FAQs

We offer BOTH in-office and telehealth appointments! Our office is located in a comfortable and welcoming environment for those clients who prefer face-to-face sessions. We are conveniently located near the Gandy Bridge and 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, making us easily accessible to the greater Tampa Bay area. We also offer virtual sessions for clients who may not be able to make it to our office or prefer the convenience of online therapy. Telehealth sessions can be easily accessed via smart phone, tablet, or computer, eliminating the need to travel to our physical location. We utilize a secure and HIPAA compliant platform to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of your sessions.

Deciding to seek help from a therapist can be a difficult decision, but it can also be one of the most important steps you can take to improve your mental health and well-being. Therapy can be helpful for individuals who are struggling with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and more. At Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness we strive to work collaboratively with our clients to improve overall wellness and coping. If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced therapists to answer any questions you have about the therapy process. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and you don't have to struggle alone.

We believe that investing in your mental health is a worthwhile and valuable choice, and understand that financial constraints are real. We are committed to providing high-quality and compassionate care that is tailored to your individual needs. Although our licensed psychologist's accept Aetna corporate insurance through Headway,(https://headway.co/) we are considered a self-pay practice. We accept multiple forms of payment including cash, credit card, check, and Health Savings Account (HSA). Private pay offers an added layer of confidentiality, as we do not share you or your child's records with insurance companies and you have control over the length of therapy. We can provide you with a super bill, or receipt of services, that you can submit to your provider for potential out of network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider to find out details about your out of network mental health benefits, as we do not guarantee any reimbursement. Here are some questions to ask your insurance provider before scheduling: • What are my mental health benefits? • Do I need approval/pre-authorization from my primary care physician? • How much does my plan pay for an out of network provider? • How many sessions does my plan cover?

Yes, we are authorized providers for the Step Up FES-UA Scholarship (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities) for both psychotherapy and testing services. • We are NOT providers for the FTC-EO or FTC-PEP scholarships. • To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Step Up website.(https://www.stepupforstudents.org/) • For step-by-step video instructions, click here.(https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9N9twC2I7GFhtTBbdNeTLyZLqkT-R98&feature=shared) • If you are an existing Step Up Scholarship recipient, you can find guidance on locating providers and services in the Step Up Marketplace here.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBfRKp6Znm4) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d8fbb9_124f1859e6ff4acdac423b426f683691~mv2.jpg

We accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit card, check, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Our licensed psychologists also accept Aetna corporate insurance through Headway. In addition, we are authorized providers for the Step Up FES-UA Scholarship for both psychotherapy and testing services. • To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Step Up website.(https://www.stepupforstudents.org/) • For step-by-step video instructions, click here.(https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9N9twC2I7GFhtTBbdNeTLyZLqkT-R98&feature=shared) • If you are an existing Step Up Scholarship recipient, you can find guidance on locating providers and services in the Step Up Marketplace here.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBfRKp6Znm4) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d8fbb9_124f1859e6ff4acdac423b426f683691~mv2.jpg

Going through transitions, losses, and life stressors can be hard! As a result, you can expect to see some changes in overall well-being, such as moodiness or anxiety, that are considered normal. While every child is different, there are some common signs that indicate therapy may be a good next step to prevent things from getting worse, such as: • Increased withdrawal and isolation • Irritability or changes in mood • Increase in risky behaviors • Changes in sleep or eating • Significant life changes • Decreased academic or work performance Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy for your child is a personal one. If you have concerns about your child's mental health or well-being, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss your options and determine if therapy is the right choice for your child.

Helpful therapy is involves teamwork, so it's important to have a good match between you and your therapist. Once credentials and experience are confirmed, you want to feel comfortable opening up and expressing your thoughts. You can use the free, 15-minute phone consultation to ask any questions you have and get a chance to gauge the goodness of fit between your goals and the therapist's approach. The American Psychological Association suggests you ask the following questions when searching for a psychologist: • Are you a licensed psychologist? How many years have you been practicing psychology? • I have been feeling (anxious, tense, depressed, etc.) and I'm having problems (with my job, my marriage, eating, sleeping, etc.). What experience do you have helping people with these types of problems? • What are your areas of expertise — for example, working with children and families? • What kinds of treatments do you use, and have they been proven effective for dealing with my kind of problem or issue? • What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on 50-minute session.) • What types of insurance do you accept?

As a parent, it can be challenging to talk to your teen about therapy. Here are some tips that can help you navigate this conversation: 1. Start by expressing your concerns. Let your teen know that you've noticed they may be struggling with certain issues and that you want to help them find support. 2. Emphasize that therapy is a safe and confidential space where they can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions. 3. Explain that therapy is a proactive step towards improving their mental health and overall well-being. 4. Address any common misconceptions about therapy. For example, some teens may believe that therapy is only for "crazy" or "weak" people. Reassure them that therapy is for anyone who wants to work on themselves and that seeking help is a sign of strength. 5. Involve your teen in the decision-making process. Let them know that you respect their opinion and that you want them to feel comfortable with their therapist. Remember, it's important to approach this conversation with openness, empathy, and patience. If your teen is resistant to the idea of therapy, try to listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy is up to them, but as a parent, you can support and encourage them along the way. Check out our blog post for more information on Talking to a Resistant Teen About Therapy.(https://www.drpattyrusso.com/post/talking-to-a-resistant-teen-about-therapy)

Before the first session you will be emailed a link to the secure client portal to complete online paperwork and consents. The initial therapy session is 50 minutes long. The aim is to get to know you, your concerns, and what you would like to get out of therapy going forward. We strive to create an open, judgment-free environment where you will feel comfortable to take steps towards making healthy changes together. Your therapist will ask you questions, answer your questions, and go over confidentiality, practice policies, and personal history. When you arrive to the office have a seat (feel free to grab a cup of water, tea, or coffee), and your therapist will be out to greet you for the start of the session.

The length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. For some, therapy may last 3-4 months, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. It is important to remember that therapy is a process and progress may take time. We recommend weekly sessions starting off to help establish rapport and a create a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals. As goals are being met or based on your current needs, sessions can increase or decrease. At Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness we believe in a client-centered approach, and we will regularly evaluate your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. We encourage open communication and feedback throughout the therapy process to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care.

Sessions are offered Monday through Friday. Appointment times are available in the morning, afternoon, and late evening to accommodate work, school, and extracurricular activities. Please contact Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness to discuss scheduling options that work best for your needs.