How do I know if therapy can help me?
Studies show that behavioral health services may be helpful if you have any of the following symptoms every day for a two-week period:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• There are also many other situations when therapy can be helpful.

Intense fear or discomfort - If you have a period of intense fear or discomfort lasting about ten minutes or more where the following symptoms may occur:.

• Pounding heart
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Feeling of choking
• Dizziness
• Fear of dying
• Chest pain

If you have stress that you are finding unmanageable and are experiencing any or all of the following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.

• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Change in appetite
• Preoccupied thoughts
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Irritability
• Loss of energy
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Palpitations

Relationship issues impacting your quality of life and are experiencing any or all of the following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.

• Inability to maintain relationships
• Inability to keep close relationships
• Communication problems in your relationships
• Arguments with your spouse or significant other
• Lack of trust in relationships
• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Codependence

A potential problem with drugs or alcohol
If you have or suspect you have a problem with drug or alcohol, and are experiencing any or all of the following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.

• Preoccupation with drugs or alcohol
• Inability to cut down on drug or alcohol consumption
• Guilt over drinking or using
• Concern about usage by self or others
• Drugs or alcohol interfere with work/school
• Drugs or alcohol interfere with relationships
• Legal problems (DUI)
• Most of your paycheck goes to support drug or alcohol consumption
• Tremors/shakes if you stop using drugs or alcohol
• Engaging in "risky" behavior when using drugs or alcohol
• Blackouts

A potential eating disorder
If you suspect that you may have an eating disorder or related problem and are experiencing any or all of the following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.

• Preoccupation with food
• Restricting food intake
• Rapid weight gain/loss
• Binging
• Purging
• Use of laxatives for weight loss
• Others tell you that you have a distorted body image
• Physical problems (fainting, dental, stomach aches)

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Helpful hints for your first appointment
In order to get the most out of your treatment, we would that you make a list of important information or questions that you may want to discuss with your therapist. Below are some questions that may help you with this process:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
• What do you hope to accomplish through treatment?
• What has been happening in your life that made you decide to seek treatment at our facility? How long has this been happening and how troubling is it?
• What symptoms are you experiencing? Anxiety, sadness, confusion, sleeplessness?
• What steps have you taken to try to make yourself feel better?
• Have you experienced these feeling in the past? If so, did you take any steps that made you feel better?
• Have you seen any other professions regarding this problem? (Another therapist, doctor, a clergy member? Have you attended any type of support group?

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What should I bring to my first appointment:

• Insurance Card
• Photo ID
• A list of all medicines (name, dose, and frequency taken) that you are currently taking for both physical and behavioral health reasons. Bring along contact information for all doctors who are giving you medicine. It would also be important to bring a list of any medications (both physical & behavioral) that you have allergies too or have experienced an adverse reaction to in the past.
• Any documents that might be pertinent to your treatment (previous psychological testing, hospital discharge summaries, recent laboratory results, etc).
• If you would like us to share your evaluation or treatment plan with any other healthcare professionals (primary care physician, specialist, etc), any other professionals (attorney, clergy, etc.) or family members it will be necessary for you to complete a Release of Information. Please be prepared by bringing a list of contact information for these individuals including address, telephone and fax numbers.

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What can I do to get the most out of my treatment?

• It is very important to be open and honest with your doctor or therapist.
• Keep your appointments.
• Ask questions.
• Go to appointments as often as recommended. Appointments may be more frequent at the beginning of treatment.
• Follow all treatment recommendations.
• Ask your therapist for suggestions about readings and support groups.

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How do I describe my problem to my therapist? It's uncomfortable and I'm embarrassed.
 
Many people find their progress in therapy improves quickly when they focus on specific issues or problems. You can start with whatever is on your mind, and eventually you'll cover the important points. Therapists understand your discomfort and embarrassment, and know how to help put you at ease. Most people get over their discomfort once they have been talking for a few minutes.
 
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What should I expect from outpatient therapy?
 
Of course, the speed with which you will see results varies with a lot of factors, including the nature of your problem, how much and how fast you are willing to make changes in your life, and so forth. Most people can expect significant positive results within five sessions, and sometimes sooner. Getting at the tougher issues may take a little longer.
 
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What if my family member is resistant to treatment?
 
If you have a family member that does not want to go to treatment, we would encourage you to make an appointment for yourself. This shows them that you are serious about changing the situation. The therapist will talk to you about what you can do on your own, and oftentimes changes in one member of a family lead to changes in others. And many times those others become more willing to go and "have their say" once they see that you are following through.