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.

Understanding Burnout: Health Consequences and 5 Strategies for Resilience

Far more than simple fatigue, burnout represents a complex syndrome of chronic stress left unchecked over time. This stress not only takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being but also manifests in profound physical consequences. Recognizing the signs of burnout early is crucial, as neglecting its symptoms can lead to severe health implications—from cardiovascular diseases to mental health disorders. However, proactive strategies such as mindfulness practices and effective emotion regulation techniques offer a path to resilience and recovery. Explore the multifaceted health consequences of burnout and get actionable steps to manage and prevent its debilitating effects.

Health Consequences of Ignoring Burnout

Neglecting burnout symptoms can lead to profound consequences across various aspects of life:

Chronic Health Conditions

Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, a hallmark of burnout, significantly increases the risk of developing chronic health issues. This includes cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and even potentially life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack). The persistent activation of the body’s stress response system can also contribute to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, where prolonged high levels of stress hormones can disrupt insulin regulation and glucose metabolism.

Mental Health Decline

Burnout is intricately linked to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Ignoring burnout symptoms can exacerbate these conditions, leading to prolonged emotional distress, impaired cognitive function, and difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated, these mental health issues can spiral into more severe forms, affecting overall quality of life and increasing the risk of self-harm or suicide in extreme cases.

Career and Personal Implications

Burnout doesn’t just stay confined to the workplace; it spills over into personal life, affecting relationships with family and friends. The decreased job performance resulting from burnout can lead to diminished professional success, missed opportunities for career advancement, and heightened job insecurity. This, in turn, contributes to a sense of dissatisfaction and disillusionment with one’s career path, reducing overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.

Reduced Resilience and Safety Risks

One of the less discussed but critical impacts of burnout is its effect on resilience and decision-making abilities. Burnout diminishes an individual’s capacity to bounce back from setbacks, making them more vulnerable to stressors. In high-pressure professions such as healthcare, aviation, or emergency services, compromised decision-making due to burnout can lead to critical errors with potential safety implications for both professionals and the public they serve. This highlights the importance of addressing burnout not only for personal well-being but also for ensuring safety in professional settings.

Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Strategies

Managing burnout effectively involves adopting proactive strategies aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and resilience:

Mindfulness Practices:

Mindfulness practices encompass a range of techniques that can profoundly impact mental and emotional well-being:

Mindfulness Meditation: This practice involves sitting quietly and focusing on the present moment, often by paying attention to the breath or bodily sensations. By cultivating non-judgmental awareness, individuals can observe their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This detachment from thoughts reduces the intensity of emotional responses triggered by stressors, promoting a sense of calm and clarity.

Body Scans: Body scan exercises involve systematically directing attention through different parts of the body, noticing any sensations or tensions without trying to change them. This practice enhances bodily awareness and helps individuals recognize physical manifestations of stress, allowing for targeted relaxation techniques.

Mindful Breathing: Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, promote relaxation and activate the body’s relaxation response. By focusing on the rhythm of breath, individuals can regulate their physiological arousal, counteracting the fight-or-flight response induced by stress.

Emotion Regulation:

Effective emotion regulation techniques empower individuals to manage and modulate their emotional responses:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): PMR involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups sequentially, promoting physical relaxation and reducing overall tension. This technique helps in releasing physical stress and can be particularly useful for those experiencing chronic muscle tension due to stress.

Guided Imagery: Using imagination to evoke calming and soothing mental images can help individuals create a sense of mental refuge or relaxation. Guided imagery sessions often involve visualizing peaceful scenes or engaging in imaginary scenarios that evoke positive emotions.

Cognitive Reframing: This technique involves consciously changing the way one interprets stressful events or situations. By reframing negative thoughts into more positive or neutral perspectives, individuals can alter their emotional response and reduce the perceived impact of stressors.

Stress Management:

Managing stress through proactive lifestyle choices and activities promotes overall well-being:

Aerobic Exercise: Engaging in regular aerobic activities such as jogging, swimming, or cycling not only enhances physical fitness but also releases endorphins—natural mood lifters that reduce stress and improve mood. Exercise also helps in dissipating accumulated tension and boosting energy levels.

Yoga and Mind-Body Exercises: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It enhances flexibility, improves concentration, and fosters a mind-body connection that supports overall mental well-being.

Healthy Habits:

Adopting healthy habits supports resilience and helps the body cope effectively with stress:

Balanced Diet: Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential vitamins and minerals that support optimal brain function and overall health. Avoiding excessive sugars and processed foods helps stabilize energy levels and mood.

Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining physical and cognitive functions. Dehydration can exacerbate stress symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, so drinking enough water throughout the day is essential.

Limiting Stimulants: Excessive consumption of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, increase anxiety levels, and exacerbate stress responses. Moderation in consumption supports overall well-being and helps in maintaining emotional balance.

Professional Guidance:

Seeking support from mental health professionals offers valuable resources for managing burnout and building resilience:

Psychotherapy: Psychologists and counselors specializing in stress management and burnout prevention can provide tailored strategies for identifying burnout triggers, developing coping skills, and fostering long-term resilience. Therapy sessions offer a safe space to explore feelings, gain insights into stress patterns, and learn effective stress management techniques.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT techniques focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and burnout. By learning new coping skills and behavioral strategies, individuals can improve their ability to handle stressors effectively and reduce the impact of burnout on their daily lives.

Support Groups: Joining support groups or workshops focused on stress management and burnout can provide peer support, validation, and practical tips for navigating challenging situations. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and enhance coping strategies.

Conclusion

Burnout is a serious condition that requires proactive management and support. By recognizing the symptoms early and taking steps to address them, individuals can prevent burnout from escalating and restore their mental and physical health. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available to guide you towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

COPE Psychological Center

At COPE Psychological Center, we understand the debilitating effects of burnout and offer specialized care to help individuals regain balance and resilience in their lives. Our experienced psychologists provide compassionate support and evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout or struggling to cope with chronic stress, contact COPE Psychological Center today. Let us help you navigate through this challenging time and reclaim your well-being.