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InitiAl StEps In ThE
ThErApy PrOcEss
Starting The Therapeutic Process
It can be very helpful to understand initial steps that will occur when starting therapy. First, I provide a free initial phone consultation to explore why you are wanting to seek therapy and to determine if scheduling an intake with me would then be appropriate. The initial intake appointment is a 55-60-minute diagnostic session that helps us develop a treatment plan, allows us to collaboratively determine whether we might be a good fit, determine if your presenting concerns are within my areas of expertise, and to discuss any other questions you have. Subsequent sessions would be 55-minute individual/couples psychotherapy sessions.
You will complete various forms via the secure Client Portal link that I will send you after our consultation. If you have any questions and/or concerns about the forms or do not feel comfortable providing any information that is requested, please bring the forms with you to the intake and we will discuss them further.
How Can Therapy Help Me?
There are numerous benefits available from participating in therapy. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief/loss, stress management, body image issues and identity development. Many people also find that therapy can be a tremendous benefit in gaining personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family problems, relationship issues, and the struggles of daily life. Therapy can provide a new perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
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Finding resolution to the problems or concerns that led you to seek therapy
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Developing skills for improving your relationships
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Obtaining a greater understanding of yourself, your goals and values
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Learning new strategies to cope with stress and anxiety
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Reducing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
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Working through Grief/Loss
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Improving communication skills
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Changing unhelpful behavior patterns and developing healthier ones
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Problem solving skills related to family or relationship concerns
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Improving your self-esteem and overall self-worth
Does What We Talk About In Therapy Remain Confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent.” Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Family member, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
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Suspected abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming themselves or has threatened to harm another person.
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If a client intends to harm themselves, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
I will treat with extreme caution and care of all information you share with me. If you need information to be given to others (e.g. medical doctors, family members, etc.), I will ask you to sign a Release of Information form before I will talk to anyone or send your records. There are a few rare situations in which confidentiality is not protected because I am legally obligated to take action to protect others from harm:
Fees, Payment, & Billing
Payment for services is an important part of any professional relationship. You are responsible for seeing that my services are paid for at the time of service. After the initial consultation, an auto-payment will occur via the private client portal based on the credit card information that you provided. I do not have access to your credit card information. You can certainly discuss any need or preference for alternative payment arrangements as needs arise. I accept cash, check, or credit cards. Checks are made payable to Dr. Marshall Bewley.
A standard therapy session is 55 minutes long. Sessions are usually held once a week or bi-weekly, or monthly based on treatment needs and scheduling availability.
Diagnostic Intake Appointment: $225
Follow-up 55-60 Minute Sessions: $175
Insurances In-Network:
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Currently: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance panels (BCBS PPO and Blue Essentials) Plans
You could check with your insurance company and these questions may be helpful. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
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Do I have mental health benefits?
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What is my deductible and has it been met?
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How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my insurance plan cover?
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How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network mental health provider?
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How do I obtain reimbursement for therapy with an out-of-network provider?
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What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
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Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Should clients wish to file for reimbursement using out-of-network benefits with other insurance companies, a written bill will be provided with all the information necessary to submit claims to the insurance company. Please call your insurance company for information on how to file a claim. Additionally, I am not responsible for unpaid insurance claims. I also provide private pay for clients who do not desire to use their insurance. I accept Cash, Credit/Debit, or Check and payment is due at the time of service. Fees for Service can be found by contacting me directly. Should clients wish to file for reimbursement using out-of-network benefits, a written bill will be provided with all the information necessary to submit claims to the insurance company. Please call your insurance company for information on how to file a claim. Additionally, I am not responsible for unpaid insurance claims.
Cancellations/Missed Appointments
Since scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of a lengthy period of time specifically for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for re-scheduling or canceling an appointment. Unless we reach a different agreement, a cancellation fee of half a regular session rate will be charged for sessions cancelled less than 24 hours in advance and the full fee will be charged for sessions cancelled within an hour of the appointment or missed without any prior notice.
MEASURED PROGRESS
As a Psychologist, Dr. Bewley values empirical research and objective data to help each client monitor progress toward their goals. Dr. Bewley's approach utilizes an objective assessment to track each client's distress in various areas of life (i.e., Symptom Distress, Interpersonal Distress, Occupational and Academic Distress).
Here, you can see data (updated January 2022) from clients who have stopped treatment with Dr. Bewley.
STATES SERVED
In 2020, Dr. Marshall Bewley was granted the authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through the *PSYPACT commission.
PSYPACT is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. This means Dr. Bewley can potentially see interested clients in the following states:
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