Frequently Asked Questions
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Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a collaborative treatment between client and therapist, grounded in dialogue, that uses scientifically validated procedures to help clients work through the mental health challenges that are keeping them from feeling their best.
Psychotherapy has been shown to provide a number of benefits for clients including:
Gaining insight
Identifying & changing unhelpful patterns
Increasing coping skills
Reducing symptoms
Improving interpersonal relationships
Promoting self-esteem and overall well-being
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A first session, or an intake appointment, is a time to lay the groundwork for treatment and to build rapport. You can expect your therapist to inquire about your reasons for seeking therapy and your personal and family history. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear about confidentiality, and be given a sense of what to expect in therapy.
You and your therapist will determine whether continuing to work together will meet your needs and if so, goals for therapy will be developed and a plan for continued care will be made.
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Our clinicians specialize in working with emerging adults, typically ranging from ages 18 -29. However, we recognize that young adulthood is more about life stages than a specific age. This means we also work with individuals who may be older than 29 but who are navigating similar developmental challenges of young adulthood. These challenges are related to identity formation, navigating relationships, searching for purpose and meaning, and the demands and uncertainties that come with growing independence.
Some of our clinicians have advanced training in trauma treatment and may be an especially good fit for clients who have experienced traumatic events. While trauma can take many forms, we know not everyone identifies as a trauma survivor. We also welcome clients who are simply curious about how their past experiences influence their lives today.
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We utilize a variety of psychological treatment approaches that are supported by scientific research and shown to effectively treat a range of mental health difficulties.
Our clinicians tailor their treatment approach to each client based on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Some of the treatment approaches we use are listed below. Please click on each one to learn more:
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We offer both in person and remote telehealth/video sessions on a HIPPA compliant platform.
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Currently, HEAL Psychotherapy Group has clinicians that are licensed in Massachusetts and so we can only provide care to clients within state lines. We hope to expand our services to other states in the near future.
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Therapy appointments are typically held weekly. On occasion, depending on the mental health needs and preferences of the client, appointments may be on an every other week basis.
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Friends, community, and even AI tools can sometimes provide comfort, perspective, and emotional support. However, therapy offers something different: a confidential, professional relationship grounded in human connection, clinical training, ethical standards, and a deeper understanding of emotional and relational patterns.
While AI tools may provide general information, coping suggestions, or reflective prompts, they do not truly know you, build a lived relationship with you, or fully understand the complexity of your personal history, emotions, relationships, and experiences in the way a human therapist can over time. Therapy involves an ongoing interpersonal connection in which a trained clinician can recognize nuance, respond empathically in real time, adapt treatment to your individual needs, and support meaningful emotional growth and healing within the context of a genuine human relationship.
Therapy also provides a consistent, confidential space where you can explore difficult thoughts and feelings without worrying about judgment, burdening others, or needing to “have it all figured out.” Many people find that support from friends, community, and technology can complement therapy, rather than replace it, as part of a broader approach to mental health and well-being.
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Confidentiality is fundamental to a therapist’s code of ethics. Once you become a client, laws are in place to protect your medical records and personal health records which include information about therapy sessions and mental health. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect your information. Once you are a client, your information is kept confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission, except in situations where disclosure is required or permitted by law. For more information visit HIPAA Privacy Rule and Sharing Information Related to Mental Health.
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When an individual uses their medical insurance for psychotherapy, the insurance company sends a statement called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the address on file that explains which services were used and paid for. If you use your parent’s insurance for psychotherapy services, your parents may receive an EOB that outlines the services you used. However, they will not have access to your records or find out what you discussed during sessions with your therapist.
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Yes, you can either pay for therapy out of pocket, also known as private pay, or if you have a health insurance that we do not accept, you can inquire whether your insurance plan has out of network benefits. In both of these scenarios, you would be responsible for covering the cost of the session up front. If your plan has out of network benefits, you may be eligible for a partial reimbursement from your insurance.
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Many insurance plans include out-of-network coverage, which means your insurance company may reimburse you for a portion of each session. We offer out-of-network services for clients whose insurance plans we do not accept. If you choose to use out-of-network benefits, your clinician will provide the necessary documentation to help you seek reimbursement after you have paid our full fee. Reimbursement rates vary based on the type of service and the specifics of your plan.
To understand your out-of-network benefits, you can call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:
Do I have out of network mental health benefits?
Do I need prior-authorization to receive out of network services? If yes, ask how you should request prior-authorization. Your insurance company may ask for information about your clinician or the services being provided. If needed, we’re happy to support you by providing the documentation required for this process.
Are out of network benefits available for the following services:
90791 (initial assessment)
90834 (individual therapy)
90837 (individual therapy)
90853 (group therapy)
What percentage of each session will I be reimbursed?
Do you provide the same reimbursement rate for telehealth services?
Do I have a deductible? Has it been met? When does it restart?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?
How long does reimbursement typically take?
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A good fit for our practice is a student who is motivated and curious about self-understanding, is hungry for growth, and wanting to make lasting changes as opposed to finding a “quick fix.” We are best suited for students who are seeking consistent, long term care beyond what typical campus counseling centers can offer.
Given that we do not provide on-call emergency services, students will benefit most from our care if they do not have acute safety concerns or conditions that require a higher level of intervention than an outpatient setting can provide.
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HEAL Psychotherapy Group does not offer on-call emergency services. If you have a mental health emergency that requires immediate attention please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Additional local and national resources that do offer emergency services for mental health include:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National Crisis Text Line
https://www.crisistextline.org/
National Support Line for LGBTQ+ Young People
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/crisis-services/
Massachusetts helpline for Substance Use
Suicide Prevention and Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss
Massachusetts Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Support Services for Domestic Violence
https://casamyrna.org/get-support/safelink/
The Network La Red- Support for LGBTQ+ Abusive Relationships