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.

5 Vital Steps Every Trauma Therapist Must Master for Healing Power

Understanding the role of a trauma therapist goes beyond traditional perspectives. It’s akin to being a compassionate guide through the labyrinth of emotions and experiences. As we unravel the layers of this compassionate role, discover that a trauma therapist is not merely a practitioner; they offer support, understanding, and guidance as individuals navigate the path toward healing and resilience.

Benefits/Advantages of Working with a Trauma Therapist

Embarking on the path of trauma therapy brings forth numerous advantages. A trauma therapist acts as a steady anchor, providing a safe space for individuals to confront and process their traumas. Through tailored techniques, therapists empower clients to rebuild resilience, fostering a profound sense of self-discovery.

The therapeutic relationship extends beyond conventional counseling. Trauma therapists employ evidence-based interventions, adapting their approach to individual needs. This personalized methodology facilitates a more profound connection, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

Moreover, trauma therapists play a pivotal role in promoting emotional regulation. Through skillful guidance, individuals learn to navigate their emotions, fostering a healthier emotional landscape. The therapeutic alliance becomes a catalyst for personal growth, enabling clients to reclaim control over their lives.

Closing the Gap: Developing Trauma Competencies for Mental Health Practitioners

Increased demand for psychologists with specialized training in trauma is evident as up to 60 percent of American adults have encountered at least one traumatic event in their lives. These events, ranging from child maltreatment to natural disasters, contribute to a substantial minority experiencing significant health difficulties, including mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as physical health problems.

Recognizing the serious public health risks associated with trauma in the aftermath of events like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, policymakers are now prioritizing trauma care. However, a critical gap exists as most mental health professionals, including psychologists, lack formal education and training in trauma mental health.

To address this deficiency, practitioners Dr. Joan Cook of Yale University and Dr. Elana Newman of the University of Tulsa led a national initiative aimed at defining the essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills mental health practitioners should possess to competently treat trauma survivors. The “Advancing the Science of Education, Training and Practice in Trauma” consensus conference brought together national experts in psychology, social work, and psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine.

Modeled after previous national psychology conferences on training issues, the event focused on creating a core competency model in trauma mental health. The competencies, named after the host city, New Haven, aim to guide clinical practice and provide a refuge or shelter for trauma survivors. During the conference, participants engaged in working groups covering scientific knowledge about trauma, psychosocial assessment, psychosocial intervention, professionalism, and relational systems. Using the nominal group technique for problem-solving, they independently generated, discussed, and voted on ideas to formulate competencies in these domains.

The resulting New Haven Trauma Competencies guidelines, adopted by the APA, is now a valuable resource for mental health providers seeking to develop expertise in working with traumatized individuals. Additionally, health-care administrators, graduate school faculty, and training directors planning trauma training programs can benefit from these evidence-based core competencies to enhance professional development and ensure effective trauma care.

5 Vital Steps Every Trauma Therapist Must Master for Healing Power

Trauma therapy is an intricate process that demands mastery of various skills to facilitate healing and empowerment for individuals navigating their traumatic experiences. Trauma therapists play a crucial role in guiding their clients through the journey of recovery. Here are five vital steps every trauma therapist must master for unparalleled healing power:

Establishing Safety and Trust: The Foundation of Healing

The initial step in trauma therapy involves creating a safe and trusting environment. Trauma survivors often carry a heightened sense of vulnerability, and establishing safety is paramount for the therapeutic process to unfold. A trauma therapist must skillfully navigate this phase, building a strong therapeutic alliance through empathy, active listening, and clear communication. Trust lays the foundation for the client to share their experiences openly and engage in the therapeutic work ahead.

Understanding Trauma Dynamics: Tailoring Approaches to Individual Needs

Each individual’s experience of trauma is unique, requiring trauma therapists to possess a nuanced understanding of trauma dynamics. Mastery in trauma therapy involves tailoring interventions to suit the specific needs and experiences of the client. Whether it’s a single traumatic event or complex, ongoing trauma, therapists must adeptly adjust their approaches, drawing from a diverse toolkit of evidence-based interventions.

Navigating the Processing of Traumatic Memories: Gentle and Effective Techniques

Processing traumatic memories is a delicate yet crucial step in trauma therapy. Therapists must master techniques that allow clients to revisit and process traumatic experiences without overwhelming them. This may involve employing modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), narrative therapy, or cognitive-behavioral approaches. Sensitivity and adaptability in guiding clients through this phase contribute significantly to the effectiveness of trauma therapy.

Fostering Resilience and Empowerment: Integration of Insights

Trauma therapy is not just about addressing past wounds; it’s about empowering individuals to build resilience and integrate newfound insights into their daily lives. Therapists must guide clients in recognizing their strengths, fostering a sense of agency, and assisting in the development of coping mechanisms. Mastery in this step involves facilitating the transition from victimhood to survivorship, instilling a lasting sense of empowerment.

Reflection and Celebration: Acknowledging Transformative Strides

The culmination of the therapeutic journey involves reflection and celebration. Trauma therapists must guide clients in acknowledging and celebrating the transformative strides made during the healing process. This step is essential for solidifying the progress made, reinforcing newfound coping strategies, and instilling a sense of accomplishment. It marks the completion of one chapter and the beginning of a renewed, empowered life.

Mastering these five vital steps empowers trauma therapists to navigate the complexities of trauma therapy effectively. It requires a combination of empathy, clinical expertise, and a commitment to ongoing learning, ensuring that therapists can guide their clients toward lasting healing and transformation.

Advice for Effective Trauma Therapy for Patients

To maximize the benefits of trauma therapy, it’s crucial to approach the process with openness and commitment. Establishing a trusting relationship with your trauma therapist forms the foundation for effective healing. Communicate openly, sharing your experiences, fears, and aspirations.

Active participation is key. Engage wholeheartedly in therapeutic exercises and homework assignments. Consistency is paramount; attend sessions regularly and adhere to the recommended treatment plan. Remember, healing from trauma is a gradual process; patience is your ally.

What You Could Risk or Lose Without Trauma Therapy

Choosing to forgo trauma therapy might result in prolonged suffering and unresolved emotional pain. Unaddressed traumas can manifest as various mental health issues, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. The risk of developing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression looms large.

Avoiding trauma therapy may perpetuate unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-destructive behaviors. The impact extends beyond the individual, influencing interpersonal relationships and hindering personal growth. Investing in trauma therapy is an investment in reclaiming a fulfilling and empowered life

5 FAQs about Trauma Therapy

What types of traumas can be addressed in therapy? Trauma therapy is versatile, encompassing various traumas, including childhood trauma, accidents, and interpersonal violence. Therapists tailor approaches based on individual experiences.

How long does trauma therapy typically take? The duration varies, depending on the severity of trauma and individual progress. Short-term interventions may span a few months, while more complex cases might require extended therapy.

Can trauma therapy trigger re-traumatization? Skilled trauma therapists employ techniques to minimize re-traumatization risks. A strong therapeutic alliance ensures a safe environment for processing without overwhelming the individual.

Is trauma therapy only for those with diagnosed conditions? No, trauma therapy is beneficial for anyone navigating past traumas, diagnosed or not. It provides tools to cope with life’s challenges and promotes emotional well-being.

Can trauma therapy be combined with medication? Yes, trauma therapy can complement medication, particularly in cases of co-occurring mental health conditions. Coordination between therapists and prescribing professionals ensures a holistic approach.

The Trauma Therapist’s Compassionate Journey

Trauma therapists embark on a profound journey, guiding individuals from darkness to light. Through personalized approaches, therapeutic benefits emerge, unraveling the intricate tapestry of trauma, and paving the way for lasting healing.

Illuminate Your Path to Healing with COPE Psychological Center

If you or a loved one seeks compassionate trauma therapy, contact COPE Psychological Center. Our dedicated team is here to support your transformative journey.