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Scheduling Relationship and Marriage and Counseling

with Michele O’Mara, LCSW, PhD

Helping couples experience outrageously satisfying relationships.

 

There is nothing more precious in life than the love you give and the love you receive. If you want to find ways to do this better and more effectively, I’m here for you.  There are three main approaches to relationship counseling, and most therapists are not formally trained in any of them. I, however, am a bit obsessed with relationships, and I happen to have training in all of the “big three.” I am also trained and certified in Discernment Counseling, which is related to, but different than couples counsleing.  If for some crazy reason, you decide not to trust your relationship with me, please be sure to seek out a provider who is trained in one of the first three methods below. 

 

CERTIFIED IMAGO THERAPIST    (2005)

The Imago Theory is based on the premise that relationship struggles are stem from largely unconscious hurts that we are unaware of trying to heal. By making these old wounds conscious, and communicating about them directly with our partner, we are able to deepen our connection and experience healing.

 GOTTMAN METHOD TRAINED (ALL 3 LEVELS –  2014)

John Gottman is famous for his ability to predict the likelihood of divorce for a couple from a brief observation of them in discussing a conflict. His relationship training includes 3 levels and volumes of research informed relationship healing strategies that his wife Julie Gottman assisted in creating.

EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY (EFT) Training with Sue Johnson (2015)

EFT is a type of relationship therapy that is based on the concept of adult attachments. The idea is that when we experience a breach in our attachment, we typically protest the threat of losing our connection with aggressive, critical behavior or silence and withdrawal.

CERTIFIED DISCERNMENT COUNSELING (2014)

Bill Doherty devised a new relationship intervention for couples with a mixed agenda: one wants to work it out, one is leaning toward leaving. This is different than couples counseling, it is a clarifying process to decide if couples counseling is a viable option.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you accept insurance?

About insurance, I have chosen to be out-of-network for all insurance panels, so the way it works is different than a medical doctor, yet a lot of therapists in private practice do as I do.

The way my practice works, I request full payment at the time of the session ($130 for 50 minutes and $205 for 85 minutes) and I provide receipts which you are then welcome to use for reimbursement.  The actual amount of reimbursement you would receive depends on your out-of-network benefits.  To find out the level of benefits, you simply contact the customer care # on your insurance card and request the following information:

1.  What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?
2.  What is my out-of-network deductible?
3.  How many sessions am I allowed per year?
4.  Where do I send claims for reimbursement?
5.  What is the typical length of turn-around time it takes you to reimburse a claim?

 
* They may ask you for a diagnosis and a CPT code.  To give them something to work with, you can use:  diagnosis F43.20 or ICD9 #309.9 (same thing, different systems); CTP is for 60 minutes or more with patient or family 90837 (this is my 85-minute session).  90834 is for my 50-minute session.
 

** You may also want to ask, “what is your usual and customary reimbursement for this?” – what that means is, I may charge $205, but they may say they only honor $175.  Thus, your reimbursement is based on $175 (their usual and customary) not my rate.  I just don’t want you to have any unexpected surprises.

This should give you the information you need (maybe even more than desired).

I do offer the use of MC/Visa to offset the delay between payment and reimbursement.

How much do sessions cost?

My preferred length of session for couples is 85 minutes. If you have a complicated situation that requires extensive explanation, you are also welcome to schedule a 120-minute session.
 
50 minutes = $130
85 minutes = $205
2 hours = $280
4 hours = $500
 

How do online sessions work?

Online sessions are scheduled in the same way as in-office sessions. Once you schedule your first online session, email me (see contact form below) with your preferred online meeting place. There are four options. 
 
1. CLIENT PORTAL. We can meet on the client portal at omaratime.com. This is the video software that is built into the client portal and it is the lowest video/sound quality of the four options, but it is the most secure and it is HIPPA compliant so I offer this so that I am HIPPA compliant. To use this, you log into the client portal and click on the session date. There you will find a video button to enter the video room. I will either be there waiting or if you beat me there, you will hang out until I too join the room.
 
2. SKYPE. If you wish to use Skype, click here to add me to your contacts.
 
3. FACETIME. If you have an iPhone, we can Facetime. My number is 317.517.0065.
 
4. ZOOM.US. If you wish to use my private zoom room, this tends to have a great video and sound quality and you can join me by going to this link: https://zoom.us/j/4918388588
 
Prior to the start of the session, make payment in the client portal at omaratime.com.
 
At the time of our scheduled session, I will contact you at the start of our appointment time. If I am running more than 5 minutes late please initiate a call to me. It is possible that I am having technical difficulty or my session before yours is running over. 

What if we need counseling but my spouse/partner won't go?

Attend sessions without her. This is the next best thing you can do if you know your relationship is in trouble. Often, when one partner begins counseling, the other partner becomes curious, and sometimes fearful.  Instead of being angry and resentful that she will not join you in counseling, start without her

What type of issues do you work with?

 

  • Communication problems. 
  • Insecurity, jealousy and issue of trust
  • Chronic conflict, tension and fighting
  • Feeling disconnected, unheard, unseen
  • Loss of intimacy, feeling you are growing apart
  • Mixed libidos or differing sex drives
  • Feel like nothing you do is good enough or right
  • Feel disrespected and taken for granted
  • Feeling undesired, having no sex (sexless relationship)
  • Recovering from infidelity or another betrayal
  • Concern about your future
  • Adjusting to parenthood or other life changes
  • Boundary issues

How do we schedule with you?

  • Go to www.omaratime.com
  • Register (both will need to do this separately for HIPPA purposes)
  • One of you will schedule a session for the two of you (and that person can “include” the other on the appointment to receive reminders, etc.)
  • The account where the appointment was scheduled will have the invoice attached.
  • Payment is requested anytime prior to the session start time, and can be made via the client portal if you are using a credit card or by check or cash in person.
  • You can print receipts to submit to your insurance company if you will be seeking reimbursement.

Got Questions?