Therapy FAQ’s

What is mental health therapy?

Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a type of treatment that aims to improve a person's mental health and well-being. It involves talking to a licensed therapist who can help you address and manage mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. Therapy can also help you address and manage substance abuse issues, life-transitions, career and academic challenges and more. To learn more about the topics we treat and address at Ola Wellness, please visit our website www.OlaWellness.org or you can view out therapists‘ post on our Instagram page.

When is it most appropriate to start therapy?

Many individuals commonly associate starting therapy when a crisis occurs, there is a history of trauma or they are experiencing ongoing conflicts in their life. These are instances in which it would be appropriate to start therapy; however, it is also important to know that you don't have to be in a crisis or even have any mental health struggles going on to start therapy. Therapy can be beneficial even if you're experiencing a great season or part of your life. Therapy can be helpful when you are going through life transitions, hoping to improve overall or struggling with a big decision. Therapy can also help you understand yourself better as you move through life, to examine patterns of behaviors that are getting in your way, to work through your values and learn more about yourself...this list is endless!

How does therapy work?

Therapy works by helping you gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and identifying patterns that may be contributing to your mental health challenges. Therapists use various techniques to help you develop coping skills, improve communication, and change negative thinking patterns.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

During the first session, your assigned therapist will ask questions to understand what you’re struggling with and what has brought you to therapy. We will discuss some of your past symptoms and experiences as well as how your symptoms and feelings are manifesting today. A comprehensive assessment inquiring about presenting concerns as well as your background and history will be completed. We will discuss the intake forms you completed prior to your first meeting. We will discuss the therapy process, how the sessions will go, and what you hope to achieve by engaging in therapy. We will answer any questions and/or concerns you may have about therapy.

What can I expect during parenting sessions?

The goal of parenting sessions is to help parents explore and discuss any challenges they may be facing with parenting and to help parents gain extra support they may need. Parenting sessions also help parents identify, address, and manage their own past or present experiences that may be affecting the way they relate to their child. Parents can gain tools and skills that they can use with their child outside of therapy as well as new strategies to help them better support and manage any of the challenges and difficulties their child may be facing.

Where is your practice located?

We are currently a fully remote practice at this time. All sessions are held via telehealth using a secure HIPAA compliant platform. Any individual residing in New Jersey or New York can be seen in our practice at this time. We plan to expand to additional states in the near future! Since we facilitate all our sessions via telehealth currently, you are able to engage in your sessions from the comfort of your own home or preferred space. If you have any questions or concerns related to telehealth services, we are happy to discuss these with your during your sessions or during an initial consult call!

How can I make the most out of my therapy sessions?

Attending your appointments consistently is one of the first steps to benefiting from therapy. Scheduling your appointments when you can avoid distractions and feel safe is crucial as well. A willingness to be open and honest in sessions about your stressors, symptoms and feelings, will help us help you! If you are struggling with being open and honest, this is important to discuss too; as this may be a challenge initially or overall. We encourage you to try your best to say things that are difficult to voice-even if it is hard. Being honest with yourself and your therapist about any parts of therapy that aren't working or are causing any feelings within you is another key factor. When it comes to therapy it is important to remember, what you put into therapy is what you will get out of therapy. Always remember it's okay, not to be okay! We are here to support you and help you reach your goals.

What about payment and fees?

Our therapist, Edlira Gora, is an in-network provider with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts and NJ, Cigna, Oxford, Oscar Health and United Healthcare. Edlira is an out of network provider for all other insurance companies.

Our therapist, Katie Dublirer, is an out of network provider with all insurance companies. We are happy to provide clients with a superbill for all treatment received to submit to your insurance company in efforts to receive reimbursement from them if eligible. To determine what your insurance will cover, you will need to contact your insurance company directly and inquire about coverage for out-of-network telehealth therapy sessions. Sessions are 45- 60 minutes in length. Please contact us directly to discuss our fees. Payments are due at the time of the appointment. Cash, Venmo and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

How can I schedule an appointment with you?

To schedule an appointment, you can contact us directly by email at hello@olawellness.org, direct message via Instagram, by phone at 201-888-6151 or 973-689-4691 and/or complete an appointment request form located on the website.

What types of therapy are there?

There are many types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and humanistic therapy. Each type of therapy has its own approach and techniques, so it's important to find a therapist who can provide the type of therapy that works best for you. Oftentimes, a therapist will use multiple types of therapy modalities depending on your presenting problems and identified goals. If you have a specific type of therapy you are most interested in, share this with your therapist so you can determine together if you are a good match. Additionally, support can be offered through individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and/or parenting sessions. If you are unsure which format and modality may work best for you, we are happy to discuss the options further with you and answer any additional questions.

How do I find a therapist?

There are several ways to find a therapist, including asking your doctor or mental health provider for a referral, searching online directories, or contacting your insurance provider for a list of therapists. It's important to find a therapist who is licensed and experienced in treating the type of mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues you are facing. If you are interested in therapy with our practice, we would love to schedule a free, initial phone consultation with you. You can contact us directly by email at hello@olawellness.org, direct message via Instagram or by phone at 201-888-6151 or 973-689-4691

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on the individual and the nature of the presenting problems being addressed. Some people may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require long-term therapy to achieve their goals. This is a great question to speak to your therapist about and they will be able to give you a more direct answer as each person's course of treatment should always be individualized to their needs and goals.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential. Your therapist is legally bound to protect your privacy, and any information you share with them is kept confidential unless you give written consent to share it with someone else or there is a legal obligation to disclose it. Your therapist will review the limits of confidentiality with your during your first session and you will receive a written document in your intake packet to review and sign if you work with our practice. If you have questions or concerns, make sure you bring them up with your therapist. Our goal is provide a safe, supportive space for you at all times.

How do I know if therapy is working?

You may notice improvements in your mood, behavior, thoughts and relationships as therapy progresses. Your therapist may also conduct regular assessments to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. It's important to communicate openly with your therapist about any concerns or questions you have about your treatment. If you feel like your therapy is not working, bring this up with your therapist! The therapeutic process is more effective when you are open and honest with your therapist. At Ola Wellness, our therapist always welcome feedback throughout your course of treatment. Your time is valuable so we want to ensure you are getting the most of your sessions as possible.

Additional questions?

Please contact us with any additional questions you may have! We understand exploring the idea of starting therapy can feel overwhelming and lead to many questions. We are here to help! If you are contemplating if therapy is right for you and/or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Free 15-minute phone consultations are available.