Frequently Asked Questions About Initiating Therapy with Mollie Montgomery, LCSW

Q: Can I set up a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit to work together?

Yes, it’s something I highly recommend. There are so many therapists out there! Proven by studies and experience over and over again, the number one factor in the success of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This is because we heal in a relationship (especially if we were harmed in relationship) and to feel safe, seen, and understood is absolutely essential in the therapy process. So shop around, book a handful of free consults, like me most therapists offer this initial contact, and make sure you connect to someone you feel safe with and who gets you!

Q: What can I expect from my initial consultation with you?

In our free consultation we will take about 20 minutes and I’ll seek to cover two main areas; (1) learn more about you and why you are seeking therapy at this time, you can share as much or as little as you want about the details. This is where I will hear your needs and make sure I can be an effective support for you. I will also answer any questions you have about me, my practice, about the process, and our work together. The second branch of the consultation will be a short attention to logistics; fee and billing, scheduling, initial paperwork etc.

Q: Do I have to set-up a free consultation in order to initiate therapy?

While it’s not required to set-up a consultation with me before initiating therapy, I prefer it! It’s an opportunity for us to get to know one another and ensure that I am able to help as well as answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. As someone who is focused on healing individuals through the relationship and science, I want to be certain that I am the right fit for you and though this is always open for discussion and review, I find the initial consultation can be a great way to start off on the right foot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy with Mollie Montgomery, LCSW

Q: What should I expect in our first session? 

Our first session we will still be getting to know each other. In much of our time together, but especially in the first session I like to ask lots of questions and gather information about why you are seeking therapy at this time but also about you as a whole person. In the first couple of sessions I may also take more time to explain the therapeutic interventions I use and why. I do this for two reasons; first, everything we do in session can be in some way, shape or form translated to your life outside of session so the more you understand what we are doing and why the easier it will be to translate it to your everyday life. And second; I am transparent in my approach, always wanting to honor your system and your experiences, never moving forward into an intervention without your conscious consent. 

Q: What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is relational, meaning we will use our relationship as a tool and as a place to practice and explore whatever comes up for you in session. I view my role as the therapist as someone who walks beside you, holding you up and clearing the path, helping you learn to listen to your mind-body system, identify carried pains and unprocessed wounds, and from a place of compassion and your values, choose your response. My approach to therapy is honoring you, the client, and your unique life experience. 

Q: What areas do you focus in?

I focus on helping people heal from traumatic events and relationships and restore what was lost and stolen as a result of the trauma. Gabor Mate, expert in trauma, addictions and development talks about how trauma is not what happens to us but how our brains and bodies change as a result. The traumatized brain-body system is often fragmented, chaotic, overburdened, and can easily be flooded with shame and sent into survival response. I help people understand this is not who they are nor how things have to be, it is a natural result to an unnatural event and healing, wholeness, and inner harmony are possible.

Q: Why did you choose to focus in trauma?

I choose to focus on trauma because it seems to be the thing that most robs us of our liveliness, our humanness. The scars we bear from trauma vary greatly but they all have one thing in common, they rob us of our essential human nature to be alive and well in the present moment. We are supposed to feel safe, connected, inherently valuable and loveable, though it manifests differently in each of us, the scars of trauma rob us of these core human experiences, and, more and more we are learning, this is not where it has to keep us. Studies on healing, neuroplasticity, shame and forgiveness, are producing larger and larger amounts of evidence that we can heal from trauma, we can sometimes even reverse the effects of trauma down to a cellular level! The field of trauma is deeply painful, but it is even more hopeful, I really can’t imagine myself focusing on anything else. 

Q: I’ve heard that EMDR is the best treatment for PTSD, do you do EMDR?

EMDR is a treatment that has been recommended by many individuals in the trauma therapy community and there are so many others out there! EMDR might be great for you but that’s not where my practice specialty lies. Before I get trained in any therapeutic intervention I try it out from the client seat first. To this end I tried EMDR and it just didn’t feel helpful to my mind-body system. I don’t see this experience as a negative of EMDR but just a personal preference of my mind-body system. Thus, I choose not to pursue it as a clinician. The trainings I have completed and will use in our sessions have a foundation of mindfulness, gentleness and honoring the intuitive wisdom of the mind-body system. It is through this style approach I help people make gains and reduce trauma symptoms. During our initial consultation, I’ll make sure that if my practice is not the right fit for you, I will refer you to other wonderful therapists who may be the right fit. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Billing, Insurance, and Fees with Mollie Montgomery, LCSW

Q: How much do you charge?

I charge $195/55min session, or $275/90min session. I use a HIPPA compliant payment application so your financial information will always stay private and protected. You are able to use credit cards, debit cards or HSA cards for session fees.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

I am not paneled with insurance at this time. I deeply value making mental health care available and was able to practice this value for much of my time in private practice by partnering with insurance companies. However, moving my practice into a fully virtual setting alongside restrictions many insurance companies have adapted so the therapist has to prove necessity of services, it became much more difficult to tailor treatment plans to meet the clients needs, at times to the point of insurance companies denying clients fulfillment of benefits. As a result, I chose to stop working with insurance companies so I am able to tailor sessions and treatment to each individual client.

Q: What does out-of-network mental health benefits mean?

Some insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits. This means that though not a contracted provider with your insurance company, payment to that provider will go towards your deductible and services will be covered (oftentimes only partially, but this varies depending on company and plan) once the deductible is met. I use Thrizer to both inquire if you have out-of-network benefits as well as submit claims for sessions should you have out-of-network benefits. Thrizer is a fully HIPPA compliant platform utilized by therapists and other mental health professionals to submit claims directly towards your out-of-network benefits. Once your deductible is met you will receive reimbursement according to your insurance company/plan policy. 

Q: Do you offer a reduced rate?

A temporary reduced rate based on need is something we can discuss in the initial consultation. I settled upon the current fee per session after consideration of various topics including my value of making therapy accessible, comparing market rates, and evaluating business costs. I understand therapy is a commitment and the financial commitment aspect is an important piece to consider when entering into treatment. This is something we can talk through together in the initial consultation to ensure the financial commitment of therapy will not be counterproductive in adding stress to seeking treatment. 

Q: How will my billing be handled? 

A card of your choosing will be held on file via one of the HIPPA compliant payment apps (IvyPay and Thrizer) I use and will be billed the day of your session. You will receive confirmation of activity on your card each time a charge is attempted. At the beginning of our work together you will also receive a document legally required by the No Surprises Act called a Good Faith Estimate which will give you an estimated cost range for a year’s worth of services so the financial commitment is clear from the outset of treatment. If you desire a monthly invoice to submit to your insurance company individually I am happy to provide one for you.