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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where are your services located?
    All of our therapists offer virtual services.Our virtual psychotherapy appointments typically last 45 minutes per session. The number of sessions and duration of psychotherapy are determined on a case-by-case basis. During the first appointment, we will help you determine what would be best for you. All of our sessions are conducted on a HIPPA compliant platform. Our therapists are required to be in a private setting.
  • You want to book an online therapy appointment with one of the therapists at Internal Compass, now what?
    If you reside in New Jersey, Florida, or New York you can book an initial consultation for online therapy [here].
  • Do I need to prepare for our first session?
    For the first session, please complete the intake forms and paperwork at least one business day before you meet with your therapist. The forms will be emailed to you from our client portal. Also, when you meet with the therapist for your first session please prepare to be in a private space that feels comfortable and safe to speak freely. We understand that sometimes this is a challenge. Please reach out if you’d like assistance brainstorming spaces that are appropriate.
  • What services are offered at Internal Compass?
    We offer Individual therapy, family therapy, Social Skills Coaching, Parent Coaching, Business Counseling and Educational Support, and more. We also offer supervision to emerging therapists working towards their licensure and provide consultation to therapists wanting to continue enhancing their expertise and skill sets. Our goal is to individualize your treatment to meet your needs and support your growth in the most effective way possible. Each therapist has their specialties. While we are always educating ourselves in new approaches, we currently have a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) psychotherapy styles.
  • What happens if I need to cancel, reschedule, or I am not feeling up to our appointment?
    Life happens sometimes, and you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Also, therapy is hard work and the work may not always feel good. We understand you may not always feel up to coming. We require that you let us know at least 24 business hours (Monday through Friday) in advance of your scheduled appointment to avoid paying the fee for the session. Therefore, if your appointment is Monday, please let us know by Friday of the time of your appointment on Monday if you need to cancel or reschedule. This policy enables us to better utilize available appointments for our clients. We encourage you to be open and share any of these feelings with your therapist. You can work together to find the best way to support you with this matter.
  • What happens if I am late for an appointment?
    If you are late to the appointment, you may lose some of that session time.Your therapist will wait up to 15 minutes past your appointment start time in the event that you are late. Regardless of lateness or attendance you are fully responsible for the fee of the appointment. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you.
  • What happens if I need a new recurring appointment?
    If you need a new appointment time we will do our best to work with you to find an alternative date and time that works for you and your therapist. We try our best to be flexible to meet our client’s needs. By letting us know in advance, we are more likely to be able to accommodate your request.
  • Can I take a break from therapy and come back at any point?
    If you feel you are ready to take a break from therapy, please discuss it with your therapist first. It is helpful to use the therapeutic space to review your original goals and evaluate the ways you have achieved them. Your therapist can assist you in planning out your transition out of therapy in a way that helps you maintain your mental health. You may come back at any point and we will welcome you with open arms.
  • What do I do if I don’t feel like my therapist and I are not the right fit for each other?
    We want to make this space truly yours. Finding the right therapist match can be just as important as the therapy itself. Please let your therapist know so that you can problem solve solutions based on your individual circumstances. Sometimes these concerns are resolved after the therapist changes their approach or therapeutic style. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing this with your therapist, we understand and would love for you to reach out to our clinical director, Molly Stremba at info@internalcompassmks.com. She can help you find a therapist that would be a better fit for you.
  • What do I do if there is an emergency?
    If an emergency situation arises, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Do you accept insurance, what are my payment options? When will I get my superbill that I can send in for insurance reimbursement?
    Like most private mental health practitioners, the therapists of Internal Compass are out-of-network providers. That means we do not accept insurance directly. However, we make the reimbursement process as simple as possible by providing all the necessary paperwork (superbills), including receipts and diagnosis codes in a timely fashion. We accept all major credit cards including credit, debit, HSA and FSA cards. You will emailed a monthly statement (referred to as a superbill), which contains all the information needed to submit claims for reimbursement of out-of-network benefits.If you have any questions about payment & insurance let us know and we will do our best to direct you.
  • Do you find that Reimbursement is common?
    It is our experience that most patients are reimbursed for 50 to 100% for the cost of their sessions if they have out-of-network mental health coverage. It is helpful to call individual insurance providers to determine level of coverage in advance. Most are pleasantly surprised. We recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits: ● Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits? ● Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet? ● Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit? ● Are the following Services Covered? (Current Procedural Terminology codes, are how medical professionals document and report medical intervention and evaluations) ● Intake Appointment: CPT Code, 90791 ● Individual Sessions: CPT Code, 90834 ● Parent Sessions: CPT Code, 90846 ● Group therapy: CPT Code, 90853
  • What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique form of therapy that helps you embrace your thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It's especially beneficial if you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. ACT differs from traditional therapy by encouraging you to accept things that are out of your control and commit to actions that enrich your life. The core of ACT is to help you live a rich, full, and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain that inevitably goes with it. Through this process, you'll learn skills to handle painful thoughts and feelings effectively, so they have less impact and influence over you. ACT also helps you clarify what is truly important and meaningful to you - your values - then uses that knowledge to guide, inspire, and motivate you to change your life for the better. If you're feeling stuck, ACT offers a promising path to mental wellness, focusing on living in ways consistent with your personal values and developing psychological flexibility.
  • What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a powerful form of therapy designed to help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It's particularly effective for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Unlike some other therapy methods that delve into your past, CBT focuses on current problems and practical solutions. Through this approach, you'll learn to identify and challenge any negative thought patterns or behaviors that are causing you difficulties. With CBT, you're not just talking about your problems; you're actively working towards improving your mental well-being. It empowers you with tools and strategies that you can use in your daily life, helping you to cope better with life's ups and downs. Whether you're facing overwhelming feelings, stressful life situations, or persistent negative thoughts, CBT offers a structured path towards a more positive and balanced state of mind.
  • What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive and effective form of therapy specifically designed to help you manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It's particularly helpful if you're dealing with emotional instability, such as that experienced in borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, or certain mood disorders. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with concepts of mindfulness, focusing on the present moment, and accepting your feelings. In DBT, you learn to accept yourself and your experiences, while also learning skills to change harmful behaviors and thought patterns. This therapy is unique in its focus on the balance between acceptance and change, which is where the term "dialectical" comes from. You will work on four key skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness helps you stay present and aware in the moment, distress tolerance provides techniques to handle crises, emotion regulation teaches you how to manage intense emotions, and interpersonal effectiveness improves your relationships with others. DBT is not just about talking through your problems; it's an active therapy where you acquire and practice new skills in your everyday life. This approach aims to give you the tools to navigate emotional storms and build a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful to you. If you're seeking ways to cope better with intense emotions and improve your relationships, DBT can offer a structured and supportive pathway toward greater emotional stability.

Resources

Peer Warmlines & Hotlines


Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) OR online chat available
*If you or someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency, please dial 911.
 
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

 

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): 1-866-488-7386 OR text: “START” to 678678 OR online chat available


PeerRecovery WarmLine: 877-292-5588

People with lived mental health experiences of their own are here to offer you support


Sexual Assault Hotline (National): 1-800-656-4673

Resources
Freqently Asked Questions
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