Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice and a courageous one at that! There are many reasons why someone would choose to begin therapy. Sometimes it is to focus on a long-standing issue, such as anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in life that are causing difficulties in daily functioning. Working with a clinical psychologist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone interested in learning about themselves, working hard, and making changes in their lives.

What is evidence based therapy?

When therapy is evidence based, it means that the most modern science is used to inform your clinical care. There are decades of psychological research supporting the interventions available to you at Renewal Psychology.

What is culturally sensitive therapy?

Therapy is delivered in a culturally sensitive manner when a client’s individual needs are taken into account. When starting therapy with me, I will learn about you and your personal background. I take an intersectional approach with clients, considering all the aspects of your identity that are important to you, and tailoring treatment with your identity factors in mind. Some factors of identity we might consider in our work together include (but are not limited to): race, religion, ability, language, sexuality and gender. I want to make sure that in our work together you feel seen and heard, in all the layers and complexities that make you YOU.

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and tailored to each individual and their specific goals. Sessions are typically conducted once per week and can last anywhere from 50 to 80 minutes depending on the type of treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to attend sessions more frequently than once per week, but that is where the personalized treatment plan comes into play! Therapy can be short term, focusing on a specific issue - or longer term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.

Sometimes therapy involves homework such as readings, writing and reflection, behavior and thought tracking, or relaxation exercises. Research demonstrates that therapy that includes homework is more likely to have a meaningful impact on your daily life. Therapy works best when clients are engaged in their growth, both inside and outside of session.

What are some benefits of working with a clinical psychologist?

Many people find that working with a psychologist can enhance personal development, improve relationships, family dynamics, and ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen impartially is helpful.

Some benefits of therapy can include:

• Developing new skills for handling stress and anxiety

• Modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns

• Attaining insight into personal patterns and behavior

• Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being

• Improving ways to manage anger, depression and moods

• Discovering new ways to solve problems

• Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively

• Improving listening and communication skills

• Enhancing overall quality of life

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD happens when people experience a trauma and get stuck in a cycle where they cannot heal. PTSD usually includes elements of unwanted or upsetting memories, avoiding things in life, changes in the way we think, as well as hypervigilance in our bodies. PTSD can feel like a prison, where we are trying so hard to survive, but it feels like our life is slipping away. PTSD does not have to be a life sentence. Treatment for PTSD involves a safe and structured approach to releasing the pressure that has been building for you over time. Treatment really can bring relief, even after years of carrying the burden alone.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a natural reaction to stress that occurs in our bodies. Sleep problems meet the threshold of insomnia when we have chronic issues with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Eventually these challenges impact how we feel in the day time, with constant fatigue and decreasing our quality of life. Insomnia develops over time and can be hard to change on our own. Treatment for insomnia involves learning about your own personal sleep patterns and making gradual adjustments until you are able to have your best sleep.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Folks with OCD find themselves stuck in loops – sometimes those loops are behavioral (feeling compelled to engage in behaviors like handwashing or excessive checking), sometimes the loops are cognitive (obsessing and feeling stuck on worries like being contaminated or forgetting things), and sometimes people have both behavioral and cognitive loops. This cycles can be very time consuming, usually at least one hour but often many more in a given day.  OCD can be a hard pattern to break out of, but luckily, there is some great treatment available. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard therapy for OCD and is a great option for folks looking for relief from being stuck in their loops.

Who can get therapy at Renewal Psychology?

At this time, I am able to work with private pay individual adult clients in the states of Washington, Florida, and the many state members of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (click for map). All services are provided virtually.

Can I use my insurance?

I am paneled as a provider with Lyra Health, which is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that works directly with companies. If your company offers benefits through Lyra Health, you could be eligible to use those benefits to receive services with me.

For all other insurance companies or EAPs, I am an out of network provider. This means that you are asked to pay in full for services at the time of your appointment, and you can then apply to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Most HSA cards can be accepted for payment. If you need assistance concerning your coverage and benefits, please contact your insurance company. Asking your insurer the following questions may assist in clarifying your coverage:

• Does my plan cover outpatient mental health benefits?

• Do I need precertification or authorization prior to my first visit?

• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see a mental health professional?

• How much is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• What is my co-payment or the percentage co-pay for sessions?

• What is my deductible and has my deductible been met?

• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?

• Do I have an out-of-network option?

• How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?

Treatments used at Renewal Psychology are evidence-based and demonstrated to be effective in a timely manner, supporting you in achieving your goals and saving you time and money.

What are the benefits of working with an out of network or private pay provider?

Many clients elect not to use insurance to pay for therapy and instead prefer private pay. Private pay allows us to design a course of treatment tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all standard mandated by an insurance company. Most insurance plans only reimburse for a limited number of sessions or dictate the type of therapy based on a client's diagnosis. 

For insurance to cover therapy services, you are required to receive a diagnosis which is then permanently attached to your health care record even though a diagnosis may change over time. This gives health insurance companies access to a great deal of information about you that they can review at their discretion, and can be used in considering your eligibility for insurance rates in the future.

Private pay allows for a higher degree of confidentiality, as no third party is required to be made aware of your decision to seek therapy.

How will I meet with Dr. Ruth?

All services at Renewal Psychology take place using video conferencing software, using nearly any phone, tablet, or computer. Renewal Psychology uses Simple Practice, a program developed specifically for mental health providers to connect with their patients in a safe and confidential platform. You will receive personalized reminders and links for every appointment.

What’s the first step for connecting with Dr. Ruth?

Reach out to me by sending an email to drruth@renewalpsych.com. In the email, share your name, your phone number, and a short summary of your therapy needs. I will set up a time with you for a free brief (~15 minute) phone consultation. I will introduce you to the services available at Renewal Psychology and make sure you have everything you need for your first video appointment.