Skip to contentOpenings available now: We are taking new clients. Meet your therapist today.
Traverse Family Therapy
A canyon landscape seen through a sandstone arch in early morning light.

Questions & Answers

Answers Before You Book a First Session

Reaching out is easier when you know what to expect. These are honest answers to the questions we hear most in Alpine and Utah County. If you do not see yours here, just contact us and we will talk it through.

Jump to a topic below, or scroll through everything.

Swipe the topics left and right to see them all.

145 questions in 12 sections

Getting Started, First Session & Logistics

16 questions

You can request an appointment through our online booking page (opens in a new tab), by contacting our office, or by calling (385) 224-5128. Once we hear from you, we will help you find a therapist and a time that fits. We know reaching out can feel like a big step, and we try to make it simple.

The first session is called an intake. It is a bit different from later sessions because it focuses on getting to know you. Your therapist will go over privacy and how they work, then ask questions about what brought you in, your history, and your goals. It can feel like a lot of questions at first, and that is normal. By the end, you and your therapist will have started your guided plan together. You do not need to share everything at once. You can go at your own pace.

Most therapy sessions last about 50 minutes. Intake or family sessions sometimes run a little longer. Your therapist will tell you what to expect for your specific situation.

Many families start weekly because it helps build momentum early on. As things improve, sessions may move to every other week or monthly. There is no single rule. Your therapist will talk with you about what pace makes sense for your goals.

It depends on your goals and what you are working on. Your therapist will check in with you along the way so you are never left guessing.

For family or couples work, it helps when the people involved come together, but this is not always possible at the start. For a child or teen, sometimes the therapist meets with parents first. Your therapist will tell you who to bring. If you are unsure, just ask when you book.

All paperwork is completed digitally before the first session. It can also help to jot down a few notes about what has been on your mind and what you hope to get out of therapy.

Very normal. Almost everyone feels unsure before a first session, including people who have been to therapy before. You do not have to have the right words. Your therapist is trained to help guide the conversation. Feeling awkward at first does not mean therapy is not for you. It usually eases after the first meeting or two.

Yes, we offer both. Many families choose whichever fits their schedule and comfort. Your therapist can help you decide which format is a good fit for your situation.

Sometimes your therapist may suggest simple things to try at home, like a new way to talk through a disagreement or a small routine to practice. The real change often happens between sessions when you use what you talked about. There is no pressure to be perfect. Small steps count.

You and your therapist will set goals early on and check in on them over time. Signs of progress can include less conflict, better communication, feeling more understood, or handling hard moments more calmly. Progress is not always a straight line. If something does not feel like it is working, tell your therapist. That feedback helps.

Fit matters a great deal in therapy, and it is okay if the first match is not right. You can ask to switch therapists within the practice, and it will not offend anyone. A good fit helps therapy work better, so we want you with someone who feels right for your family.

You are always free to pause or end therapy. If you can, it helps to talk with your therapist about it first so you can wrap up well and plan next steps. Ending on purpose, rather than just disappearing, gives you a chance to review what you gained and how to keep it going.

Keep it simple and honest. Avoid framing it as punishment or as something being wrong with them. For younger kids, letting them know there may be toys or games can ease worry.

Both happen. Depending on your goals, your therapist may meet with the whole family together, with parents alone, or with one person for part of a session. Your therapist will explain the plan and why, and you can ask questions any time.

That is okay and it happens often. Therapy can still move forward when one person attends, since changing one part of a pattern can shift the whole family. Your therapist will work with whoever is there.

Choosing a Therapist & Credentials

13 questions

LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In Utah this is a full, independent license issued by the state licensing division. LMFTs are trained to work with individuals, couples, and families using approaches that focus on relationships and family patterns. They can also diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

AMFT stands for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. In Utah this is the license a marriage and family therapist holds while completing supervised hours toward full LMFT licensure. An AMFT has finished a graduate degree and works under the supervision of a fully licensed clinician.

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In Utah this is the clinical social work license that allows independent practice, including mental health therapy and diagnosis. LCSWs complete a master's degree in social work, thousands of supervised clinical hours, and a national exam.

CSW stands for Certified Social Worker. In Utah this is a master's level social work credential. A CSW works toward the full LCSW license by completing supervised clinical hours. CSWs provide services under appropriate supervision.

CMHC stands for Clinical Mental Health Counselor. In Utah this is a full counseling license that allows independent practice, including mental health therapy and diagnosis. CMHCs hold a master's degree and complete supervised experience and a national exam.

ACMHC stands for Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor. In Utah this is the license a counselor holds while completing supervised hours toward the full CMHC license. An ACMHC has a graduate degree and works under supervision.

An associate clinician has finished graduate school and is licensed to practice while completing supervised hours toward full licensure. This means a more experienced, fully licensed clinician reviews their work and is available for guidance. For you, it often means care that is closely supported by a team, sometimes at a different fee.

Supervision means the associate clinician regularly meets with a fully licensed supervisor to review cases, get input, and make sure care meets professional standards. Your details are handled with the same privacy rules that protect all therapy. Supervision is a normal part of how newer clinicians grow, and it adds an extra layer of oversight.

We consider what you are looking for, your goals, the ages involved, scheduling, and any preferences you share. The goal is a good fit from the start. If the match does not feel right after a session or two, you can ask to switch.

Therapists often have areas they focus on, such as couples, teens, young children, or specific concerns. When you reach out, we try to pair you with someone whose focus fits your needs.

All of our clinicians hold or are working toward Utah licensure and have graduate degrees in their field. You are always welcome to ask a therapist about their background and how they work.

Utah's Division of Professional Licensing keeps a public license lookup where you can confirm a clinician's license status. This is a normal thing to check, and good clinicians welcome it.

All three are qualified to provide therapy in Utah. What usually matters more than the letters is the therapist's experience with your specific concern and whether you feel comfortable with them. We are happy to help you think through the fit.

Family Therapy

16 questions

Family therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on relationships rather than just one person. Instead of treating one family member alone, the therapist looks at how everyone interacts and how patterns keep a problem going. The aim is better communication, understanding, and a calmer home. Family members influence one another, so shifting the pattern can help everyone.

Individual therapy focuses on one person's thoughts and feelings. Family therapy focuses on the connections between people, such as who talks to whom, how arguments start and stop, and the roles each person has settled into. The therapist helps the whole group change unhelpful patterns together rather than working with just one person.

It depends on your goals. Sometimes the whole family comes, and sometimes the therapist meets with certain members. Your therapist will recommend who should attend and when. Not everyone has to be there every time for therapy to help.

This is common, and therapy can still help. Changing how some members respond can shift the whole family pattern, and reluctant members often join later once they see it is practical and fair. Your therapist can work with whoever is willing to start.

No. Family therapy is not about finding someone to blame. It looks at patterns, not fault. Parents are usually doing their best with what they know, and therapy focuses on new tools and understanding rather than guilt. You are partners in the process, not the problem.

Often what looks like one person's problem is tied to patterns everyone shares. When a child is struggling, it can reflect stress moving through the whole family. Working together tends to help the change stick better than expecting one child to fix everything alone. This does not mean anyone is at fault.

Yes. Blended and stepfamilies face real challenges, like new roles, loyalty feelings, different parenting styles, and building trust over time. Family therapy gives you a space to sort these out and create routines and expectations that work for everyone. Many families find this support especially helpful during the early years together.

Sometimes including extended family, like grandparents, is helpful, especially when they play a big role in daily life. Your therapist will talk with you about who to include based on your goals. It is not required, but it can be useful in the right situations.

Yes. Family therapy is not just for young kids. It can help adult children and parents work through changing roles, caregiving stress, old conflicts, and communication that has broken down over the years. These relationships matter at every age.

Yes. Some sibling conflict is normal, but constant fighting can wear a family down. Therapy can help you understand what is driving the conflict, teach kids better ways to handle disagreements, and help parents respond in ways that lower the tension rather than raise it.

Communication is one of the most common reasons families come in, and it is very workable. Therapy helps you slow down heated moments, hear each other more clearly, and practice new ways of talking that reduce blowups. It takes practice, but many families see real change here.

Yes. Therapy can help families navigate the stress of separation and divorce, support kids through the change, and help parents build a working co-parenting relationship. The focus is on stability and the children's wellbeing. Note that this is different from custody evaluations or court services, which we do not provide.

Structural family therapy looks at how a family is organized, such as who is in charge, how clear the boundaries are, and how members group together. When roles and boundaries get blurry, problems can grow. The therapist helps the family adjust its structure so it works better and adapts to change.

This approach focuses on the emotional bonds between family members. It helps people express deeper feelings and needs so they can feel safe and connected with one another. When family members feel emotionally secure, conflict often eases. It grows out of attachment ideas, which are about our need for close, trusting relationships.

This approach helps repair trust between a young person and their parents. It focuses on rebuilding the sense of safety and connection so a teen feels their parents are a source of support. It is often used when there has been distance, hurt, or communication breakdown between teens and parents.

Your therapist will choose based on your goals, and many blend approaches rather than sticking to just one. What matters most is that the approach fits your family and that you feel comfortable. You are always welcome to ask your therapist why they are using a certain method.

Teen / Adolescent Therapy

17 questions

Some signs include big changes in mood, sleep, or appetite, pulling away from friends or activities, falling grades, ongoing anxiety or sadness, frequent conflict, or risky behavior. Teens go through ups and downs, but if something lasts, gets worse, or gets in the way of daily life, therapy can help. When in doubt, it is okay to reach out and ask.

Keep it calm, honest, and free of blame. You might say you have noticed they seem to be having a hard time and that talking to someone could help. Ask what they think and really listen. Framing therapy as support, not punishment, matters. If they are hesitant, that is normal, and you can revisit it.

This is very common, and there are still options. You can start by attending yourself, since a parent's own sessions can improve the situation. You can invite your teen's doctor to explain how therapy helps. You might agree to a set number of sessions before deciding. Reframing therapy as a place to build skills, not to be "fixed," can lower resistance.

A lot of the reluctance comes from the stage they are in. Teens value independence, worry about being judged, and may feel embarrassed or hopeless. Some fear their privacy will not be respected. Understanding these fears helps you respond with patience rather than pressure, which often works better over time.

Not usually, and there is a good reason. Teens open up more when they trust that most of what they share stays private. Your therapist will explain their policy at the start so everyone knows what to expect. Generally you can expect updates on progress and attendance, while the details stay between your teen and the therapist.

Your therapist will set this up clearly at the beginning. Typically, safety matters are shared with parents, such as risk of serious harm, while day to day details stay private to protect trust. In Utah, parents of a minor generally have certain rights regarding treatment and records, so your therapist will explain how they balance your teen's privacy with your role as a parent.

Even when your teen has private sessions, parents usually stay involved. This can include check ins, occasional family sessions, and parent support meetings focused on how to help at home. Your therapist will explain how involvement works so you feel like part of the process without breaking your teen's trust.

Yes. Many families struggle with screen time, gaming, and social media. Therapy can help your teen build healthier habits and help your family set limits in a way that reduces the daily battles. The goal is balance, not just taking devices away.

Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons teens come to therapy. A therapist can help your teen understand what anxiety is, learn ways to calm their body and mind, and slowly face the things that scare them. Many teens feel real relief once they have tools to work with.

Yes. When a teen avoids or refuses school, there is usually something behind it, like anxiety, bullying, or feeling overwhelmed. Therapy works to understand the cause and build a step by step plan to help your teen return to school, often working together with the family.

Yes. Ongoing defiance and anger are hard on everyone. Therapy can help uncover what is driving the behavior, teach your teen better ways to handle strong feelings, and give parents tools to respond in ways that lower conflict. Change takes time, but these patterns can shift.

Yes. Many teens struggle with how they see themselves. Therapy gives them a safe place to explore these feelings, challenge harsh self-talk, and build confidence based on their real strengths. Better self-esteem often shows up in mood, relationships, and willingness to try new things.

Yes. Friendships and early dating are a big part of teen life and can bring real stress. Therapy helps teens work through conflict, peer pressure, breakups, and figuring out healthy relationships. Having a caring adult outside the family to talk with can make a big difference.

Yes. Teens grieve in their own ways, and it does not always look like sadness. Therapy gives them space to process a loss, understand their feelings, and find ways to cope while still moving through daily life. Family sessions can also help everyone grieve together.

This is common early on, and a skilled therapist knows how to work with it. They will not force conversation. Instead they build trust slowly, sometimes using activities or shared interests. Many teens who start out quiet open up once they feel safe. Give it a little time.

It varies with the goals and what your teen is working on. Some teens make progress in a few months, while others benefit from longer support. Your therapist will check in with you and your teen about progress along the way so you can decide together on the right pace.

Most teens do well with regular outpatient therapy. But if there is serious risk to safety, severe symptoms, or needs that weekly sessions cannot meet, a higher level of care such as an intensive program may be recommended. Your therapist can help you understand options and make referrals if needed. In an emergency, call 911 or 988.

Child Therapy

13 questions

Therapists often work with young children through teens, adjusting their approach to each age. When you reach out, we can let you know who is the right fit for your child's age.

Play therapy is a way of helping children using their natural language, which is play. Young kids often cannot put big feelings into words, so toys and play become the way they express and work through what is bothering them. A trained therapist uses play to help children understand feelings, build skills, and heal. It is structured and purposeful, not just playtime.

Children communicate through play more easily than through talking. In play, they can show what is on their mind and safely work through hard experiences. The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." Toys become a child's words and play becomes their way of processing.

Even very young children can benefit from the right kind of support, often through play based approaches and by working closely with parents. Per the Association for Play Therapy, licensed professionals therapeutically use play to help clients most often aged three to twelve years. If you are unsure whether your child is old enough, just ask and we can guide you.

It may look like play, but there is purpose behind it. The therapist chooses activities and pays attention to what your child expresses, then gently guides toward growth and healing. Play is the tool, not the goal. Through it, children build skills like handling feelings, solving problems, and calming themselves.

Parents are a key part of the process. The therapist usually starts by meeting with parents to understand your child and the concerns. Throughout, you can expect updates and parent support focused on helping at home. Children tend to make the most progress when parents are involved.

Not automatically. A diagnosis is only used when it is clinically appropriate and helpful, for example to guide treatment or for insurance. Your therapist will talk with you about it rather than surprising you. Therapy is about understanding and helping your child, not putting a label on them.

That is okay, and it is common with young children. The therapist can start with you in the room and build comfort over time. There is no rush. Sometimes early sessions include a parent on purpose. Your child's sense of safety comes first.

Children often act differently in different settings, and this is normal. It usually tells us something useful about where they feel safe, stressed, or overwhelmed. Therapy can help you understand the difference and respond in ways that support your child in both places.

Yes. Meltdowns and big feelings are part of childhood, but when they happen often or feel overwhelming, therapy can help. A therapist helps children learn to name and manage feelings and gives parents tools to respond calmly. Over time this often means fewer and shorter meltdowns.

Yes. Children can feel anxious about many things, from separation to school to worries about safety. Therapy helps kids understand these feelings, learn calming skills, and face fears in small steps, often with parents helping at home. Many children feel real relief with support.

Yes. Changes like divorce, a move, a new sibling, or a loss can be hard on children even when they cannot explain why. Therapy gives them a safe place to process the change and build coping skills, while helping parents support them through it.

This is common and usually eases once they meet the therapist and see the space is friendly, often with toys and games. You can keep it low key and positive, framing it as a place to play and talk, not a punishment. Give it a few visits before deciding.

Couples Therapy

16 questions

For many couples, yes. Research on well studied approaches such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy shows that most couples who complete therapy report real improvement in their relationship. Results depend on things like starting before it is too late, both partners engaging, and staying with it long enough. No therapist can guarantee an outcome, but the odds are encouraging.

This is one of the most common situations, and you still have options. Often a partner is anxious, afraid of blame, or unsure it will help. Sometimes talking calmly about their specific fears helps. You can also start on your own to work on your part of the patterns, and some reluctant partners join later once they see it is fair and useful. Keep in mind that individual work is helpful for you but is not a substitute for couples work when the goal is the relationship itself.

It is often not as late as it feels. Many couples come in during a real low point and still turn things around. Starting sooner tends to help, but even couples in serious distress can make progress.

No. A good couples therapist does not pick a winner. Their job is to understand both of you and help you both feel heard. It is normal to worry about being ganged up on. If it ever feels one sided, say so, because that feedback helps the therapist keep things balanced.

Yes, and there is an approach designed exactly for this. The goal is not to fix the relationship right away, but to help you both gain clarity and confidence about the next step.

Yes. Couples therapy is for committed relationships at any stage, including dating, engaged, and premarital couples. Premarital work can be a great way to build a strong foundation and talk through important topics before marriage.

Yes. Recovering from an affair is hard, but many couples do rebuild trust with help. Therapy provides a structured, respectful space to process the hurt, understand what happened, and decide how to move forward. It takes time and effort from both partners, and there are approaches designed specifically for affair recovery.

Yes. Communication and conflict are among the most common reasons couples seek help, and they are very workable. Therapy helps you slow down heated moments, understand what is underneath the arguments, and build healthier ways to talk and repair. Many couples notice fewer and less intense fights over time.

Yes, and it will be handled with care and respect. Intimacy and closeness are a normal part of couples work. Your therapist will keep the conversation comfortable and professional. If a concern needs specialized care, your therapist will talk with you about a referral.

Yes. Parenting disagreements are a common source of tension. Therapy helps you get on the same page, understand each other's values, and build a united approach. This often reduces conflict for the couple and creates more stability for the kids.

Yes. In-laws and money are two of the most common flashpoints for couples. Therapy helps you talk through these topics without them turning into the same old fight, and build agreements you can both live with. The focus is on teamwork rather than winning.

That happens often. A skilled therapist can work with different levels of motivation and will honor both stances. One partner being less eager at the start does not doom the process, as long as they stay engaged. Complete refusal is harder, but even then you have options, including starting on your own.

Sometimes. Some approaches include individual conversations as part of couples therapy. Your therapist will explain how they handle anything shared privately, since policies on this vary. It is a good idea to ask about this at the start so everyone is clear.

The Gottman Method is a well researched approach based on decades of study of couples. It focuses on practical skills like managing conflict, building friendship and fondness, and creating shared meaning. It tends to suit couples who want concrete tools for communication and handling disagreements.

Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT, focuses on the emotional bond between partners. It helps you understand the cycle that pulls you apart and rebuild a secure, close connection. It tends to suit couples who feel emotionally disconnected and want to feel close again. Johnson and colleagues' meta-analysis found that roughly 70 to 73 percent of couples recover from relationship distress through EFT and about 86 to 90 percent show significant improvement in relationship satisfaction.

It varies, but many evidence based approaches involve a course of regular sessions over a few months. Research reviews note that most couples notice meaningful change within about 8 to 20 sessions. Dropping out after just a few sessions often cuts the process short before change can take hold. Your therapist will talk with you about a realistic timeline for your goals.

Privacy & Confidentiality

11 questions

Confidentiality means what you share in therapy stays private. It is the foundation that lets people speak openly. Your therapist follows privacy laws and professional ethics to protect your information. There are a few specific exceptions, mainly around safety, which your therapist will explain clearly at the start.

HIPAA is a federal law that protects your health information, including therapy records. It limits who can see your information and gives you rights over your records. In practice, it means your therapist cannot share your private health information without your permission, except in specific situations allowed by law.

Generally, only you and your therapist, plus anyone you give written permission to include. Records may be shared without permission only in limited situations required by law, such as certain safety concerns. If you use insurance, some information is shared with the insurer. Your therapist will explain this.

When you use insurance, the insurer usually requires some information to pay for care, which can include a diagnosis and dates of service. If privacy is a concern, ask your therapist about what is shared and about private pay options.

There are a few, and they mainly involve safety. In general, therapists in Utah may need to act if there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or in situations like suspected abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult, where the law requires a report. Your therapist will explain these clearly at the start so there are no surprises. These exceptions exist to keep people safe.

Certain professionals, including therapists, are required by Utah law to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult to the proper authorities. This is meant to protect people who may be at risk. Your therapist can explain how this works. It is a narrow, specific duty, not a reason to hold back from getting help.

Generally yes. You have rights to access your records under privacy law, though there are some limits and a process to follow. Talk with your therapist or our office about how to make a records request.

Therapists are careful to protect your privacy in public. Usually they will let you take the lead and will not approach you or say how they know you, to avoid revealing that you are a client. If you say hello first, they will respond warmly but briefly. You can talk about how you both prefer to handle this.

In Utah, parents of a minor generally have certain rights regarding their child's treatment and records. At the same time, protecting some privacy often helps therapy work, especially with teens. Many therapists set up an agreement at the start about what will be shared. Your therapist will explain how they balance your rights with your child's need for a trusting space.

When offered, telehealth uses secure, private video technology designed to protect your information. It helps to be in a quiet, private space during sessions. Your therapist can explain the platform used and how your privacy is protected.

Going to therapy is a private health matter and is not a criminal or public record. It does not show up on a standard background check. If you use insurance, some information goes to the insurer as part of billing. If this concerns you, ask about private pay.

Objection Handling / Hesitations

12 questions

Cost is a real concern, and it is worth an honest conversation. Therapy is an investment in your family's wellbeing, and there may be options to make it more manageable. Please ask our office about fees and any available options. It is better to ask than to assume it is out of reach.

Life is busy, and adding one more thing feels hard. But ongoing conflict and stress take up time and energy too, often more than a weekly session would. Many families find that therapy actually gives them time back by reducing the daily friction. Your therapist can work with you on scheduling and pace.

A past experience that did not help does not mean therapy cannot work for you now. Fit matters a lot, and a different therapist or approach can make a real difference. It also helps to share what did not work last time, so your new therapist can do things differently. Many people find success on a second try.

Listening is part of it, but a trained therapist does much more. They notice patterns, ask questions that lead somewhere, and use proven methods to help you make real changes. It is skilled, guided work, not just talking. Think of it like the difference between venting to a friend and working with a coach.

Wanting to handle things on your own is understandable and shows you care. But some patterns are hard to change from the inside, especially when everyone is caught up in them. Getting outside help is not a failure. It is a smart move, like calling a professional for something outside your expertise. Most families who reach out have already tried hard on their own.

That is completely understandable, and your privacy is protected by law and ethics. Your therapist is not a gossiping stranger but a professional bound to confidentiality. You also control the pace and what you share. Many private families feel relieved to have one safe, confidential place to talk things through.

Many people worry about this, especially in a close community. The truth is that seeking help is increasingly seen as a sign of strength, not weakness, and your privacy is protected. If being seen is a concern, ask about telehealth or scheduling options. What happens in therapy stays private.

You do not have to be in crisis to benefit. Therapy can help with everyday struggles as well as bigger ones, and coming in earlier often makes things easier to work through. If something is bothering you enough to wonder about it, that is a good enough reason to reach out.

You do not have to wait until things fall apart. Many families use therapy as a tune up, to strengthen what is working and address small issues before they grow. Coming in while things are mostly okay can make the work faster and easier.

This is common. Often the doubt comes from not knowing what therapy really involves or from a past bad experience. You can share what you have learned, invite them to try just a few sessions, or start on your own. Sometimes seeing a change in you is what shifts their view.

That is a fair concern. Good therapists are trained to respect your values, background, and way of life, not to push their own. Your therapy should feel like a place where you can be yourself. If you ever feel judged, you can say so or ask to switch therapists. Fit and respect matter.

Fit is one of the most important parts of therapy, and it is common for the first match to miss. That does not mean therapy is wrong for you. A different therapist with a different style may be exactly what you need. We are happy to help you find a better fit.

Faith, Values & Culture

6 questions

Yes. Good therapy follows your lead and works with your values, not against them. Your therapist should never push their own views on you. Many people find their faith and values are a source of strength that therapy can honor and support. You decide how much your beliefs are part of your sessions.

Yes. We welcome families for whom faith is important. Your therapist will respect your beliefs and can take them into account in ways that feel right to you. You are always in control of how much your faith is part of the conversation.

Yes. We welcome families of all backgrounds, including those who are not religious. Therapy is about your goals and your values, whatever they are. Your therapist will meet you where you are without judgment.

No. Professional ethics require therapists to avoid pushing their own beliefs, values, or lifestyle on clients. Your therapist's job is to understand and support your goals and to respect your worldview. If you ever feel this is not happening, you can raise it or ask to switch therapists.

Therapy is not about pulling families apart. Its aim is to help you understand each other, communicate better, and make thoughtful choices. A good therapist does not push you toward any particular decision about your relationships. The direction is yours. The goal is to help your family function in the way you want it to.

Yes, if that is what you want. Some families like their beliefs woven into the work, while others prefer to keep faith separate. Both are fine. Your therapist will follow your preference. Just let them know what feels right for you.

Scope & Referrals

11 questions

No. Therapists provide talk therapy, not medication. Medication is prescribed by medical providers such as physicians, psychiatrists, or certain nurse practitioners. If medication might help, your therapist can talk with you about it and help connect you with a prescriber.

If you and your therapist think medication might help, your therapist can suggest talking with a prescriber, such as your primary care doctor or a psychiatric provider. With your permission, they can help coordinate care so everyone is working together. You are always free to decide whether to pursue medication.

No. We provide therapy, not custody evaluations, forensic assessments, or similar legal services. These are specialized services that require a different role, and mixing them with therapy is not appropriate. If you need this, we can suggest looking for a professional who specializes in it.

Generally, therapists avoid taking on court roles because it can conflict with their job as your therapist. Requests for court testimony or legal letters are handled carefully and are often outside the scope of therapy. Please talk with your therapist about your specific situation.

Formal psychological testing is a specialized service that not all practices offer. If you need testing, your therapist can talk with you about whether it is available here or help you find a provider who offers it.

Most families do well with regular outpatient therapy. But if you or a family member needs more support than weekly sessions can provide, such as an intensive outpatient program or inpatient care, your therapist can help you understand the options and make a referral. The goal is to make sure you get the right level of care.

Your therapist will talk with you about how to reach the practice and what to do in urgent situations. For a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

If there is an immediate risk to someone's safety, call 911 right away. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night. These services are there to help in urgent moments. Your therapist can also talk with you ahead of time about a safety plan.

Some substance use concerns can be addressed in therapy, while others need specialized treatment. Your therapist can talk with you about what is a good fit and, if needed, help connect you with a program that specializes in substance use care.

Eating disorders often need specialized, coordinated care. Your therapist can talk with you about your situation and, if a specialty program is the right fit, help you find appropriate care. Getting the right level of support matters.

Sometimes a concern needs care that is outside a general therapy practice, such as certain medical, substance use, or eating disorder needs. A good therapist will tell you honestly when a referral would serve you better and help you find the right provider. This is about getting you the best care, not turning you away.

Insurance, Payment & Cancellations

7 questions

Insurance accepted. We verify your insurance before the time of service, so you know what you will pay.

Most of our sessions are between $150 and $175, depending on your therapist and your insurance. We verify your coverage before your first session and tell you what your sessions will cost. Please reach out and we will explain current fees clearly before you begin.

We accept cash pay, insurance, bishop pay, and HSA. Payment is typically due at the time of service unless you are using insurance. Our Payment & Cancellation Policy covers card on file, autopay and outstanding balances.

We do not offer a sliding scale.

Clients must provide 24-hour cancellation notice directly to the office, not just their therapist. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged the full session fee. The details are in our Payment & Cancellation Policy.

Yes. Most of our sessions are between $150 and $175. Under federal law (the No Surprises Act), if you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs for your care. Generally you can request one, or you will be given one when you schedule, and we will provide it within the timeframes the law requires. Please ask our office for details.

Yes, we can offer superbills. Just ask the office.

Telehealth & Location

7 questions

Yes, we do. Please reach out to learn which services we offer online and whether it is a good fit for your situation.

For many families, yes. Research suggests online therapy can be as effective as in person care for many concerns. That said, some situations, especially with young children, may work better in person. Your therapist can help you decide what fits your family.

Generally, a therapist can only treat clients who are physically located in the state where the therapist is licensed at the time of the session. For our practice, that generally means you need to be physically located in Utah during telehealth sessions. Your therapist can explain how this applies to your situation.

Therapy is regulated by the state where you are physically sitting during the session, not where the therapist is. Because our clinicians are licensed in Utah, they generally can only see clients who are in Utah at the time of the session. This is a legal rule, not a preference. If you travel, let your therapist know.

Usually a device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, plus a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space. Your therapist will send instructions for joining the secure video platform.

When offered, telehealth uses a secure, private platform designed to protect your information. Being in a quiet, private room during sessions also helps. Your therapist can explain the specific platform and privacy steps used.

Our practice is located in Alpine, Utah, serving families in Utah County.

Still Have Questions?

If your question is not here, reach out and ask. If you are ready to start, you can browse our therapists and find the right fit for your family.