FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   

 

What can I expect from Therapy?
Making the first call is scary. Thinking about cancelling but deciding to show up to the first appointment anyway is even scarier. It’s also normal to leave that very first session and think, “Why in the world did I just tell all of that really personal information to a complete stranger?!” Rest assured, all of this is normal. In an attempt to ease some of those nerves, here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
– Compassion and empathy; no judgment
– Self-exploration
– Confidentiality
– Illumination of current patterns and introduction to new perspectives
– Interventions meant to elicit the change you’re seeking

What is telehealth?
Many of us had to get creative during the pandemic, one way that we did was by expanding our offering of “telehealth” aka video/phone sessions. We use a HIPAA-compliant platform built into SimplePractice for our telehealth sessions. We are happy to continue to offer telehealth for those who need it as well as in person appointments at our offices in Nashville and Clarksville. Please note that due to licensing laws, we are only able to provide telehealth for those who are physically in the state of TN OR out of the country at the time of their appointment.

Do you provide Supervision services?
Yes! Cadey is an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and is able to provide supervision for Masters level MFTs in the licensure process. Cost for supervision is $25/group hour or $100/individual hour. If you are a Master’s Level MFT looking for group or individual supervision opportunities, contact Cadey directly at cadey@cadeymft.com for more information. We are not taking on any additional interns at this time.

What does it mean that my Clinician’s bio says “MMFT/ Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy”?
In the state of TN, it’s required that mental health providers clearly identify ourselves to the public. After graduating from a Masters program, clinicians are required to go through a minimum two year process, involving hours of supervision and clinical work and two exams, to receive full licensure status. Before this is achieved, MFTs are not allowed to refer to themselves as “therapists”. “Marriage and family Therapy Clinician under supervision” simply means that a Clinician has graduated from their Masters level Marriage and Family Therapy program, and is currently in the process of obtaining full licensure status.  All Marriage and Family Therapy Clinicians under supervision at CAG are practicing both under a temporary license of their own as well as under the the license and supervision of Cadey Phipps, LMFT and AAMFT-Approved Supervisor (license #1348).

What does it mean that my Clinician’s bio says “MMFT Intern/Clinicial Intern”?                                        
In the state of TN, it’s required that mental health providers clearly identify ourselves to the public. While pursuing a Masters degree, students are required to obtain a number of supervised clinical hours while in their graduate program. Interns cannot yet call themselves “therapists”, so  “Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Intern under supervision” simply means that a Clinician is a current Masters level student in an MFT program, and is currently in the process of obtaining a Masters degree.  All Interns at CAG are practicing both under a supervisor provided by their Masters program as well as under the the license and supervision of Cadey Phipps, LMFT and AAMFT-Approved Supervisor (license #1348).

 

What is the difference between a session with a pre-licensed or licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a session with an Identity Doula/Healing Practitioner/Healer/Coach?
What is the same: All of our clinicians are still trained as Marriage and Family Therapists and hold accredited Master’s Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, which means that the framework that is used when seeing clients is similar no matter which clinician you see. Additionally, all of our clinicians still abide by professional moral and ethical codes as well as strict confidentiality, which means that your care is ethically appropriate, safe, secure and private. Each one of our clinicians prioritizes consultation, supervision, self study, and being up-to-date on the most current research/literature/modalities to ensure the most updated and appropriate care for all clients. None of our clinicians accept insurance. Sessions with any clinician are either 50 minutes or 90 minutes and range from $160 – $82 a session (unless you are seeing an intern).

 What does change: Licensed or pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are legally required to follow the pre-established ethical codes and laws of the state that they are pursuing or have acquired their license in. Identity Doulas/Healing Practitioners/Healers/Coaches sit in a very interested place in our state (and the country) where they are able to practice in any way they see fit as long as they are “not harming anyone”. In other words, because Identity Doulas/Healing Practitioners/Healers/Coaches are not bound by the legal codes and pre-established ethics of our state but are bound by the moral and ethical code of the provider, it provides some demographics (namely 2SLGBTQIA+ humans and minors) safe and legal spaces to receive gender affirming care. This is not to say that gender affirming care cannot be provided by clinicians who are pursuing licensure or are fully licensed, it just become a stickier in some cases (namely when working with minors). Additionally, Identity Doulas/Healing Practitioners/Healers/Coaches are legally able to do telehealth in different states and countries, so that you can still receive legal and ethical care while you are traveling or live in a different state or country.

(There is a long and a short answer to this question. To make the information more accessible and easier to understand, we have provided the short answer here, but please feel free to ask Admin or your clinician for the long answer at anytime!)

What is “Internal Family Systems” (IFS)?
IFS is Cadey’s go-to model of therapy. The theory is that we all have an inner Self, or “Self Energy” that is characterized by curiosity, compassion, clarity, calmness, courage, confidence, creativity, and connectedness. Yet as we navigate life, we develop other parts of our internal world that become easily blended with or begin to take overshadow this Self Energy. These parts may show up as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or any other “thought” or symptom you may be experiencing. While at the surface these parts of us may look “bad”, what we find is that when we get to know them, they soften, and often reveal a positive intention for us. Turns out even something like suicidal ideation is protective, once we get to know its purpose. There are other parts of us that are wounded. These parts often carry heavy burdens such as guilt or shame, and may benefit from being unburdened. The IFS model allows us to lead for Self-driven lives and uses visualization, embodiment, meditation as tools for change. For more information, click here.

What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a tool that helps us get past the cognitive, logical level of the brain (the neocortex) into the true emotion (mammalian brain) of any situation. It is a method for allowing the brain and the body to process past and current events in a way that leads to miraculous change and growth. Though typically associated with trauma, brainspotting is effective with a large range of situations. It works based on the fact that where we look, effects how we feel. Using a pointer or other object, we will locate a “brain spot” that connects most with the situation, emotion, and place in the body that is being affected. We will then keep your focus on that spot and from there, the brain and the body know what to do. For more information, you are welcome to request copies of research articles and books on the topic.

What is Imago?
Imago is Cadey’s go-to couples therapy tool.  It is a model that believes differences and conflicts between partners are opportunities for growth and stretching, rather than signs of doom. The primary intervention in this model is the “Imago Dialogue”. At its surface, the dialogue process is a communication tool, but beyond that it is also a tool for creating real, deep connection and healing old relaitonal wounds. For more information on Imago, click here.

What is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment Counseling helps couples who feel they are on the verge of divorcing decide whether or not to end their marriage. This approach can be particularly effective when one partner wants to leave the relationship, but the other wants to remain together. Within one to five sessions, the therapist helps the couple determine if divorce is the best option for their marriage. When therapy is over, a decision is usually made whether to get a divorce, commit to 6 months of couples therapy or keep the marriage as it is.

It is important to note the following:
– The therapist does not make the decision for the couple whether to remain married or not, but guides them in developing clarity, confidence and perspective to make the right decision for themselves.
– In discernment counseling, couples are not working on intimacy or relationship issues, since most have already gone through marriage counseling, but they are focusing on whether or not to divorce.

 

Is therapy confidential?
YES! No information is disclosed without written permission in the form of a Release of
Information from the client. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as required by law.
Exceptions include:
1 Suspected abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder
2 Threats of serious bodily harm to another person
3. Intentions to harm self
4. Subpoena by court

Therapy hasn’t worked for me in the past, why would it work for me now?
Research shows, and our own experience corroborates, that the largest predictor of a satisfactory outcome is the “therapeutic relationship”, AKA the relationship between you and your therapist. You will want to be sure that your personality, ways of viewing the world, and therapeutic needs fit within the way the your therapist works with people. This is why we like to start with a complimentary phone consult and screening form, to make sure we place you with the best therapist for you. If at any point we come to believe we’re not able to offer you your the best fit, we will be happy to refer you to someone who might be better able to serve you.

How long will I be in therapy?
Length of therapy depends on presenting problems and client goals. We will consistently be assessing whether or not we are making progress. If at any point you or your therapist feel as though we are not moving forward, we will discuss what needs to happen next. It is our ethical duty to not waste your time or your money if the type of therapy we are able to provide is not effective for you. That said, some things take more time than others and the most effective outcomes will come from putting the necessary time and effort in and being able to work through occasional stalemates and regression.

I want to attend therapy as a couple, but my partner refuses. What should I do?
One of the greats in this field, Michele Weiner-Davis, says it only really “takes one to tango”. By this she means that in many instances we are able to change others and the dynamics within our relationships when we change ourselves. That said, in the long run you can only do so much on your own. While it is important to still take care of yourself even when your partner isn’t yet ready, it may be helpful to let your partner know that you are seeking therapy to change how you relate and interact with them and let them know that you would appreciate and support their involvement if/when they are ready to join you.

Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance and do not deal directly with insurance agencies. However, some insurance companies will reimburse you or will count the cost of sessions toward your deductible. Contact your insurance company for more information about what they can offer. If needed, we can provide a session receipt called a “Superbill” for documentation of services rendered. Please note that insurance companies will only reimburse those working with a fully licensed clinician;  we cannot guarantee reimbursement; and if provided with a Superbill, a diagnostic code will need to be included.

What does therapy cost?
We are happy to have a number of Clinicians with varying levels of experience and education who are able to offer a wide range of fees. The cost of a standard 45-50 minute session with us ranges from $39 – $165 per session and 90-minute sessions range from $65 – $235 per session. Rarely a 45-50 minute session may take the full 60 minutes at no additional charge. Appointments exceeding 60 minutes, however, will be charged an additional $1.20-$2.50 per minute, a pro-rated amount based upon your Clinician’s session fee. Each of our Clinician’s offers a limited number of income based sliding scale slots, just ask if you’d like to fill out our financial agreement form to see what kind of fee reduction you might qualify for.  Accepted methods of payment are cash, checks, Health Savings Accounts, and debit/credit card. All major credit cards are accepted. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you must give at least 24 hours notice, otherwise you will be charged the full session fee for missed appointments.

Tell me about my rights and protections against surprise medical bills:
(OMB Control Number: 0938-1401)

When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.

What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.

“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care – like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.

You are protected from balance billing for:
Emergency services
If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center
When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.

If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you unless you give written consent and give up your protections.

You’re never required to give up your protection from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.

When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:

• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.

• Your health plan generally must:

o Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).

o Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.

o Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.

o Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact: The TN Secretary of State at (615) 741-2286.

Visit https://www.cms.gov/files/document/model-disclosure-notice-patient-protections-against-surprise-billing-providers-facilities-health.pdf for more information about your rights under Federal law.

 

 

 

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