Common Questions
What can I expect during my first visit?
The first visit is called the “Initial Consultation” and is longer than a typical therapy session usually lasting 60 minutes. Sometimes the initial consultation can take more than one session. The focus of the initial consultation is to gather information about you and the problems that have prompted you to seek therapy. Typically you will be asked to discuss your current issues and to provide details about your life, such as information about your family life, work history, social life, and health information, so that I can get to know the “whole you”. This initial session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapy process and to get to know me to determine if we would be able to work well together. At the end of the initial consultation, we will discuss treatment recommendations and decide how you want to proceed.
How often will I have to attend therapy?
The frequency of visits is based on your individual situation. Most people attend therapy once per week. This frequency can be increased or decreased to meet your specific needs.
How long will therapy last?
The length of therapy depends on your specific goals and problems that you want to address in therapy. Some clients are able to achieve their goals within 10 sessions or less of treatment, where others remain in therapy longer-term to address deeper issues. Your progress in therapy can also be influenced by how much time you are able to dedicate to “change” outside of the therapy session.
What if I want to stop treatment or am uncomfortable with the therapy process?
I work collaboratively with all of my clients which means that we work as a team in planning treatment and finding solutions to problems. You can stop therapy at any time. I would encourage you to discuss your decision with me, so that I can provide you with referrals or recommendations moving forward. If you are uncomfortable with something in therapy, I would hope that you would also discuss this with me. As with any relationship, it is important to express your concerns, so that we can work together to resolve them.
How do I pay for services, do you accept insurance?
I am a fee-for-service provider, which means that you pay for services with cash or check at the time of your visit. While I currently am not accepting payment through insurance companies, I will provide you with all of the information you need to submit for reimbursement from you insurance company. As I licensed psychologist, my services are covered by most health insurance plans. You want to check with your specific plan to obtain details about your benefits and how to obtain reimbursement.
What are your fees?
$185Initial Consultation(60 minutes)$140Therapy Session (45 minutes)Do you offer a sliding scale or fee reduction?
Yes I do in certain circumstances. I understand that we all go through tough financial times and I feel everyone should be able to benefit from therapy. Give me a call to discuss your specific situation further, 410-916-6777.
Why don’t you accept insurance?
There are many reasons I have chosen not to accept insurance in my private practice. Managed care can attach many limitations to the treatment it will authorize including type of treatment (individual versus couples or family work), and length of treatment. By self-paying for your services, it gives you maximum control over your treatment and increases your confidentiality by limiting third party access (unless you seek reimbursement) to your diagnosis and confidential treatment notes. I believe that you, not the managed care providers, should be the one to make decisions about your treatment, including who you want to see, how frequently you want to attend, and what type of therapy would be best for you. Beyond providing you with greater control and improved confidentiality, studies have shown that clients who pay privately for health services tend to be more active and invested in their well-being, which improves the process of therapy for both the client and the therapist.
More questions? Please feel free to e-mail me or call me.
Sandy E. White. Psy.D.
1501 Sulgrave Ave., Suite 308, Baltimore Maryland 21209
410-916-6777
