What can I expect from therapy?

Engaging in therapy can help you develop a better understanding of the way that you function in the world, gain insights into how you developed to be the person that you are, and make changes that best support your emotional wellness and the goals and desires that you have for your life. You may seek resolutions to specific issues or look to enhance your overall sense of wellness and happiness by finding out why you may be stuck in certain pattens of relating that no longer serve you. Therapy can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, the effects of recent or long-term trauma, anger, irritability, grief, and loss. Therapy can even be helpful for the symptoms of more serious mental health issues such as psychosis or suicidality. Most people report improvements in their relationships, ability to set healthy boundaries, and overall satisfaction with their lives. Therapy is a unique relationship as it is completely about your wants, needs, desires, and growth edges which often feels like a reprieve from the demands of many relationships in one’s life.

Is what I talk about confidential?

What you share in therapy is confidential with a few legally required exceptions related to safety of self and others and child or elder abuse. When you schedule your first appointment, you will be provided with an “Informed Consent” where all of the details related to confidentiality and exceptions will be clearly spelled out.

How long are the sessions, how often do I attend, and where do we meet?

Gould Psychological Services offers 60-minute-long sessions as well as 45-minute-long sessions depending on the needs and desires of each client. The initial intake session is typically 60 minutes. When one starts therapy, the recommendation regarding frequency is once a week so that the therapist and client can get to know each other and establish the plan of treatment more efficiently and effectively. Many people continue with weekly therapy throughout their course of treatment although some people who are feeling well or nearing the end of their treatment may request to meet bi-weekly. Currently Gould Psychological Services is a virtual only practice, and we will meet via a HIPAA-compliant secure telehealth platform.

Can you prescribe medication?

In the state of Pennsylvania, psychologists do not currently prescribe medication, but if you are interested in learning more about how medication can be helpful, we can discuss this in your sessions, and I can refer you to providers who are prescribers of psychotropic medication. Although medication can be a helpful adjunct to treat some of the more distressing symptoms one may be having, therapy is designed to not only address the symptoms, but to address the underlying causes of a person’s pain and suffering and the patterns of behavior that keep people stuck. Therapy is designed to create lasting changes and often symptoms remit without medication intervention.

Do you take insurance?

Gould Psychological Services is considered “out of network” and does not take insurance directly. However, many insurance companies offer generous out-of-network benefits, and you will be provided with what is called a “superbill” the same day of your session to submit to your insurance company. If you are seeking out of network reimbursement, check with your insurance company prior to starting therapy to find out exactly what the process will be.

How do I make an appointment?

Gould Psychological Services offers a free 15-minute consultation so that we can begin to get a sense of whether we are a good fit for each other and whether or not the services that I provide can meet your needs. We will continue to assess this as we work together but the initial consult can help you to decide if you want to schedule your first intake appointment. To get the free 15-minute consultation as well as further information on how to get started click here:

How and when do I pay?

Gould Psychological Services uses the HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Records portal “Therapy Notes” where all of your information, including the credit card that you would like to use for payment, is securely stored. At the end of each session, your card on file will be charged and you will receive a “superbill” receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement if you like. (See details in “Do You Take Insurance” above). It’s that easy!