FAQs
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Right For Me?
The answer to this question is different for each individual. Sometimes people seek therapy because they are feeling stuck, alone, or wanting to change. Other times, they just need someone to talk to who is willing to listen without judgement, ask thoughtful questions and offer supportive feedback. There's a common belief that if you go to therapy, it means there's something "wrong with you." Seeking therapy does not mean there's something wrong with you. Therapy is a safe, unbiased place for anyone who is wanting to change, heal, work on themselves, or process their experiences.
I also recognize that talking to a complete stranger about your life and personal problems can be uncomfortable. As we get to know each other, I will do my best to make the therapy process as painless as possible by letting you lead the way with what you want to share.
How Do I Schedule An Appointment?
To schedule an appointment as a new client, please contact me by e-mail at hello@nicole-kerr.com or head to the Work With Me page. To schedule an appointment as an existing client, you can select “client portal” at the top of this page and log in to view my availability and schedule an appointment.
How Do I Access My Client Portal?
To access your client portal, please reference the original portal welcome e-mail you received or select Client Portal on the main menu of this website.
What Will Happen In My First Session?
If you decide to schedule a meet and greet, we will meet for 15 minutes via telehealth and you will tell me a little bit about what brings you in for therapy and a little bit about who you are. Then you will have the chance to ask me questions you might have. After, we will discuss what will happen next if we decide that we are a good fit.
Do You Take My Insurance?
What Does Out of Network Mean?
My practice is out-of-network with all insurance companies. What this means is that the full fee is due to me at the time of each session. However; insurance companies will sometimes reimburse you for all or some of the cost of your session, given that you provide them the necessary paperwork. Empower Psychotherapy is able to provide you with this paperwork via your client portal. Please let me know if you plan to submit for out-of-network reimbursement and I can turn this feature “on” for you.
What are the Benefits of Seeing
an Out-Of-Network Provider?
There are a variety of reasons why a person may choose to see an out-of-network provider. Here are three examples:
1. Increased privacy.
When you see an in-network provider and use insurance, you must have a mental health diagnosis in order for insurance to cover your services. Sometimes insurance companies will also require therapists to submit client treatment plans and progress notes. When you see an out-of-network provider such as myself, you avoid having your mental health diagnosis, treatment plans, and/or progress notes be part of your permanent health care record.
2. Customizable treatment.
Insurance companies will often dictate how frequently a client can be seen, limit the total number of sessions, and require therapists to prove that the treatment is medically necessary. Sometimes insurance companies will also require a certain “type” of therapy be implemented in order to pay for services. As an out-of-network provider, we are able to work together to determine what type of therapy will be most effective for you (e.g. supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, attachment-based talk therapy, etc.) and customize your treatment plan to your needs without mandates from insurance companies.
3. Fast access to services.
Out-of-network providers may have less people on their waitlist because they do not take insurance, thus allowing you to be seen quicker and with more flexibility.
What Is The Difference Between Psychotherapy
and Lifestyle Coaching for Mental Health?
Both psychotherapy and lifestyle coaching for mental health are professional services aimed at supporting your well-being. While they share a common goal of improving your mental health, there are key differences in their approach and focus. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your unique needs.
Flexible and open-ended: Therapy offers a broad and open-ended space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and goals.
Past, present, and future exploration: Therapy allows you to delve deeper into past and present experiences and their impact on your current life. This can be helpful for resolving longstanding issues, understanding underlying patterns, gaining support on current problems, and cultivating inner peace.
Lifestyle Coaching for Mental Health:
Short-term and goal-oriented: Coaching works best for people with clear, achievable goals related to managing their mental health through nutritional psychology & lifestyle changes. It's typically a shorter-term commitment, focusing on actionable steps to improve overall wellbeing through nutrition and supplementation, daily movement, and stress management.
Focus on the present and future: Coaching primarily addresses current challenges and aspirations, helping you navigate present obstacles and develop an action plan for long-term well-being.
Solutions-focused: Coaching involves collaborating with you to set specific and measurable goals and providing guidance and support as you work towards them.
While psychotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to tackling deep-seated challenges, some individuals might not be ready for or need the intensity of traditional therapy. Lifestyle coaching for mental health bridges this gap by providing a valuable starting point on your mental health journey.
So Which Is Right For Me?
You might choose therapy if:
You're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
You want to explore deeper emotional issues and past experiences.
You desire long-term support and guidance in navigating complex challenges.
You might choose coaching if:
You feel hesitant about diving into deep emotional work.
You want to test the waters of professional support in a shorter-term format.
You want to improve mental health through nutritional psychology and setting specific goals related to lifestyle changes.