FAQs

What should I expect from a free phone consultation?

In our 10 to 15-minute free phone consultation I'll ask you about about your concerns, how they impact you, and your goals for therapy. I'll also answer your questions about therapy. If you decide that my approach feels like a good fit for your needs and I think I can help you with your problem, we'll schedule an initial consultation appointment. If not, I will point you toward resources and referrals that may be helpful in your journey.

If I do not answer your call, I may be in an appointment. Please leave a voicemail and will return your call as soon as I'm available, sometimes after 5 pm. Please also follow up via email (doctorlipari@gmail.com) since this is a more reliable way to reach me. I look forward to connecting with you.

What is telehealth?

I conduct therapy primarily through telehealth via a HIPAA-compliant video platform. This allows you to meet with me without having to worry aboutcommuting in the middle of the work day. Many benefit from the ease of access of telehealth; patients who have busy schedules, limited childcare, or live in a remote or heavily trafficked area enjoy the benefits of therapy without having to disrupt their day.

Research consistently shows that online therapy can be very effective for many mental health concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, and panic among other issues. Telehealth is not an appropriate stand alone intervention for crises. Technological issues may interrupt services, but using phone as a back up communication method usually sufficiently addresses rare internet issues.

How long does therapy take to work?

My hope is to encourage growth through insight and skills in each session, so you always feel like you're making progress toward your goals. Length of treatment and outcomes vary based on a number of factors, including motivation for treatment, existing coping strategies, the severity and nature of your concerns, and the therapeutic relationship. It's common to experience steady improvement with some bumps along the way. We'll keep an open dialogue to ensure you are happy with your progress in therapy so we can make adjustments throughout the process.

How is therapy different from talking to a friend or family member?

Processing your concerns with an objective, highly-trained professional will help you employ well-researched, effective strategies to mitigate your distress. Our friends and family can be important parts of our support network, but without training and objectivity, these individuals may fall short in providing the kind of support you're needing.

How frequently will we meet?

Therapy frequency varies based on the needs of the client. When you meet with me, I will talk to you openly about your needs and collaborate with you to determine a treatment plan that includes the frequency of our sessions. For instance, it may make sense to meet weekly at first, then move to biweekly sessions as you feel better. Frequency can be adjusted throughout treatment. In a period of distress, it may be helpful to meet more frequently, compared to a period of low stress or maintenance.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require at least 48-hours advance notice for cancellation of any appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment time will be charged the full session fee. If you need to cancel your initial appointment within 48 hours of the appointment, but wish to reschedule for the same week (pending availability), your cancellation fee will be applied to the rescheduled session as a one-time courtesy.

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?

Cognitive Processing Therapy or CPT is an evidenced-based treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA). It was developed by Resick (2008) to treat survivors of sexual assault and later applied to military populations. CPT is a 12-session, structured treatment that addresses the avoidance symptoms of PTSD that are maintaining the trauma reaction.

The goals of this treatment include: 1) Accepting the reality of the trauma without engaging in the cognitive distortions that are maintaining PTSD symptoms, and 2) Developing balanced and realistic beliefs about the event, oneself, and others. After successful treatment, clients may experience an improvement in mood, concentration, self-esteem, sleep, and social engagement and decreased self-blame, guilt, and flashbacks.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard treatment for insomnia that includes a thorough sleep assessment, stimulus control and sleep restriction therapy, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation. It has been shown to be more effective than medication in the long term treatment of insomnia. CBT-I aims to clear up misconceptions about insomnia and trouble sleeping and change the thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep.

While many clinicians are experienced with some of the components of CBT-I, few use the comprehensive approach of assessments, interventions, and outcome measures to treat insomnia. Many individuals see improvement in their sleep in the first 3 weeks of treatment with CBT-I.

I'm a current client. How do I log into my portal profile again?

You can log in here!

I have more questions.

Feel free to email me at doctorlipari@gmail.com with questions before scheduling.