FAQ
  Is doing counseling over the phone or internet ethical ?
  Yes it is. Doing counseling over phone or webcam is the closest thing to actual face to face counseling. The National Board for Certified Counselors, and American Counseling Association have accepted this form of counseling as valid and ethical, and have added additional guidelines for counselors to adhere to.  
What is counseling? What is psychotherapy ?
Counseling provides people with the opportunity to talk with someone who listens and is supportive. Professional mental health counselors use various techniques designed to help clients cope with or improve their situation and relationships. Counseling generally takes place over regular multiple sessions with each session lasting up to one hour. The term counseling means that a short-term and focused approach is taken toward solving the client's problems. The term psychotherapy means that a long-term and more in-depth approach is taken. (The term therapy is simply an abbreviated version of the term psychotherapy.)
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, a Psychologist, a Therapist and a Counselor ?
In one sense, there are no differences since they all imply that you talk to a mental health professional to help solve various problems in your life. In another sense, there is a significant difference.

The terms "psychologist" and "psychiatrist" are often used interchangeably to describe anyone who provides therapy services. While psychologists and psychiatrists both conduct psychotherapy and research, there are significant differences between the two professions. The simple answer is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, while a psychologist is not. Educational background is one difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. A second important distinction between the two careers is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists cannot.

Psychiatrists are physicians who have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists attend medical school and receive an M.D. After completing medical training, they complete an additional four years of residency training in mental health. In addition to this, some receive additional training in a specific area of interest such as geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addictions and other areas.

Psychologists receive graduate training in psychology and pursue either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. Doctorate programs typically take five to seven years to complete and most states require an additional one or two year long internship in order to gain licensure.Other states require an additional year or two of supervised practice before granting full licensure.

The title of "psychologist" can only be used by an individual who has completed the above education, training, and state licensure. Informal titles such as "counselor" or "therapist" are often used as well, but other mental health care professionals such as licensed social workers can also claim these titles.

It is important for consumers to be aware that there can be broad differences in training and philosophy among psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other therapists which can often lead to widely differing treatment approaches and understandings of psychological or emotional problems. For people beginning therapy, it is important to clarify their expectations (often people aren't sure what to expect!) and to talk with the therapist about the therapeutic process.
Do you need to have a mental illness to work with a counselor ?
No. In fact many people use professional counselors to help deal with life's everyday issues or even as a way for personal growth. Often, small issues can be solved thereby avoiding potentially bigger problems.
What types of issues can counseling help with?
Counseling can help with a variety of issues. For example, counseling can increase self esteem, confidence, spiritual health, and improve family relationships. It can also help ease feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, or loss. Counseling can also help people deal with addiction, abuse, aging, and a variety of male and female issues.
How do I know when I should see a therapist?
One way to answer this question is that when self directed activities like talking to a friend or reading a self-help book doesn't change things for the better. Other indicators that you might want to a see a therapist include: you know the problem is too big or complex to handle easily; others suggest you need to talk to someone or get help; you've tried numerous strategies over the years and have had some success with the issue but no real lasting or deep changes have occurred; or, you just don't seem to be reaching your full potential in your marriage, career, friendships, or hobbies.
Will my psychologist think I'm weird, crazy or sick?
No. In fact, we think that anyone who enters psychotherapy is courageous and to be respected because they are doing something about their problems by facing and confronting them.
Will what I say during a session be kept Private and Confidential?
Confidentiality is an integral part of therapy, what you say in therapy sessions will be kept confidential. However, there are circumstances under which exceptions do exist. The following is not a complete list of exceptions to confidentiality but it does contain a few of the more common ones:
  1. you are a threat to harm yourself or someone else;
  2. child abuse or neglect is suspected;
  3. your treatment records are requested by subpoena.
Why do I have to fill out the Intake questionnaire? Is it really necessary?
The intake questionnaire is a necessary component when beginning any form of therapy. In private and public agencies a client must fill out an Intake questionnaire before beginning therapy. The information collected provides more insight into the presenting issue, and helps the therapist in making an accurate diagnosis. Please notice that the questionnaire is sent directly to us via Secure Socket Layer. The information collected is confidential, and will not be shared with third parties, unless requested by you as our client.
Where is my information stored, and who has access to it?
We store all the information in a clinical software program on Psychiatry Networks computer, which is only accessed by your therapist through a special password. As in any private clinic, we keep records of our sessions, and any correspondence. This information is not shared with anyone unless a Release of Information is signed by you.
How long will I be in counseling?
Each situation is different. There is no set time that can be prescribed for a certain problem; rather, it depends on the severity of an issue, or identified goals. The client has a lot of input as to how long treatment will last. When the presenting issue has been resolved, or there has been improvement in mood, the client can discontinue therapy at that point. Please remember, the client may terminate therapy at any point, although it is always helpful to have at least one session with the emphasis on closure.
What happens if I am in crisis and need to talk to my therapist?
All of our appointments are made in advance; however, by calling our central scheduling we can attempt to connect you with a therapist. If you are feeling suicidal, you will need to go to the nearest emergency room where you will be evaluated for possible inpatient hospitalization. If you can't go to the ER, call 911, an emergency number in your area, or dial 1-800-SUICIDE.
What can I expect in the first session?
In the first session, you will likely be asked to begin talking by responding to the question, "What prompted you to call us"? From there we will seek to gain a clear understanding of what issue(s) you want to work on, how and to what extent the issue gives you difficulty or concern on a regular basis, what factors led to the development of the issue, and how we can address the issue in terms of working toward a solution. We will end the session by discussing how many sessions it is likely to take to attain your goals, as well as find a time and day each week to meet on a consistent basis.
What happens if I have to cancel an appointment?
To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact Psychiatry Networks at 866-220-3434 or email contactus@psychiatrynetworks.com. If the cancellation is made 48 hours or more prior to the scheduled event you will be given a 100% refund. If you are canceling an appointment between 24-48 hours prior to your scheduled time a credit of 75% of the original fee will be posted to your credit card. If you are canceling within 24 hours you will not receive a refund.
Do you bill my Insurance?
We do not bill or submit claims to insurance. Our services require payment prior to starting a session and we have services ranging in price. If you have struggled with a problem issue for some time and are tired of it, the importance of alleviating it becomes more and more valuable to you over time. For your convenience, we accept most major credit cards.
How do I get started?
If you are ready to schedule an appointment you will be required to read and accept the terms and disclaimers then you will complete the patient intake form. Get started
 
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