Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do my consultation over the phone?
The purpose of the initial consultation session is to ensure goodness of fit between therapist and client and we find that this is best done face-to-face using the HIPPA compliant Zoom platform.
This is my first time in therapy, what can I expect?
Finding a mental health therapist that you trust and connect with is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It often begins with rapport building and learning about your needs and background history. It’s in those initial sessions, where you open up and share your thoughts and feelings, that the real connection forms. Trust develops as you feel heard, respected, and understood.
It’s in the therapist’s empathy, non-judgmental stance, and ability to create a safe space that you find solace and healing. This connection becomes the cornerstone of your therapeutic journey, providing the support and guidance necessary for personal growth and improved mental well-being.
Does my experience truly justify seeking therapy? Aren’t there others who have faced much worse?
What you’ve been through is valid. If you’re considering this, it’s because your intuition is signaling that you need and deserve support. Trust that feeling. It doesn’t matter what others have experienced; suffering is relative.
Do you prescribe medication?
Medication is prescribed by medical providers and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists and psychologists are often confused for each other. Collaboration with psychologists is a great way to start the steps to medication if that is something you and your provider agree is a good option. Psychologists can assess and diagnose and provide referrals to trusted medical providers.
What can I expect from my first therapy session?
Your first individual therapy session will consist of a 60-minute intake, in which, your current concerns and history will be thoroughly discussed. An individualized plan will also be developed based on your current difficulties and goals for treatment. If it is determined that you may benefit from other or additional services, you will be provided with necessary referrals.
How often do I have sessions?
In most cases, once a week, but when requested and clinically appropriate or when crisis arises, some individuals are seen more than once a week.
Once notable progress has been made, some individuals continue with sessions every other week.
How long will I be in therapy?
Length of treatment is a collaborative decision, and it varies from person to person, and is largely determined by the extent of the difficulties you are experiencing as well as identified goals for treatment. Early treatment involves helping you to achieve your initial goals such as reduced symptoms or improved relationships. Some clients choose to step down from weekly therapy once they have met their initial goals and know they can come back at any time if needed. Others find being in regular therapy an important part of their long-term health or they feel like it is a positive way to stay on top of chronic mental health issues. TCMH believes that therapy can be helpful both as a short-term way to address immediate challenges and as a long-term part of your ongoing personal growth, mental wellness, and self-care.
Will you share my information with anyone?
Confidentiality and privacy are at the heart of good, ethical therapy. TCMH will never share any of your information with anyone without an authorized release of information signed by you. If someone contacts TCMH asking for information about you, it will neither be confirmed nor denied that you are a client here unless there is explicit written permission from you to speak with that person. If you have given written permission, only the specific information that you have given permission to share will be provided.
Will you provide a letter so I can get a registered emotional support animal?
Like most mental health facilities, TCMH will not certify an Emotional Service Animal without an established relationship with a client. If you are calling to get an emotional support animal letter as your main goal without spending time in therapy, this may not be the right fit.
Will you provide a letter for my disability needs or complete my disability paperwork?
Like most mental health facilities, TCMH will not sign disability or leave of absence papers without having an established, ongoing relationship with a client. If you are looking for someone to fill out disability forms, as your main goal without spending time in therapy, this may not be the right fit.
Schedule a complementary video consultation to ask more questions.
THE PROMISE
True Colors Mental Health promises to create an environment where you feel seen, heard, safe and supported through every step of your healing journey. In some cases, struggles are connected to identified or unidentified trauma and we will navigate that together, at your pace. TCMH is committed to providing affirmative care for sexuality, gender, and relationship expansive people/communities.