What can I do to get ready for my first session with a new therapist?

Here are some necessary, and some optional steps to getting ready for your first therapy session:

Necessary:

  • Complete Grow Therapy online profile, with billing/insurance information

  • Book your first session through the Grow Therapy website - find a time when you can focus on yourself. When all pets, children and other responsibilities do not need your direct or indirect attention

  • Complete all paperwork (from Grow Therapy site and 1 packet e-mailed directly from your therapist)

Optional

  • Create a list of topics, questions, or concerns you have for your therapist

  • Think about what your goals are for therapy (i.e. what you wish to get out of therapy, or what you would like to change)

  • Get familiar with the Grow Therapy website which will be used for billing, tracking progress in therapy, scheduling, and may be used to contact therapist

What will my first therapy session be like?

Your therapist will have many questions for you about your goals for therapy, recent and lifetime struggles, the family you grew up with, questions about your current life, and many more. Your therapist will also set time aside for you to discuss anything else you think is important to therapy, and answer all the questions you may still have. This session will be 45-60 minutes.

How long is each therapy session?

Each session with you therapist will be 45-60 minutes each.

How often will I have a therapy session?

Each individual may have different needs based on severity of symptoms, scheduling concerns, finical concerns, and other concerns. Your therapist will work with you to create a schedule that fits all your needs, as best as possible.

Most clients will begin by seeing their therapist about once a week, in order to make targeted progress, until you see meaningful changes in your life.

For other clients, it may be more appropriate to meet with your therapist once every other week, or once a month.

How much will it cost?

Clients paying for therapy sessions out of pocket (with out insurance coverage) will be charge $130 each session.

Clients using insurance will be subject to deductibles, copays, and other fees as per their individual health insurance plans. It is up to each individual to verify their own insurance benefits.

I am considered an In-Network provider for:

  • All Savers

  • Ambetter (Health Net)

  • Health Net Commercial

  • AvMed

  • Golden Rule

  • Optum

  • Optum (United Healthcare) EAP

  • Optum Health Complex Medical Conditions

  • Harvard Pilgrim (Untied Healthcare)

  • Oscar

  • Oxford

  • Surest

  • Untied Medical Resources

  • Untitled Healthcare Life Insurance

  • United Healthcare Shared Services

  • Untied Healthcare Student Resources

All other insurances will consider Saundra McCormick as Out of Network provider.

Can I contact my therapist in-between sessions?

Our primary mode of communication will be in the context of the therapy room. I do my best to return phone calls within 24 hours, except for weekends or vacations or holidays.

To ensure your privacy, text messages should be limited to scheduling questions, and should not contain your full name or any other identifying information other than session day and time, and rescheduling or cancellation requests.

Do not text or email if in crisis. Please call 988 or visit your local emergency room. Emails or phone calls should not be used in place of therapy. If you e-mail, we will discuss the contents at session.