Questions about therapy?

Many people have questions about therapy, including what sessions are like, which approach is best for them, how much therapy costs, and how to get started. Read through this detailed Q+A for information relevant to these questions and more.

What kind of approach or model do you use?

There are hundreds of approaches to therapy and every therapist is different. I employ an integrative behavioral approach to psychotherapy that is affirming, interactive, action-oriented, and empowering. It is primarily a conversational talk therapy and involves exercises, activities, and experiments you might find useful or healing. It’s about disentangling patterns of emotion, thought, and interaction and orienting toward needs, values, opportunities, and choices. I believe in balancing self-reflection and curiosity with creative, specific, tangible means of forward movement. I find it important that methods used in therapy are supported by theoretical and empirical research and demonstrate evidence of effectiveness. I offer a series of extensively-researched, time-tested, and evidence-based practices, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) / acceptance-based behavioral therapy (ABBT), assertiveness training (AT), behavioral activation (BA), behavior modification, problem-solving therapy (PST), and supportive psychotherapy. That said, decades of research remind us goodness of fit and relationship quality are essential for a productive therapeutic experience. I encourage you to reach out for a free 15 minute phone consultation to explore whether working together fits your needs.

What happens during the first session?

Many people who’ve engaged in therapy are familiar with a usual flood of questions, paperwork, and logistical details that consume the first several sessions. While much of this is with good intention, it detracts from early relationship building and limits opportunity to discuss what matters most. I believe learning about you, your needs, and preferences for our work is an ongoing process. In addition to a brief conversation about confidentiality, we’ll start our first session with optimal space to begin working on your most important concerns. I’m especially interested in learning about what led to you begin therapy, as well as what you hope to accomplish through this process. It’s also okay for us to explore questions you have about therapy, though you’re welcome to raise these any time during our work - not only during the first session.

How often should our sessions be?

I believe we heal in different ways and at different rates. It makes sense the frequency of therapy will vary by person and over time. I offer 45 minute individual therapy sessions and suggest beginning with a weekly or biweekly routine in order to gain traction. Some people find this frequency helpful throughout their therapeutic experience, while others gradually space sessions as their circumstances and needs change. The duration of therapy also varies. Some people find a short-term course of therapy helpful for addressing specific concerns, while others need longer term support for working through complex intersecting issues. I believe therapy is an evolving process of self-discovery and growth; we will work together to shape and reshape our work over time.

Do you accept insurance?

I’m glad to be a participating in-network provider with a variety of health insurance carriers. These include most plans offered by Aetna, All Savers (UHC), Allied Benefit Systems, Christian Brothers Services, Cigna, GEHA - United Healthcare Shared Services, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Plans Inc., Health Scope, Medica, Meritain, Nippon, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, Surest (formerly Bind), Trustmark Health Benefits, Trustmark Small Business Benefits, United Healthcare (as well as Exchange, Global, Shared Services, and Student Resources plans), and UMR. I also welcome members of the Optum Live & Work Well employee assistance program (EAP) and Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions employee assistance program (EAP). Please note I do not participate with Medicare or Medicaid at this time. I am an out-of-network provider with all other insurance carriers and offer simple self-pay rates, a portion of which may be reimbursed using out-of-network benefits.

How much does therapy cost?

There is no investment as valuable as one in your own well-being. I believe therapy can and should be affordable, accessible, and financially predictable. I also believe you are the best judge of what you can afford. Out-of-pocket costs normally fall between $0 and $160 per session depending on health insurance plan eligibility. Out-of-network benefits, health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), employee assistance programs (EAP), and some wellness cards may also help keep our work affordable. You will find detailed information about affordability in the informed consent and by talking with me about specifics of your coverage.

What if I can’t afford it?

I believe we all have a right to high quality interpersonal support regardless of income or ability to pay. I have select space reserved for my work with an affordable psychotherapy collective called Open Path. This option is subject to availability and appropriate for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and experiencing financial hardship. It does not change the process of our work and is a resource to enhance access to the service that already exists. Please reach out for more information about accessing my practice via Open Path if it might apply to you.

How do I get started?

This is one of the most common questions about therapy. Getting started with our work is simple. Contact me at (716) 222-9066 or andrew@andrewwiltonlcsw.com for a free 15 minute phone consultation. We can discuss your needs, concerns, questions, insurance eligibility, availability for scheduling, and determine goodness of fit. If I’m not available when you call, please leave a message with my confidential voicemail and I will reply at my earliest convenience. After scheduling, I will email you an invitation to our secure online portal, where you will find some brief welcome paperwork. From there, we’re ready to begin with our first session!