Kimberly Schildbach Therapy
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions. Since the scheduling of an appointment involves setting aside time especially for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of an appointment. I do charge my full session rate for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. I keep a credit card on file for this purpose.
Do you take insurance?
Therapy is an investment in your health and peace of mind.
I am a private pay, out-of-network provider. I require full payment for the session at the time of service. Upon your request, I can provide you with a monthly invoice (a "Superbill") to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. It is your responsibility to check your benefits to understand what your reimbursement might be, if any.
If you're unsure about how to file a reimbursement claim with your insurance carrier check out Reimbursify. They will file your claim for you.
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Individual Therapy:
The initial 50 minute session intake is $195. Ongoing 50 minute sessions are $170.
Relationship Therapy/Family Therapy:
The initial 50 minute session is $245. Ongoing 50 minute sessions are $220.
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I accept payment by credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover etc.) or HSA/FSA cards.
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Many of my clients stretch their counseling budgets by attending therapy biweekly.
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What happens after I contact you for therapy?
After we make contact, either by phone or email and you schedule a session, I will send you a link to fill out intake paperwork that needs to be completed before our first meeting.
For our online meetings we will meet on Doxy, a secure online therapy platform.
48 hours before your appointment I will send you a reminder email with a link to my online meeting room.
Before our first session check in a few minutes early to set up your online account. My online meeting space will place you in a virtual waiting room and at our arranged meeting time I will open our session.
Our first meeting will be our intake and I might ask you questions about your family of origin, your background and history, and any past mental health treatment. You get to veto any of the questions!
I want you to feel comfortable and safe so we will move at a pace set by you. You don't have to tell me everything on the first meeting.
Do I really need counseling?
Many people struggle for years with old habits and patterns, bitterness or fear from past experiences, or struggling relationships. I like to think of counseling and mental health care as I do physical care for my body. If my arm was broken I would go to a doctor immediately. But what if it was just sprained or tweaked and I could still function but not at my best? Many people live their whole lives with sprained mental health. They talk to their friends or partners but never really get to the very heart of the problem. The find quick fixes that work for a short time but none that dramatically change their life. Therapy can help you go to the heart of the matter and develop curiosity about yourself leading to deep insight into who you are. With that knowledge you can change anything about your life - your job, your friendships, your reactions to challenges. With therapy you'll find you're more psychologically flexible and able to face conflicts head on rather than just avoiding them. You'll feel more control of yourself and your life and you'll begin to enjoy your relationships again.
How can therapy help me?
There are many benefits available to you by participating in therapy. Counselors can provide support, help you explore you past, and offer possible coping skills for life's challenges. Many people find therapists instrumental in helping their family, marriage, or child find peace and balance. My client's have found that an hour, devoted entirely to them, is pivotal in their self-care.
The benefits you receive from therapy depend on how much you put into it and how honest and open you are to learning new ways of being.
How do I know if you're the right counselor for me?
Studies have shown that the relationship between the therapist and client is what leads to the most positive outcomes. I do everything in my power to make sure my clients feel cared for and respected. My clients describe me as warm, caring, consistent, and kind. Because I have a small number of client's, I remember what it said in session and reflect it back when it's most helpful. I will remember your best friends name, you're mother's drinking problems, and your personal pronouns.
That being said, I can't be the best counselor for everyone and I am far from perfect. If at any time you feel as if our alliance is not helping you change and grow I hope you will speak to me about your concerns. You deserve the best help possible for the struggles you are dealing with and I will help you find that help.
Will I need to take medication if I start therapy?
Being seen for psychotherapy by a therapist does not necessarily mean you will need to take medications. Some of my clients take medication and some do not. Many mental health problems can be successfully treated without medications. If you decide you might benefit from medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist for any prescriptions.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. All client-counselor conversations are private and confidential. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
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Suspected child abuse, abuse or neglect of a dependent adult or older adult. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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If a client is threatening grave bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself. This is not the same as thinking about suicide which is sometimes a symptom of depression or anxiety. I may have to notify someone if you have an idea, a plan, and a way to carry out your plan.
My teen needs help but doesn't want to come to therapy!
I suggest you tell your teen to come to one session but that after that session, they can determine whether or not they would like to return. This is often helps because by the end of the session, the teen typically feels heard and understood and many of the misconceptions the teen may have had about counseling are dispelled. In most cases, the teen will choose to return to therapy.
I have suggested to some clients that they offer a barter in exchange for attending that first session - maybe an outing afterwards or something small they've been wanting.
That is just to come to the first session. After that, I believe that I will be welcoming and convincing enough that your teenager will want to come, want to work on issues they are struggling with, and will be more invested in their therapy.
As parents, will you tell us what our teen discloses in counseling?
It is important to me that you both feel supported during this tumultuous time. I want to help you teenager keep talking and help you keep connecting with your teen.
I can only help your teenager keep talking if they feel like their therapy is theirs.
At the same time, I'm a parent, and I understand what it's like to worry about your child. I also know I'm only a blip in your teenager's life - you're there for the long haul.
If you are concerned about how therapy is going, how your teen is doing, or have a concern of any kind - please bring it to therapy! With some limitations, you have an open invitation to attend a portion(s) of your teen's therapy sessions.
If I have a concern about your teen I will invite you to attend. I will never speak for your child but I will nudge them to speak to you about any behavior that might put them in danger. (If a teen discloses abuse, neglect, grave bodily harm to themselves or others I have to disclose to you and to the state or local police.)
It's a very delicate balance - I want your teen to keep talking in their counseling sessions and I want to help you keep your teen safe.
So we keep everything above board, your teen knows what you are saying and you are welcome to bring concerns into session(s).
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Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
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Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
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You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
