How can therapy help me?
Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy may include: • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values • Developing skills for improving your relationships • Finding resolutions to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Do I really need therapy?
I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will vary depending on the individual. It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. In general, you can expect to discuss what's currently happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issues, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (often weekly or monthly).
What should I expect during the initial intake?
You can expect a reply within 1-2 business days from our Intake Coordinator/Office Administrator. The Intake Coordinator will speak with you and begin to understand the reasons you are reaching out for services and match you with the right therapist with who you are most likely to reach your treatment goals. If there are other practices better suited for your needs, she will refer you to them. Each therapist has a unique style, set of strengths, and areas of expertise, and availability, and we are hoping to make the right match with the right therapist from intake. The intake coordinator will then set up a 60-minute evaluation for you and the therapist to dive deeper into your needs for therapy and discuss a treatment plan.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional challenges and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. With therapy, individuals can address the cause of their distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness and, in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy may be the right course of action.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent." If you would like your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, you must by law, provide written permission. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations: • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?
According to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) , you may obtain from us copies of your records. We take your privacy and the HIPAA law seriously, so we only release records following the strict procedure as follows. We release records only to our clients and do not release records to third parties who might request records on behalf of our clients. You must obtain written consent of all parties for those sessions which involved other individuals. If you wish to request your records, please email a request to our office. To print and mail copies of your records, please provide send a copy of your drivers' license. The mailing address on file should match the mailing address on your driver's license. Note: an additional charge my be required for printing and mailing records.
Do you accept insurance?
We are out-of-network providers for insurance companies, which means you will be responsible to provide payment in full. Please reach out to your insurance company for your out-of-network reimbursement policy. For more details, visit the "Insurance and Rates" page.
How much do you charge?
Visit the Insurance and Rates page for more details on our rates.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept all major credit cards, including HSA credit and debit cards, which can be added to your patient portal.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are accepted with at least 24 hours notice. To cancel your appointment, please notify your therapist or reach out to the office via email (office@rivkasidorsky.com) or phone. If you do not show up to your appointment or do not notify the office or your therapist at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full amount of the missed session.
What is your grievance policy for CE participants?
1. Purpose The purpose of this Grievance Policy is to provide a clear and fair procedure for employees or CE participant who attend CE programs to raise concerns or complaints related to their work environment, programming, treatment, or other employment matters. This policy aims to resolve grievances promptly and equitably while maintaining a respectful and supportive work and learning environment. 2. Scope This policy applies to all employees or CE participant of Rivka Sidorsky & Associates. It covers grievances related to working conditions, workplace behavior, discrimination, harassment, and other employment issues. 3. Definitions •Grievance: A formal complaint raised by an employee or CE participant regarding an aspect of their employment or training that they believe is unjust or discriminatory. •Grievant: An employee or participant who raises a grievance. •Respondent: The individual or individuals who are the subject of the grievance. 4. Procedure 4.1. Informal Resolution Employees are encouraged to first address grievances informally by discussing the issue directly with the person involved, or with their immediate supervisor. Many issues can be resolved through open communication and mutual understanding. 4.2. Formal Grievance If the informal resolution does not address the grievance satisfactorily, the employee or CE participant may file a formal grievance. The steps for filing a formal grievance are as follows: 1.Submission: The employee or CE participant must submit a written grievance to the office manager at office@rivkasidorsky.com within 90 days of the incident or concern. The written grievance should include: oA clear description of the grievance. oThe date(s) of the incident(s). oThe names of individuals involved. oAny supporting evidence or documentation. oThe desired resolution or outcome. 2.Acknowledgment: Upon receiving the grievance, the office manager will acknowledge receipt in writing within 10 days. 3.Investigation: An investigation will be conducted to gather facts and evidence related to the grievance. The investigation will be impartial and may involve interviews with the grievant, respondent, and any relevant witnesses. The investigation will involve the full advisory committee which includes: office manager Lisa Karasik, RN, the Director Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C, Ivy Edelstein LCSW-C, and Hanna Yerushalmi, LCPC. 4.Resolution: After the investigation, a decision will be made and communicated to the grievant and respondent within 60 days. The resolution may include corrective actions, disciplinary measures, or other remedies as deemed appropriate. 5.Appeal: If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution, they may appeal the decision to the appropriate governing board or body, such as the appropriate Board of Social Work or the appropriate continuing education board. 5. Confidentiality All grievances will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will be shared only with those who need to be involved in the investigation and resolution process. 6. Protection Against Retaliation Employees who raise a grievance or participate in the grievance process will not be subject to retaliation or adverse action. Any form of retaliation will be considered a serious violation of this policy and will be addressed accordingly. 7. Record Keeping Records of grievances, investigations, and resolutions will be maintained in accordance with Rivka Sidorskys record retention policy and applicable laws. 8. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and compliant with relevant laws and regulations. 9. Contact Information For questions or further information about this policy, employees should contact Rivka Sidorsky at office@rivkasidorsky.com