Frequently ASKEd QuesTions
Every provider at Racine Anxiety and OCD practice is a licensed mental health provider.
Upon scheduling your first appointment, you will be sent new patient paperwork. This paperwork is completed online via our secure, HIPPA-complient patient portal. During the initial evaluation, your provider will collect a detailed psychological and medical history as well as any other information that may be relevant to your treatment. Target goals for therapy will be delineated and a treatment plan will be formulated based on your individual needs. A mental health diagnosis may be given during the initial evaluation, if warranted. Based on the assessment, your provider will be able to determine if she/he is the right fit for you, and if not, will provide you with the best referral.
Moving forward, sessions will focus on strategies which will assist you in meeting your target goals. Because each person has different challenges and goals for treatment, therapy will vary depending on the individual. This may involve cognitive behavioral strategies such as identifying, challenging, and restructuring irrational thoughts or exposure and response prevention. Relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and biofeedback may also be employed to help you manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. Homework may be assigned to assist you with mastering strategies utilized in session. Depending on client need and goals for treatment, out of office sessions, home visits, and phone sessions may also be conducted. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence based treatment that is typically short-term and solution-focused. The focus of therapy is on difficulties in the present; however, early life experiences are occasionally discussed to better understand present challenges. Your progress is regularly assessed to make sure you are moving towards your goals.
Strategies utilized may vary depending on a client’s specific symptoms and needs. Providers at Racine Anxiety and OCD practice only utilize evidence-based approaches. OCD and anxiety conditions are often treated with a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP). ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
Each session is approximately 50-minutes long. Meeting frequency is dependent on your particular needs. At the start of treatment, clients typically meet with their provider weekly. As you progress through treatment and are meeting your goals, session frequency is reduced and will focus on relapse prevention and tools to help you sustain your improvements long term.
Confidentiality is a key component of the counseling relationship. Information shared during therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission, except in cases of possible harm to yourself or others, or when required by state or federal law.
In addition, clients may be eligible to have a single case agreement with an out of network insurance provider. In effect, a single case agreement would enable your treatment to be covered on an in-network basis, not out-of-network. There is a shortage of qualified mental health providers who are trained in exposure response prevention for OCD. Your insurance company is responsible for providing you with adequate evidence-based treatment. Dr. Racine can assist you with this process. Click here to read the steps to follow when seeking a single case agreement for OCD treatment:
Good Faith Estimate Notice: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under federal law, as of 1/1/2022, health care providers are required to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Most people, at one time or another, need some help. Talking with a therapist may help you understand ways to improve your life, gain insight and acceptance about yourself, and achieve personal growth. When you make the decision to begin counseling, you take a huge step toward obtaining mental and emotional health.
Don’t worry if you find it hard to open up about your feelings or symptoms. Dr. Racine can help you gain confidence and comfort with this process as you work together. Therapy is a team effort. Her goal is to provide you with the tools you need to overcome problematic behaviors and lead a healthy life.
If you have any questions, just ask! Dr. Racine is here to help.