Patricia Robinson MFT
Questions About Therapy and Coaching
What's the difference between therapy and coaching?
I offer therapy to adults, children, teenagers, and parents from my northern California office, with a focus on special needs, like Asperger's, autism, ADHD and the siblings of special needs kids. As a therapist, I help adults, children and teens deal with issues like anxiety, sadness or depression, and loneliness, as well as life skills like organization and social issues. Therapy can also be called counseling or psychotherapy.
I also provide coaching nationwide, in person, over the phone, or through computer video calls, for teens and adults with Asperger's or autism and the parents of kids on the autism spectrum. In my coaching practice I focus on your practical goals like how to succeed in college or work, how to get the recognition you deserve from bosses or colleagues, and how to get a social life that balances your need for friends with time to recharge alone. For more information on coaching, please visit my blog: Around the Autism Spectrum.
Does going to therapy mean there’s something wrong with me or my child?
Of course not! Many people go to therapy, and it says nothing about them, other than that they got help for some problem. I can work with people who have a diagnosis of a mental disorder, but since I don’t prescribe medication or have to talk to an insurance company I don’t need to give my clients a diagnosis.
Is my session confidential?
As a therapist, I am required to keep our sessions confidential; even the fact that you are, or are not, my client is confidential. There are a few specific exceptions to confidentiality which all therapists are required to follow. If confidentiality is a concern, please call me up and we can discuss the specifics over the phone before starting therapy.
In coaching, I follow the ethics of the profession, and of course, that includes respecting your privacy.
Do you accept insurance?
I’ve chosen not to join any insurance panels but that doesn't mean you can't use your insurance. Generally, insurance covers medically necessary treatment. Usually, the insurance company dictates the terms and length of treatment. It’s up to you to determine how much control you want to give to the insurance company. If you have a PPO, POS or Indemnity plan, I can provide a bill for therapy so you may be able to get coverage for an out of network provider. Give me a call and I'll discuss your situation with you.
Generally, coaching is not covered by insurance, but check with your insurance or employer.
How long does therapy take?
That’s up to you. Together, we’ll set goals and determine a plan, which we can review periodically. Although I’ll make recommendations, I want you to feel in control of your treatment. For example, if you’re looking for simple parenting tips you may be able to see results in one visit. If you're dealing with depression or anxiety, it will probably take longer.
To schedule an appointment, a consultation, or to find out more information, please contact me at:
Patricia Robinson MFT
(925) 915-0924
9000 Crow Canyon Road, Suite S-284
Danville, CA 94506
patricia@patriciarobinsonmft.com
What's the difference between therapy and coaching?
I offer therapy to adults, children, teenagers, and parents from my northern California office, with a focus on special needs, like Asperger's, autism, ADHD and the siblings of special needs kids. As a therapist, I help adults, children and teens deal with issues like anxiety, sadness or depression, and loneliness, as well as life skills like organization and social issues. Therapy can also be called counseling or psychotherapy.
I also provide coaching nationwide, in person, over the phone, or through computer video calls, for teens and adults with Asperger's or autism and the parents of kids on the autism spectrum. In my coaching practice I focus on your practical goals like how to succeed in college or work, how to get the recognition you deserve from bosses or colleagues, and how to get a social life that balances your need for friends with time to recharge alone. For more information on coaching, please visit my blog: Around the Autism Spectrum.
Does going to therapy mean there’s something wrong with me or my child?
Of course not! Many people go to therapy, and it says nothing about them, other than that they got help for some problem. I can work with people who have a diagnosis of a mental disorder, but since I don’t prescribe medication or have to talk to an insurance company I don’t need to give my clients a diagnosis.
Is my session confidential?
As a therapist, I am required to keep our sessions confidential; even the fact that you are, or are not, my client is confidential. There are a few specific exceptions to confidentiality which all therapists are required to follow. If confidentiality is a concern, please call me up and we can discuss the specifics over the phone before starting therapy.
In coaching, I follow the ethics of the profession, and of course, that includes respecting your privacy.
Do you accept insurance?
I’ve chosen not to join any insurance panels but that doesn't mean you can't use your insurance. Generally, insurance covers medically necessary treatment. Usually, the insurance company dictates the terms and length of treatment. It’s up to you to determine how much control you want to give to the insurance company. If you have a PPO, POS or Indemnity plan, I can provide a bill for therapy so you may be able to get coverage for an out of network provider. Give me a call and I'll discuss your situation with you.
Generally, coaching is not covered by insurance, but check with your insurance or employer.
How long does therapy take?
That’s up to you. Together, we’ll set goals and determine a plan, which we can review periodically. Although I’ll make recommendations, I want you to feel in control of your treatment. For example, if you’re looking for simple parenting tips you may be able to see results in one visit. If you're dealing with depression or anxiety, it will probably take longer.
To schedule an appointment, a consultation, or to find out more information, please contact me at:
Patricia Robinson MFT
(925) 915-0924
9000 Crow Canyon Road, Suite S-284
Danville, CA 94506
patricia@patriciarobinsonmft.com