What is behavioral health therapy?
We all need to learn and grow throughout our lives. If we don't, we may become unhappy, stressed, unfulfilled and generally "stuck." Therapy is a way to overcome the barriers that keep us from learning and growing. Therapy is a process by which you may discover solutions to the problems you face. By talking about your concerns with a mental health professional, you may discover new ways to understand your difficulties, develop new skills to help you cope with life's demands, improve your relationships with the people around you, and learn to feel and function better. More importantly, you may learn about yourself as a person, find ways to better meet your own emotional needs, set and achieve personal goals, and live a more satisfying life.
What can I expect from therapy?
A therapist cannot magically remove the problems from your life, make you forget painful experiences, or make you immune to the stresses of life. We can provide support and direction to help you discover the solutions that will work best for you.
We can also serve as an objective "sounding board" for you and suggest different ways of behaving or looking at problems. We can teach you new ways of coping with stress and help you to improve the way that you communicate with others.
Your First Appointment
Your first appointment will last about one hour. During this appointment we get to know each other and discuss what changes you would like to make in your life. We will share our thoughts with you on how therapy may be able to help you achieve your goals.
Ongoing Appointments
How often we meet is up to you. Some patients like to meet weekly or every other week initially. The frequency of appointments will likely decrease as you begin to achieve your goals. Ongoing appointments will generally last about 30 minutes. How long we work together will vary depending on your goals and progress. Brief therapy typically involves 4-6 appointments.
Homework
Therapy is an ongoing process that involves self-reflection, changes in how you think, and changes in how you live your life. In order to help you reach your goals, we will often ask you to work on a particular task in between sessions. Completing these homework assignments will help you reach your goals.
Confidentiality
Information that you discuss is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone outside our office without your written permission (or your parents’ permission if you are under 18 years old).
Disclosure, however, is required by law in these cases:
- if there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or elder adult physical abuse;
- if there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself or someone else unless protective measures are taken;
- under a court order.
Documentation of counseling sessions will be maintained as a part of your electronic medical record at UNC Family Medicine. Please see the Notice of Privacy Practices for further information on your privacy rights.
Fees
We will be glad to bill your insurance company. Our patient financial counselors can also help you learn about mental health coverage options and discuss fess for behavioral health counseling services.
How do I schedule an initial appointment for behavioral health counseling services?
Please ask your family physician to submit a referral for Behavioral Health Services. Someone from our team will then contact you to discuss your needs and schedule an initial appointment.
Behavioral Health Counseling Staff
Linda Myerholtz, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Amy Prentice, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rayhaan Adams, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
