A: If you are functioning well in all the important areas of your life -- social, work, academic, etc. -- you may not NEED therapy, but many people can still benefit from taking the time to learn more about themselves.
A: Although marriage counseling works better if both partners come to therapy, there are still improvements you can make on your own.
A: I charge $115 for the initial session, and $90 for subsequent sessions. However, if I am in network with your insurance company, then you will only be charged the contracted rate, which is typically less than my regular fees.
A: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medicine. Psychologists have Ph.Ds. Counselors have Masters' degrees. Both psychologists and counselors do therapy.
A: How long therapy takes depends on a lot of factors, including what your goals are and how many environmental stressors are going on in your life. In general, most people come for 6-12 sessions, however.
A: Fill out the necessary forms, bring your insurance card, and check on authorization with your insurance company. Give some thought to what your goals are for therapy.
A: I am part of several health insurance networks, and will be happy to file claims with your carrier, even if I am out of network. Currently, I am part of Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
A: My name is Ilia, spelled i l i a. However, it is pronounced like eeleea. It is a Spanish name, although frequently given to Russian men, including the former Atlanta Thrashers team hockey player, Ilya Kuvalchuk. I don't mind if you mispronounce it a few times. And you can always call me Ms. Jones!
A: I recommend John Gottman's marriage books, and Gary Chapman's The Love Languages book, for marriage counseling. My favorite parenting books are "Parenting Teens with Love and Logic" and "How to Really Love your Teenager".