COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

Best Teletherapy Practices for Patient and Therapist

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an expansion of individuals trying to locate the best teletherapy services. Some experts anticipate a continued growth of teletherapy across various practices, citing its flexibility and convenience.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy entails treatment delivered by a licensed therapist via a secure audio or video connection. Patients can engage with their therapists much like they would during in-person sessions, but from a distance.

All telephone and online teletherapy sessions must adhere to state and local regulations, ensuring compliance with specific HIPAA-compliant standards. To access this innovative form of therapy, individuals need a secure internet connection, a private space for conversation, and a device such as a phone, computer, or tablet.

Is Teletherapy Effective?

Many therapists agree that teletherapy can be equally effective as traditional in-person therapy, depending on the patient. Some individuals face challenges accessing in-person psychotherapy due to various factors, such as geographic constraints, childcare costs, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or transportation issues. Online therapy can eliminate these barriers, enhancing accessibility for clients.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of teletherapy hinges on the client; for instance, individuals who spend prolonged hours on computers might experience screen fatigue, while those with ADHD might struggle with maintaining focus during video interactions.

Video-Based Therapy Versus Phone Therapy

Teletherapy encompasses various methods, including video- and phone-based approaches. Preferences for one over the other can vary among clients based on individual circumstances.

Video-based sessions tend to be more effective than phone appointments. Therapists often rely on observing clients’ body language, which can be challenging in phone therapy. Effective therapy involves more than just verbal communication, with therapists actively observing, listening, and responding to nonverbal cues.

However, clients may perceive different levels of effectiveness for teletherapy formats. While therapy messaging apps like TalkSpace can offer accessibility for clients facing treatment barriers, they may lack the richness of nonverbal cues present in video-based sessions.

What Are the Benefits of Teletherapy?

Teletherapy offers unique benefits to clients and patients. Many individuals encounter difficulties accessing in-person psychotherapy due to factors such as transportation limitations, childcare challenges, geographic constraints, or health issues.

Some individuals may have severe phobias, family obligations, compromised immune systems, or caregiving responsibilities, further complicating in-person attendance. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these benefits are particularly pronounced, with many therapists opting to continue remote services rather than returning to in-person practices immediately.

Ongoing communication between patients and providers regarding the advantages and limitations of online therapy is important. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, while therapists should prioritize ensuring clients’ comfort with the security and privacy of teletherapy sessions.

What Are Some Limitations of Teletherapy?

The challenge of building strong client relationships remotely is one challenge, emphasizing the irreplaceable aspect of human connection in therapy.

Additionally, teletherapy can pose challenges for therapists, who may experience increased screen time and technical difficulties. Privacy concerns may also arise for clients lacking a private space for therapy sessions, potentially impacting the effectiveness of treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Teletherapy?

Teletherapy costs typically align with those of in-person sessions, as therapists invest similar time and resources in both formats. Patients are advised to check with their insurance providers regarding teletherapy coverage. Many insurance companies have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering coverage for telehealth services across various practice areas.

The Future of Teletherapy

There will likely be a continued rise in the popularity of teletherapy, attributing it to the flexibility and accessibility it affords. The convenience, coupled with the patient and the therapist’s ability to meet despite location, vacations, and other life events, is an attractive element of teletherapy.

Teletherapy also helps those who may not have otherwise in the past been able to go to a therapist in person, for the following reasons:

Overcoming Shyness: For those who struggle with shyness or social anxiety, the prospect of attending in-person therapy sessions can be daunting. Teletherapy offers a more comfortable and less intimidating environment, allowing individuals to engage with their therapist from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This sense of security can help shy individuals open up more freely and actively participate in therapy, ultimately leading to greater progress and personal growth.

Addressing Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia, characterized by a fear of crowded or public spaces, can severely limit individuals’ ability to seek traditional therapy. Teletherapy eliminates the need to travel to appointments, providing agoraphobic individuals with a convenient and accessible alternative. By receiving therapy remotely, individuals can gradually work through their fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment, ultimately building confidence and resilience.

Supporting People with Disabilities: Teletherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities or mobility limitations, who may face significant barriers to accessing traditional therapy. By offering remote sessions, teletherapy ensures that individuals with disabilities can receive the support they need without the added challenges of transportation or navigating physical barriers. Additionally, teletherapy can be adapted to accommodate various accessibility needs, such as providing captioning for individuals with hearing impairments or using assistive technologies for those with mobility limitations.

Assisting Rural Residents: Teletherapy offers significant benefits to individuals living in rural areas, where access to mental health services may be limited or non-existent. In rural communities, long travel distances to reach mental health providers can be a significant barrier to receiving care. Teletherapy bridges this gap by allowing rural residents to connect with therapists remotely, regardless of their geographic location. By eliminating the need for lengthy commutes and overcoming geographical barriers, teletherapy ensures that individuals in rural areas have equitable access to mental health support. This not only improves the overall well-being of rural residents but also contributes to the overall mental health landscape by reaching underserved populations.

Best Teletherapy Practices for Patient and Therapist

Establish a Secure Connection: Ensure both the patient and therapist have a stable internet connection and use secure platforms compliant with HIPAA regulations to protect confidentiality.
Choose a Private Environment: Patients should select a quiet, private space for sessions to ensure confidentiality and minimize distractions.
Test Equipment Beforehand: Both parties should test their audio, video, and internet connection before the session to address any technical issues promptly.
Maintain Professionalism: Treat teletherapy sessions with the same level of professionalism as in-person sessions, including dressing appropriately and avoiding interruptions.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for communication, session duration, and scheduling to maintain structure and boundaries.
Encourage Engagement: Both the patient and therapist should actively participate in sessions, encouraging open communication and collaboration.
Respect Privacy: Therapists should ensure confidentiality by conducting sessions in a private location and using secure communication platforms.
Adapt Therapy Techniques: Adjust therapy techniques as needed to accommodate the remote format, such as incorporating visual aids or mindfulness exercises.
Address Technical Challenges: Be prepared to troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during sessions and have alternative communication methods in place if necessary.
Provide Resources: Offer patients resources and support for managing technology-related stress or challenges outside of sessions.

Call Today

Start your journey towards mental well-being with COPE Psychological Center. Schedule a teletherapy session now and embrace a brighter tomorrow.