How to get started?​


Take the steps towards a happier you. Email us to inquire about your first therapy session and we will call you back at your convenience.

Please leave your basic information to get started: name, birth date, address, phone number, insurance information, and a brief summary of why you are seeking therapy.

At Harborside Therapy, we use an electronic software system for all of our "paperwork." We will be asking you for an email address to send the initial forms to. Once filled out, they are sent to us electronically. Our software is HIPPA compliant and information is stored with bank-level data encryption technologies. This system also provides the HIPPA compliant platform for the Telehealth sessions. 

How can therapy help?
There are numerous benefits from engaging in therapy. Therapists provide an outside perspective on struggles and challenges that you may be experiencing. The benefits and progress from therapy depend on how well you engage in the process and utilize what you have learned outside of sessions. People often seek out therapy for support with grief, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, problem solving skills, getting unbiased feedback, building/strengthening coping skills and body image/self esteem, Our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of yourself, improve self esteem, discover new ways to problem solve, increase positive communication and listening skills, and learn effective skills for managing distressing situations/emotions. 

How long are sessions, how often and duration of therapy?
The initial intake will usually take 60 minutes. The length of regular sessions depend on what your insurance allows and scheduling. Usually sessions are 53 minutes. Most therapy clients come weekly or biweekly, depending on the level of need and severity of symptoms. If there is a need to be seen more than once a week, this will be discussed during the intake. Consistency is key with progress and results. It is ideal to schedule a set time each week/bi-weekly and equates to a better outcome.
Duration of therapy varies. Some clients attend a few sessions for support through a difficult time and end or pause therapy once they are feeling back on track. Others benefit from a longer length of therapy. Childhood experiences, abuse, family relationship struggles, changes/transitions, on going stressors, or health issues can take longer to process and work through. Some people benefit from therapy, take a break and return when they are ready or if something comes up, similar to a "tune up." While we like to see people commit to the process, we trust our clients to make their decisions about length of time in therapy, hopefully with out input. 
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Are you going to tell me (us) what to do?
Your therapist is here to help, to listen, to guide and support through your individual and unique process. Our view is that you are the expert on your life. We are here to collaborate with you, as a partner to help reach your goals. Ultimately, you are in the driver's seat. Any willingness or decision to follow suggestions or recommendations, is your choice. We respect your ability to make choices.

What about using insurance for therapy?
We do accept most major insurance plans as either an in network or out of network provider. We will ask for your insurance information during the phone consultation or when we have the initial intake session. It is your responsibility to be aware of and understand your insurance benefits and any deductibles you may need to meet. Payment is due at each session.