What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your new intake appointment not only serves as an introduction, but also often marks the beginning of your therapeutic journey, ensuring you receive support from the very first session. During this initial session, you'll engage in a consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, share your personal history, and address any immediate concerns. You'll also complete assessment tools, set therapeutic goals, and explore treatment options with your therapist. Learn more about what to expect at a your first therapy appointment >

How often should I meet with my therapist?

Most people begin with weekly sessions, ideally scheduled at the same time each week. As you progress in your therapeutic goals, many clients scale back to every other week, and then down to monthly check-ins.  The ultimate goal is to end therapy at some point, so it is helpful to know what you are hoping to get out of your treatment.

Do your therapists provide mental health diagnoses?

Yes, all of our clinicians are qualified to provide mental health diagnoses.  If you have insurance or Medicaid, it is required for billing. Most of our clinicians will provide an initial diagnosis at intake and then can offer a more thorough diagnostic upon request.

Do I have to pay anything if I have Medicaid?

If you have Medicaid with behavioral health coverage in the state of Colorado, we are not allowed to take any money from you at any time.  There are no copays or out of pocket costs. Please keep in mind that if you late cancel or no-show, we can not charge you a fee and the clinician will not be paid. 

If you have Medicaid coverage and we are not in network with your region: (click here to learn more about Medicaid regions) we will not be able to accept you as a client, even if you offer to pay. 

What happens if I lose my Medicaid or insurance coverage?

This happens frequently; it is important to make sure that you complete your recertifications each year.  If you lose your Medicaid but are confident that you will be able to get it back; sometimes we are able to back-bill for previous services.  You will need to suspend services until your coverage is reinstated.  

We offer a reduced rate of $100 for ongoing clients who temporarily lose their Medicaid, or if you permanently lose it and are working on getting private insurance.

What are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? 

Understanding these terms and how they apply to your health insurance plan can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare expenses and coverage.

1. Deductibles
   A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Deductibles usually reset at the beginning of each calendar year. For example, if your health insurance has a $1,000 deductible that resets annually, you'll need to pay the first $1,000 of covered medical expenses each year before your insurance begins to cover costs.

2. Copays
   A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a specific healthcare service, such as a doctor's visit or prescription medication. Copays are typically due at the time of service and do not count towards your deductible. For instance, you might have a $20 copay for primary care visits and a $10 copay for generic prescription drugs.

3. Coinsurance
   Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of a covered healthcare service that you are responsible for paying after meeting your deductible. Coinsurance amounts apply after your deductible has been met and can vary based on the type of service. For example, if your health insurance plan has a 20% coinsurance for hospital stays and you have already met your deductible, you would pay 20% of the covered hospital expenses, and your insurance would cover the remaining 80%.

What are the benefits of telehealth vs in-office Sessions?

Benefits of Telehealth Sessions
Overall, telehealth psychotherapy sessions offer a range of advantages that can improve access, convenience, comfort, and effectiveness of mental health treatment for many individuals. Telehealth psychotherapy sessions offer several benefits compared to in-office sessions, including:

1. Convenience
   Telehealth sessions allow clients to attend therapy from the comfort of their own homes or any location with internet access. This eliminates the need for travel time and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or transportation challenges.

2. Accessibility
   Telehealth expands access to mental health services, especially for individuals in rural or remote areas where in-person therapy options may be limited. It also provides access to therapy for those who may have difficulty leaving their homes due to physical or mental health reasons.

3. Flexibility
   Telehealth offers greater flexibility in scheduling appointments. Clients and therapists can often find more convenient times for sessions, including evenings or weekends, without the constraints of office hours or commuting considerations.

4. Comfort and Privacy
   Some clients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics or emotions in their own familiar environment. Telehealth sessions can provide a sense of privacy and confidentiality, especially for clients who may be concerned about being seen entering or leaving a therapist's office.

5. Reduced Stigma
   Telehealth can reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. Some individuals may feel more comfortable engaging in therapy when they can do so discreetly from their own space, without the potential stigma of visiting a mental health clinic.

6. Continuity of Care
   Telehealth can facilitate continuity of care, allowing clients to maintain regular sessions even during situations that might otherwise disrupt in-person therapy, such as travel, illness, or inclement weather.

7. Technology Integration
   Telehealth platforms often integrate technology tools that can enhance therapy, such as secure messaging, virtual whiteboards for exercises, and access to digital resources that support therapeutic interventions.

8. Environmental and Cost Savings
   Telehealth can reduce the environmental impact associated with commuting to in-person appointments, as well as save on transportation costs for clients. It can also lead to cost savings for therapists and clients in terms of office overhead expenses.

Benefits of In-Person Sessions
Overall, in-person psychotherapy sessions offer unique advantages in terms of interpersonal connection, non-verbal communication, crisis management, and the delivery of certain therapeutic techniques. These benefits can contribute to a rich and effective therapeutic experience for many clients. In-person psychotherapy sessions offer several benefits compared to telehealth sessions:

1. Non-Verbal Cues
   In-person sessions allow therapists to observe non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice more accurately. This can enhance the therapist's understanding of the client's emotions and facilitate deeper therapeutic insights.

2. Personal Connection
   Face-to-face interactions often foster a stronger sense of connection and rapport between the therapist and client. The physical presence can create a more intimate and empathetic therapeutic environment.

3. Environmental Control
   In-person sessions provide a controlled and private environment, free from potential interruptions or technical issues that may occur during telehealth sessions. This controlled setting can contribute to a more focused and immersive therapeutic experience.

4. Hands-On Techniques
   Some therapeutic modalities, such as certain types of body-centered therapies or experiential techniques, may be more effectively delivered in person. Hands-on interventions or activities that require physical presence can be incorporated into in-person sessions.

5. Crisis Management
   In-person sessions allow therapists to respond more immediately and effectively to crises or urgent situations that may arise during therapy. Therapists can provide immediate support, intervention, and guidance as needed.

6. Environment Change
   For some clients, the act of physically going to a therapy session can signal a transition or change in environment that supports their therapeutic process. It can create a dedicated space for self-reflection and emotional exploration.

7. Group Therapy Dynamics
   In-person group therapy sessions often benefit from the dynamics of face-to-face interactions among group members. The group setting allows for shared experiences, interpersonal connections, and group cohesion that can be more challenging to achieve in virtual settings.

8. Privacy and Confidentiality
   While telehealth sessions offer confidentiality, some clients may feel more secure discussing sensitive topics or emotions in a physical therapy office where they are confident in the privacy and confidentiality measures in place.

Can I still have a session if I am traveling?

The short answer is no.  The longer answer is if your clinician is licensed in the state or country you are traveling to, or that state has an interstate compact agreement, then yes.  It is illegal for a therapist to practice in a state where they aren’t licensed, and this is based on where the client is physically present, not the therapist.  

Why isn’t there a general phone number I can call?

We are primarily a virtual practice, which means all of our clinicians handle their own communications.  We do not employ a receptionist at our physical location.  You can send general inquiries to info@freeyourselfdenver.com and our practice manager can respond to general questions, or if you wish to communicate with a clinician, you can contact them using their information from their about page on our website

Why don’t you offer free consultations or phone calls?

We believe it is important that our clinicians are paid for all of the work we do.  This is a private practice, which means that they are paid only for the services they complete.  The purpose of the intake is to find out if you and the therapist are a good fit, which is a stronger measure of connection than a quick phone call.  Historically, we have found that asking for a 10 minute phone call still turns into an hour intake, so we just don’t do it.

Keep in mind that if you have Medicaid or a no-deductible insurance plan, there will not be a cost for the intake!

How do I access the client portal?

The client portal can be accessed at this link:  https://freeyourselfdenver.clientsecure.me

I can’t access the portal or didn’t get a confirmation email. What do I do?

Check your junk mail or “other inbox” for any relevant links and documentation.  Look for emails from SimplePractice or the name of your clinicians

Or you can just click on the link: https://freeyourselfdenver.clientsecure.me

If you are still experiencing issues logging in, please contact us and we can help to troubleshoot.

How do I access my video appointment?

You will receive an email with the appointment link from SimplePractice, or your clinician will send you an email if they use a different service, such as Zoom or Doxy.me.  If you are using a mobile device, you will have to download the relevant app.  For Simplepractice is is called Telehealth by SimplePractice

Can you do sessions by phone?

Only in an emergency or crisis situation do we conduct sessions by phone.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please cancel via text, email, or in the client portal 24 hours prior to your session. If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your appointment and you have an out of pocket cost, you will be charged that amount. We may choose to make exceptions in extraordinary circumstances. You will not be charged if you have Medicaid.  

Please be aware that our clinicians are only paid for sessions completed, so please be considerate and cancel in advance so that they can fill your slot. We cannot bill insurance for no-shows. 

How do I contact my therapist if I need to cancel or reschedule?

It is best to do so in the client portal.  Otherwise you can email your therapist or text/call them at the number that they have provided for you.  

If you don’t have your therapist’s info yet, contact us and our practice manager can help you.

Do you provide letters for disability claims or emotional support animals?

No.  Disability claims are best handled by clinicians at the doctoral level, such as an MD or PhD/PsyD psychologist.  We write our documentation from a strengths-based perspective, which most of the time would only serve to hurt your case.  If our notes don’t exactly match those of your medical provider, it can lead to a denial.  

Please be aware that in most cases in Colorado, disability claims are summarily denied on the first attempt, and it is not unusual for it to take as long as 6 to 8 years to get an approval.

We do not provide ESA letters for pets. If your animal is trained and certified in a specific task and you can provide that documentation, only a fully licensed clinician will be able to complete an ESA form or letter. 

What do I do if I have a crisis?

Call the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or  Text “TALK” to 38255

You may also access their website at https://coloradocrisisservices.org/ for more information or to find walk-in center locations at their website if you need to physically go somewhere.

Your therapist’s role does not include phone calls or in the moment crisis calls or supportive services.

Can my therapist testify for me in court?

Your therapist cannot testify unless we are subpoenaed.

You have a legal right to your session notes, unless your clinician feels that it will be detrimental to your mental health.  We will provide any records requests directly to you.

Do you prescribe medications?

We do not prescribe medications. Only a Medical Doctor (MD), Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner can prescribe medications.

We recommend Shannon Keane at Cicada Mental Wellness or Mile High Psychiatry for prescriptions. Please let them know you were referred by Heather Huffman at Free Yourself. Insurance is often accepted.

For psychedelic-assisted therapy, we provide a referral to a telehealth nurse practitioner appointment that can provide sublingual Ketamine 100mg-200mg lozenges for treatment.

Do you provide testing or assessment services?

No, only a Licensed Psychologist can provide testing and assessment. Please contact us if you are a current client in need of a referral.

What do I do if I’d like to change to a new therapist?

First, please talk to your therapist to discuss how you’re feeling, and to see if your concerns can be resolved. After doing so, and if you still want a change, please contact us for to get help finding a new therapist who is a better fit.  

What do the different license acronyms mean & what are the differences?

Understanding the different types of therapist licensure is helpful for choosing the right mental health professional for your needs. Learn more about the differences, including the roles of pre-licensed clinicians and interns who are gaining supervised experience. Explore our Therapist Licensure Guide to make informed decisions about your mental health care and find the best therapist for you.