Question 1

What can I expect from our initial phone consult?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the prospective client form on my Contact page, I will then reach out to you via text or email to schedule our phone consult.
During the call, I'll answer any questions that you may have for me.
We'll further clarify what has led you to seeking therapy so I can get an idea of what you're looking for and discuss how I may be able to help.
We'll discuss logistics (schedules, frequency, etc.).
At the end of the call, I'll either add you to my waitlist or I will provide you with referrals to other therapists in the community (or both). 
 
If the idea of talking on the phone makes you nervous, I get it... phone calls aren't usually on the top of my to do list. Talking to a stranger can be uncomfortable. It can help to have your questions already written down ahead of time. I'm pretty good at putting people at ease fairly quickly and can totally take the lead.

Question 2

How do I know therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Great question and not a simple one for me to answer.

The only way to find out is to give it a go.
Most people benefit from therapy at one point or another as long as they find a therapist that is a good fit for them.

It can be an immense relief to have a safe, supportive and judgement-free space that exists to benefit you. It's a place for you to share the parts of yourself that maybe you've never been able to share with others or don't understand yourself.

Change is hard. It has to be intentional and takes effort / time. 
You don't have to go it alone and you're absolutely capable.

Question 3

How does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Here's a very basic outline:
 
People start therapy for a wide variety of reasons -- a major life change, a disturbing event/trauma, crisis, relationship trouble, times of transition, managing anxiety, etc. 
 
All you need to get started is to decide that you want things to be different. 
Motivation can be hard to come by and it looks different for each person but we approach it one step at a time.
 
Intake session: I gather background & history while giving you a sense of what it's like to work with me. At the end we'll have a sense of the same page we want to be on regarding your overall goals (we'll revisit these goals periodically to assess progress/change). On rare occasion, one or both of us may decide that perhaps it's not a good fit after-all and in this case, I will provide you with referrals after the intake.
 
Sessions 2 - 3: Often these sessions are a continuation of the intake session, I'm getting to know you more, we're figuring out our therapy groove together and we may start delving a little deeper.
 
Sessions 4+: We'll start going deeper at a pace that feels safe and realistic for you; some sessions will be easier than others.
You may be seeing me weekly, biweekly or monthly (for some it's pretty consistent and for others it fluctuates). I don't dictate frequency for clients (though sometimes my availability impacts frequency) and trust that folks know what fits into their schedule/finances. 
 
After we've worked our way through your original goals/immediate concerns; we revisit frequency, assess for new goals (if there are any) and make decisions together about what you'd like going forward.
 
When you're ready to end therapy, we discuss that shift and what it looks like for you.

Please note that it may take some folks many, many months (or longer) in therapy to develop enough trust to get into the truly deep work, that is okay. There are many variables that may contribute to therapeutic progress seeming "slower," including past trauma, attachment disruptions, previous negative experiences with other therapists, and more.

Question 4

What information do you need before my first session?

Accepted Answer

About a week before your scheduled intake session, I will get you setup in the client portal which is where you will have access to all of the necessary intake paperwork (all of it can be filled out, signed and submitted right within the portal).

I ask that all paperwork be completed and submitted at least 24-hours prior to our first session so that I have time to review and be best prepared. However, if you are struggling with any of it; please let me know.

I also realize that there are folks who may have difficulty with reading/comprehension and can struggle to get through paperwork; I do not want that to be a barrier for care, so just let me know and we'll figure it out. Additionally, not everyone likes to or can do this type of paperwork online, if that is the case, I am fine printing it out and having you complete it during the intake appointment.

Question 5

Can we work together if I don't live in Alaska or Oregon?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to be a resident of Alaska or Oregon but I can only provide services for people who are physically located in Alaska or *Oregon. 
 
For current clients that go out of state temporarily and want to have sessions while gone, some states allow therapists to practice across state lines as long as the client's time in that state is brief (typically 30-90 days) and the therapist reaches out to that state's licensing board to inform them.

*Telehealth only for those who are in Oregon

Question 6

What happens if I cancel late or don't show up to a scheduled session?

Accepted Answer

To avoid fees, please cancel with at least 24-hours notice; this is most easily accomplished by just sending me a quick text/email.

Specifics around my policies are included in my intake paperwork and are pretty standard. 
Your session time is reserved for you only and I follow best practices so that I can maintain good boundaries for the business side of my practice.

Late Cancel Fee / No Show Fee - $75

*Please note that insurance cannot be billed for late cancel/no show fees.

Question 7

What kind of letters do you provide?

Accepted Answer

HRT/Surgery Letters for those in the LGBQTIA+ community:
I provide this letter at the end of a 2-3 hour assessment; I do not require multiple sessions/on-going therapy in order to obtain a letter. I do not charge for the letter itself, I simply charge for the assessment (if it is cost prohibitive, we will discuss options).
 
I don't participate in gatekeeping those who seek HRT and/or surgery in order for their physical bodies to align with their gender / identity. I have received specialized training regarding these types of letters, seek on-going consultation and have a template that I use (but am happy to use templates that have been provided to you by your Medical Provider and/or insurance company). 
 
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters:
Rarely do I provide these types of letters, if I do, it is after thorough discussion and I do not provide this service for clients that have been seeing me for less than 6 months.

Diagnostic Confirmation/Accommodation Letters
These are the types of letters that clients most often request. These letters include factual information regarding mental health diagnoses that I have given and provide justification for certain accommodations in different environments (e.g., school, work, etc.). I cannot provide letters for diagnoses received by other medical/mental health providers unless I have gathered the necessary information and am in agreement with the diagnosis. See my Neurodivergent-Affirming Assessments for more information.

Medication Management Referral Letters
If a client has decided to explore the use of psychotropic medication (for anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, etc.), I will provide a letter of recommendation/support for their medical management provider if I am the one who gave the correlating diagnosis or if I have the necessary information from previous medical/mental health providers and am agreement with the diagnosis.
 
*Other types of letters can be requested and discussed on a case by case basis.

Question 8

What if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

While most questions are answered throughout my website, please feel free to reach out directly if you have a question that you cannot find the answer to as it pertains to working with me.
 
Text me at 907-865-8452 (the fastest way to get a hold of me).

Email me at: jen@therapyinalaska.com 
 
Note: I can only guarantee security/privacy via text/email on my end of things, not yours so please be cautious with the information you send to me.

Frequently asked questions