What do therapy sessions look like?

Sessions are 50 minutes in duration and usually scheduled weekly but there may be circumstances in which we decide to meet more or less frequently. Most sessions will be in-person but telehealth options may be available on a case-by-case basis. The first few sessions will involve getting to know each other and evaluation of your needs. After a few sessions, Dr. Beasley will be able to offer you some recommendations and a treatment plan for therapy.

Dr. Beasley uses psychodynamic therapy, which is a kind of talk therapy where the therapist and clients work together to help clients better understand your thoughts and feelings, how you relate to people, and how your past experiences contribute to your present and future. The therapist and client talk openly about their relationship. Sometimes the therapist’s interventions involve making observations about interactions in session and discussing them. Dr. Beasley also uses other therapy approaches when indicated such as dialectical behavior therapy and others. Please see Services for more information about Dr. Beasley’s therapy approach.

When and where are therapy appointments?

Dr. Beasley is available on Fridays between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. In-person appointments are available at the Richmond area office and telehealth appointments may be available throughout the state on a case-by-case basis. Telehealth is not appropriate or effective for every client and every situation. You and Dr. Beasley can discuss telehealth’s appropriateness during your consultation or in the initial appointment. Please see the telehealth policy for more information.

How long do I have to be in therapy?

The first few sessions involve evaluation of your needs and will allow Dr. Beasley to develop a recommended treatment plan which she will share with you. Since the therapy process is highly individualized, your treatment plan will be specific to you, and we will regularly discuss your progress towards your therapy goals. Clients often find that they need more intensive therapy at first, but may need less frequent sessions later in treatment or may end treatment with the option of returning at any times.

What if I don’t want to continue therapy?

You have the right to end therapy at any time and Dr. Beasley is ethically obligated to end therapy if she believes it is no longer helping you or is harmful. Dr. Beasley is happy to refer you to another therapist in these situations. A final termination session is recommended before ending therapy. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you have questions or concerns about the therapy process, it is very important that you bring them up in treatment as they arise.

I’m under 18. Will you tell my parents everything I say?

Therapy is most effective when a trusting relationship exists between the therapist and the client. This is particularly true for adolescents who are naturally developing a greater sense of independence and autonomy. When the client is a minor, Dr. Beasley will work with the client and their parents to establish expectations for privacy at the beginning of treatment. It is Dr. Beasley’s policy to provide parents with general information about their child’s treatment, but not to share specific information the child has disclosed without the child’s consent. However, there are some circumstances in which Dr. Beasley would need to disclose information about a child without their consent including serious risk-taking behavior and threats to themselves or someone else.

How much does therapy cost?

Individual and couples therapy sessions are $150.00. Please see Services for updated fees and Policies for the payment policy. Payment or co-payment is due at each session. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are acceptable methods of payment. You will be provided with a Good Faith Estimate at the beginning of treatment showing the cost of services that are reasonably expected in a given time frame and this will be continually updated as treatment progresses.

Do you take insurance?

RVA Psychological Services, LLC does not accept insurance at this time. If you wish to use an insurance policy for services, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to inquire about specific coverage for out-of-network benefits for mental health services. Please note that most insurance companies require a psychiatric diagnosis in order to reimburse for mental health counseling and this diagnosis will become part of your permanent insurance records. Dr. Beasley can be an out-of-network provider with any insurance plans that provide out-of-network coverage. She can provide a superbill for you to mail to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please see Policies for more information.

Can I call you in an emergency?

RVA Psychological Services, LLC does not provide 24-hour on-call emergency services. Should you have a mental health emergency, please go to your nearest hospital emergency room, call 911, or use one of these other crisis resources.

What are the risks and benefits to therapy?

Therapy has both benefits and risks. Therapy involves discussing uncomfortable things and may raise unpleasant feelings such as anger, sadness, and anxiety. Sometimes people find that they feel worse before they feel better. However, research has consistently demonstrated that therapy is effective. Most people find that therapy helps them feel less distressed, understand themselves better, have healthier relationships, and cope with stress. You and the therapist will establish goals for therapy, but the therapist cannot guarantee any specific results. The best outcomes are produced when you are open and honest, and when you work actively towards your goals in between sessions.

Can I email you?

You are welcome to email Dr. Beasley for administrative purposes (see Email Communication policy). That means that email exchanges should be limited to things like setting and changing appointments, billing matters, and other related issues. Please do not email Dr. Beasley about clinical matters because it is not a secure mode of communication. If you need to discuss a clinical matter, please call the practice or wait to discuss it during the next session. The telephone or face-to-face context is much more secure as a mode of communication.

I’m still on the fence about coming to therapy. What should I do?

Dr. Beasley offers a free, no-obligation 20-minute phone consultation. This is a time where you can talk more with Dr. Beasley about what you’re struggling with and whether she is a good fit or not. You can book a consultation by phone or email.

What if I have another question that isn’t answered here?

Feel free to contact Dr. Beasley by email or phone if you have additional questions. Please keep in mind that email is not a secure mode of communication (see above and Email Communication policy) so if your question involves sensitive or personal information, calling Dr. Beasley would be preferable.