, PhD, CGP, FAGPA

How can I schedule an appointment or become a client?

The quickest way to get started with becoming a new client and scheduling an appointment is by filling out the Appointment Request Form form below. The information gathered will be used to assess if my services may be a good fit for you.  I will contact you promptly after the form is submitted; due to the high demand for my services, it may take up to 2 business days. If you have not received a response within 48 business hours, please give me a call.

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What is your cancellation policy?

If you do not show up for a our scheduled appointment, and you have not notified me at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session as booked. Group sessions can not be rescheduled and you will be charged the full fee for missed group sessions. Please note that in the case of a late arrival, appointments will still end at their scheduled time.

 

Who will answer my phone call or email message?
I will personally respond, generally within 24 hours during week days for my established patients. If you are inquiring about becoming a new patient, e-mail is the best way to reach me, and it may take 2-3 days to receive a response.

Why do people enter therapy?
People come to psychotherapy for varying reasons and with different hopes and expectations. Some have tried psychotherapy before and found it useful. Others have had a mixed or even sub-par experience with therapy but in a difficult time, recognize the need for outside assistance and hope for a better experience this time. Frequently, the impetus for therapy is some kind of a life crisis or difficult passage. Many arrive sad, confused, overwhelmed, hopeless and may be going through a “dark night of the soul.” In such times, a skilled and caring therapist can make the suffering bearable and help facilitate change.

Some patients are already doing quite well in their lives and are looking to uncover additional energy and creativity with the help of a trained guide. Together, we carefully investigate potential blocks and defenses that are no longer working, discovering new ways of being in the world. A renewed and deeper sense of self begins to emerge.

What can I expect in the first session?
The first session allows you and your therapist to get to know one another. Our first in-person meeting lasts 60 minutes and will involve an initial assessment of your needs. This is a time for me to become acquainted with your current struggles and your goals for therapy. It is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of who I am and how I work. At the end of the first session, I will share with you my initial clinical impressions and recommendations. There is no commitment for you at this point other than establishing whether or not you want to continue working with me based on what you have discovered in this first meeting.

How long will therapy take?
The severity of the issue and the level of need determine the course and length of treatment I provide both short-term (typically less than 15 sessions) or long-term individual psychotherapy. Short-term psychotherapy can be very helpful for a specific problem, while more complex concerns (such as trauma, abuse, etc.) usually require longer-term therapy. The length of therapy will be discussed early on your treatment, and will be revised as needed as treatment progresses.

Some indicators that it may be time to end therapy:

• You have found positive or rewarding ways to take care of yourself such that your distress is reduced or eliminated.

• You have gained enough insight into your behaviors such that you can be clear about what you want from the world

• and from yourself.

• You notice that you are free of the problems you first brought to therapy.

• You have a life that works on many different levels and is satisfying, most of the time.

How can I get the most out of therapy?

• Attempt to clarify your goals, and/or what you hope to get out of the experience

• Consider how you feel about the counseling relationship

• Be an active participant

• Focus on what is most important to you

• Recognize and express feelings

• Be patient with yourself

• Ask questions

Is therapy confidential?
I am ethically and legally constrained not even to acknowledge that you are my client unless you give me written permission. You may say anything, with confidence that I will not repeat it, EXCEPT... 

The law requires me to report the following potential dangers:

• Suspected child abuse or adult dependent abuse.

• If a patient poses imminent danger to another person.

• If a patient poses imminent danger himself or herself. I will make every effort to work with a patient to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

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Do you accept/bill health insurance?

I am an Out-of-Network Provider for commercial health insurance companies (with the exception of  GA Tech Student Health Insurance Plan, Pacific Source, MODA, and I do bill directly on your behalf for these 3 in-network insurance plans). However, should you choose to use your health insurance benefits, I will be happy to assist you through this process by providing you with documentation for your sessions (a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is up to you to submit this to your insurance company for reimbursement. Typically, the process is very simple and makes working together very affordable. 

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To find out IF you have out of network benefits and what portion of my fee they may cover, please call your insurance company directly by calling the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card (there is often a separate phone number for mental health or “behavioral health” services information).  When speaking with your insurance company, you will want to ask them the following questions:  

• What are my “out-of-network” outpatient mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and how much of it have I met?

• Is it possible to meet with a provider that I choose and submit receipts for reimbursement?

• What is the process for seeking reimbursement?

• Are there any limitations on how many services a year that will be covered?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session (CPT codes: 90837 (55 min)  or 90834 (45 min))?

• How long will it take to get my reimbursement?

• Do I need a referral from a primary care physician?

• Do my benefits cover telehealth services (online counseling)?

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If you have any other questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out and contact Dr. Sophia Aguirre!