Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
If you are new to therapy in Sarasota or just have some basic questions, we hope this short list of FAQs helps. For more detailed information about our services or fees, please get in touch.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are mostly a private pay service. However, some clients may be eligible for reimbursement through their insurance provider. We also offer a sliding fee scale if the standard rate is unaffordable. Get in touch with us to learn more about our pricing and insurance policies.
What approaches do you use in your practice?
We utilize different approaches to suit the individual in need. Some of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Inner-Child work, Holistic and Trauma-Informed therapy.
How do I know if the therapist is a right fit for me?
Finding a therapist can be a difficult task and it can be discouraging at times. You should feel comfortable, safe, heard, and understood by the therapist and be able to ask any questions you need to be able to make the decision whether that therapist is right for you.
Do you offer online virtual therapy?
Yes. Sarasota Mental Health offers virtual therapy appointments for clients who prefer the convenience or accessibility of meeting online. However, when possible, we often find that therapy can be most effective in person. Being together in the same space allows therapists to better observe nonverbal and visual cues while providing a private, comfortable, and supportive environment that can help clients feel more present and engaged in the therapeutic process. Ultimately, the best setting depends on your individual needs, comfort level, and circumstances.
How much does therapy cost in Sarasota?
Therapy rates vary by provider. At Sarasota Mental Health, each therapist sets their own standard session rate based on factors such as their experience, credentials, areas of specialization, and session length. Because rates can differ from one therapist to another, we recommend contacting our office to learn more about current fees and find a therapist who is a good fit for both your needs and budget.
How long is an individual therapy session?
We typically recommend 60-minute individual therapy sessions. While shorter sessions have become increasingly common, we believe a full hour gives clients more time to settle in, open up, explore important issues, and work through them without feeling rushed. For us, protecting the quality of the therapeutic experience is more important than simply fitting more appointments into the day. Shorter sessions can be accommodated when appropriate based on your needs, preferences, and circumstances.
How often should I attend therapy?
For most clients, we recommend beginning with weekly therapy sessions. Meeting at the same time each week helps create consistency while allowing you and your therapist to build momentum and explore issues more deeply instead of repeatedly having to reestablish where you left off. When possible, we generally recommend maintaining weekly sessions for at least the first three months. After that, you and your therapist can determine whether moving to biweekly sessions or another schedule makes sense based on your progress, goals, and individual needs. We can also accommodate different scheduling arrangements when weekly therapy is not practical.
Are your therapists licensed?
All of our therapists are licensed mental health counselors in the state of Florida, meaning they have met state requirements for education, supervised clinical experience, examinations, and professional standards. Licensure is different from credentials or certifications, which typically reflect additional training, specialties, or professional accomplishments. While both are valuable, state licensure provides an important foundation of accountability, ethical oversight, and qualified mental health care.
