long will therapy last?
This is different for every client. Many clients find a few months of therapy are enough to help them overcome what they are struggling with, while others find longer term therapy to be most effective. Throughout the therapeutic process, we will check in to discuss whether therapy is meeting your needs and assess whether continuing or concluding will be best for you.
What is your approach to therapy for young adults?
As a young adult, I know you are experiencing an array of new challenges and experiences – many of which you may not feel prepared to deal with. These feelings are completely normal. Providing you with a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore these feelings is central to my approach. With young adults, I focus on addressing these underlying emotions as well as promoting habits, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that can help lay the groundwork for a lifetime of mental wellness.
Will my parents have to know about therapy, or will you have to tell them about what we talk about?
If you are over the age of 18, this means you are legally considered an adult. As an adult, our work together is completely confidential, with the few exceptions to confidentiality which I am mandated to report. I will make sure to discuss my policies around confidentiality with you before we begin our sessions, so you know exactly how it works.
Will I be able to afford therapy and is it worth it?
My therapy sessions cost $300 and are payable by credit card, cash or personal check. Investing in your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself. If you are concerned that you would not be able to maintain therapy at this rate, I would be happy to provide you with a referral to one of my interns who will be able to offer you a sliding scale to accommodate your specific financial situation.
What are the benefits of going to therapy as a young adult?
Young adulthood is characterized by many psychological, emotional, cognitive, and sexual changes that can be difficult and complicated to navigate on your own. This transition period from adolescence to adulthood comes with the addition of many new responsibilities and roles, such as moving away from home, paying for rent, beginning higher education, and entering the workforce. Understandably, you may experience stress, anxiety, worry, sadness, or confusion. This is totally normal! In our sessions, I will help you navigate this significant life transition while promoting increased self-awareness and independence.
Do you take insurance?
I accept PPO health insurance plans as an “out-of-network” provider. It is very helpful to check with your insurance company ahead of time to find out what your coverage is for therapy services with an out-of-network provider. Below are several questions you may want to ask you insurance company about therapy services prior to your first session:
- Does my insurance plan include mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my annual deductible, what is its start date, and has it been met yet?
- How many sessions does my health insurance cover per year?
Contact Our Office in Hermosa Beach, CA
I am proud to provide therapy to many teens, adults and couples living in the South Bay region, including Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and El Segundo, CA. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an initial appointment with me, please feel free to give me a call at (310) 892-2572, or reach out via my contact page. I look forward to meeting you!