Your Questions, Answered
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Finding the right fit in a therapist is so important. Finding a therapist is one of the most personal experiences you will have. That’s why we have a free consultation before any formal commitment. I have found that I usually have a good connection with the people who find me through referrals or by reading my profile. However, if I am not the right fit for you, I will support you in finding someone who better aligns with your therapeutic needs, personality, and practical considerations, such as location or payment needs.
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· Sometimes, old habits or coping mechanisms no longer serve us. A therapist can help you notice patterns in relationships, work, or self-talk that may be holding you back
· Therapists offer practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, such as mindfulness techniques, cognitive reframing, and grounding exercises
· Change can be an opportunity for growth. Therapy helps you reconnect with your core values, set realistic goals, and make decisions aligned with the life you want to build
· Navigating transitions strengthens emotional resilience. With therapeutic support, you can learn to embrace change as a natural part of life rather than something to fear
When should I consider therapy?
You might benefit from therapy during a transition if you notice:
Persistent anxiety or stress
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally numb
Strained relationships or communication challenges
Struggling to adapt to new roles or responsibilities
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We maintain a strict confidentiality policy. No information is released without your written consent except when disclosure is required or allowed by law. Examples of situations in which disclosure is required or allowed by law include when there is an immediate cause for concern about potential harm to you or to others; when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child, elder adult, or vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, abandoned, endangered, or exploited; when allegations are made by a patient of sexual misconduct committed by a licensed healthcare professional; if I am a party defendant to a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from a complaint filed by a patient; and when the release of records or information is authorized by a signed court order. In addition, individuals who use health insurance to pay for psychological services agree that their full treatment file will also be available to the insurance carrier as indicated in the insurance contract. Because of this, many individuals who have health insurance prefer to pay for services on their own in order to avoid the involvement of their health insurance provider and to retain the privacy and confidentiality of their personal health information.
You can read more about confidentiality and patients’ rights under HIPAA by clicking here:
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Most clients feel nervous about starting therapy with a new therapist. Why wouldn’t they? You don’t know me and you have no reason to trust me with your care or with your story. That’s why the first appointment is designed to be low-pressure and focused on helping you get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me.
During our initial session, we’ll begin by addressing any questions or concerns you may have, and we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy and what goals you hope to achieve. My primary aim in this first meeting is simply to get to know you. Because I tailor my approach to each individual, understanding your unique experiences and needs is essential. Toward the end of the session, I’ll share my initial impressions and offer a framework for understanding how we can make progress through therapy. I’ll also explain how I believe I might — or might not — be able to help you move toward your goals.
After that, it’s entirely up to you whether you’d like to move forward and schedule another appointment.
If you’re not using insurance and would like an estimate of potential costs, please contact us or click this link to inquire
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If you are ready to begin your healing journey, call or fill out the contact form below and click Send. I look forward to hearing from you.
We offer flexible after-hours and some weekend appointments via telehealth (For South Carolina residents, in-person sessions are available).
Dr. Stein-Marcus is certified to provide telepsychology services to individuals in all PSYPACT approved states. Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Psychology (APIT) mobility #. For the most up-to-date map and list of Psypact states please refer to the map in the link: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap
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Meeting at least once a week at the start of therapy will help keep a consistent pace in therapy. Standard sessions are typically between 45-60 minutes in length, but extended sessions (80 minutes) are also available. The initial session or “intake” could be longer, sometimes up to 90 minutes or broken into two, 45 minute sessions for evaluation.