What are some things I should consider as I make the decision to start therapy?
It’s probably taken you a lot of thought to search for a therapist. Finding someone who is a good fit is incredibly important, as the therapeutic bond can develop into a relationship of great significance. As you look to start therapy it may be important to ask yourself:
What are my preferences in a therapist? Do age, race and gender matter to me? Do I want a therapist with a certain number of years of experience? Does location matter? Am I okay with telehealth?
What would I want to work on during therapy?
How much am I able to invest in therapy when it comes to monetary cost and personal time?
Are there any barriers that prevent me from fully participating in therapy right now?
I’m used to dealing with problems on my own. Can therapy really help me?
You’ve done the important work of getting yourself to right now, which may have required you to adopt a stiff upper lip, push feelings down, avoid painful things, and/or adopt steel-clad armor. However, having a therapist, who is a good fit, could mean that you’re not in it by yourself anymore. It could mean that you can let your guard down to confront your problems with someone who supports you. Therapy may help you to adopt new strategies for positive change, gain insight into your motivations, manage emotions effectively, and increase self-confidence.
I’ve seen a therapist(s) in the past. Does it make sense for me to begin seeing someone again?Resuming therapy may make sense for you if you:
Have residual issues that have resurfaced since the last time you were in therapy.
Have had new challenges come up that you need help processing and understanding.
Want to experience a new take on your healing, or a different treatment modality.
How do I contact you to schedule an initial 15-minute consultation call or first appointment?
You can contact me via the contact page on this site, email me at jerrilyn@jerrilynblack.com, to schedule a 15-minute consultation call. This call provides you with an opportunity to decide if I could be a good fit for you because you’ll hear more about my approach. I’ll also get an opportunity to learn more of what you are looking for from therapy.
Do you see clients virtually? In-person? Or both?
I am currently only seeing clients virtually, and meet with clients via a HIPAA compliant, secure telehealth platform. I will re-evaluate holding in-person visits in the future.
How often do you meet clients? How long are the sessions?
I typically see clients weekly or bi-weekly depending on a person’s needs and presenting issues. Sessions are generally 45 or 60 minutes long, depending on the work we do together.
What happens during the first session?
During the first session, I will do a history-taking and get to learn more about you, and we will discuss your goals and what you want to work on moving forward.
What is therapy like?
I often describe therapy as the time you get each week to focus solely on you and what’s going on in your life. For many of us, it seems rare to have someone who will not only actively listen to our problems, but do so with acceptance, non-judgement, insight and compassion. This is one reason why the therapeutic relationship is so important, as the degree to which you are able to open up about your problems depends on your trust in the person sitting across from you. Therapy typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour each session, and during that time you will process aspects of your life that are causing disharmony, while the therapist provides insights and strategies for change, among other things.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I accept Aetna, CareFirst and UnitedHealth/Optum. If you carry any of these insurance providers, please consult with them to inquire about your benefits and eligibility for psychotherapy, before scheduling your first session. I am what is considered an Out of Network provider for all other insurers. If you have another insurance provider, please call to ask about your out of network benefits. You may be able to get reimbursed for all or a portion of session fees, in which I will provide you with the proper documentation.
What are your fees?
My fees are as follows:
Individual 45-minute session - $140
Individual 60-minute session - $160
*I do offer a sliding scale if you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay the full rate.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, but if you feel that you need medication management in addition to talk therapy, I can provide referrals and coordinate care.
Do you see couples or children?
I do not see couples at this time, and only work with people individually. I also only work with individuals 18 years of age and older.
Do you only see people identifying as women?
Although my focus is those identifying as women, I welcome and treat all adults at any stage of life.