Clients - Northeast Health Services - Transformations Care Network

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Therapy

How soon can I be seen?

No one should have to wait to begin getting well. That’s why we do our best to get you in as quickly and easily as possible. We typically schedule intake appointments within that same week or the following week upon request, but it does depend on both the client and therapist’s availability.

How much does therapy cost?

Transformations Care Network believes mental health is a right, not a privilege. That’s why we’re proud to work with a range of insurance providers to make our treatment accessible to the hearts and minds of many. All our services are also available to you outside of insurance to pay out of pocket.

Do I need a referral to be seen?

Usually, no. Some specific insurance plans may require a referral to be seen by a specialist; however, this is not necessary for most plans. Please contact your insurance provider with any questions.

I only want to be seen for therapy.
Do I have to take medication?

I only want to be seen for therapy. Do I have to take medication?

No, for many clients, therapy alone is an effective treatment. If the need for medication arises in the course of treatment, a referral to one of our physicians can easily be arranged.

I only want to be seen for medication
management. Do I have to participate
in therapy?

I only want to be seen for medication management. Do I have to participate in
therapy?

No, many clients may benefit from medication alone and may not need or want therapy. If the need for therapy arises in the course of treatment, a referral to one of our therapists can easily be arranged.

I already have a therapist but need to see someone about medication. Can I
keep my current therapist?

I already have a therapist but need to
see someone about medication. Can I
keep my current therapist?

Yes, suppose you are currently seeing a therapist and would like to continue working with them. In that case, it is no problem to continue seeing them while seeing a physician or provider at Transformations Care Network.

What is the difference between therapy and psychiatry?

What is the difference between
therapy and psychiatry?

Therapists and psychiatrists have overlapping professions. Both are mental health professionals and dedicated to your well-being and thus, often work together to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Therapists have a doctoral degree in psychology and focus studying the mind and behaviors, whereas, psychiatrists are medical doctors and focus on diagnosing mental illnesses and are licensed to prescribe medications.

What types of therapy do you offer?

There are a number of approaches to talk therapy and some are better-suited to specific types of people and symptoms. For example, some psychotherapies are designed to help you deal with depression or anxiety, while others focus more on helping you overcome problems with relationships or obstacles to greater life satisfaction. Transformations Care Network believes in taking a person-centered approach to understand you as a person and then using a blend of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, integrative, and holistic methodologies to get you the results you desire.

What can I expect from my first appointment with my therapist?

What can I expect from my first
appointment with my therapist?

It’s normal to feel nervous or a little anxious before your first appointment. It’s important to remember that your therapist is there to help and for no other reason than to listen. They’ll want to hear more about why you made the appointment, some of what you’ve done to try and solve the problem, and what you hope to accomplish by engaging in therapy. The first session’s goal is to get to know you as a person, so your therapist may ask about important parts of your life, such as relationships, work, school, and information about your past experiences and background. If you do not feel comfortable — for any reason — please say so, and we will happily find you a better match.

Can I expect to feel better right away?

Every person is different and healing looks different for everyone. Some people begin to feel better as soon as they make that first call or schedule their first appointment. For most, however, therapy takes time and the process can be emotionally draining at times. Though the short-term may feel challenging, keep in mind that the long-term gains of self-esteem, improved relationships, and coping skills will be well worth it.

Will medication change who I am?

It’s a common concern when beginning medication to be fearful of the unknown. It’s true that many people who begin medication report changes in the way they feel and experience life — and for most, that’s a good thing! Mental health medications are designed to address symptoms that are impeding your life. Those symptoms have nothing to do with who you are. In fact, research shows that changes in personality are typically positive as a result from reduction in targeted symptoms which leads to an improved and happier lifestyle.

Should I be concerned about becoming addicted to a new medication?

Should I be concerned about becoming
addicted to a new medication?

For anyone who has previously dealt with addiction this is a valid concern and fear. However, addictions to mental health drugs are not as common as you might think. Research suggests that the majority of behavioral health medications have low abuse potential. When people speak about “depending” on a medication, they are typically referring to the improvements it has brought to their relationships, mood, sleep, appetite, etc. There are some drugs that will produce withdrawal effects when not taken regularly , so it is important — like with any medication prescribed from a physician — to take exactly as prescribed.

Am I abnormal for needing medication?

Medicating mental health conditions are more common than most people realize. In fact, one in every six American adults take medication for their mental health and over 50% of Americans will experience an episode of mental illness in their lives. Every human being depends on a normal flow of neurotransmitters to function and thrive. While some brains produce the correct amounts of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline, etc., others require a little assistance.

What are the biggest risks to taking prescription medication to treat my
mental illness?

What are the biggest risks to taking
prescription medication to treat my
mental illness?

It’s important to take your medication exactly as prescribed and not discontinue your medication when you begin to feel better. Discontinuing abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and serious health concerns. While some people may use medication and therapy for a short period of time to manage symptoms, this is not the case for all people, and some require long-term medication. If you’d like to discontinue medication, let your therapist or psychiatrist know, and they’ll help you safely change your course of medication.

Aren't there a lot of side effects to most mental health prescription
medications?

Most mental health medications affect your neurotransmitter receptors throughout your body to tackle negative symptoms related to mood, attention, and motivation. This means that patterns with hunger, sleep cycles, and motor movements can also be affected. Many side-effects are temporary as your body and system become familiar with the medication. Your provider will help you understand the complete list of pros and cons for each prescription they recommend so that you can make the right choice for your mind and body.

Who needs a psychological test and evaluation?

Who needs a psychological test
and evaluation?

Adults and parents alike seek psychological assessments for themselves and their children for a wide range of reasons. Some may want a better understanding of learning styles and cognitive abilities, while others may want answers to specific questions. If you have questions about whether you, a loved one or your child might benefit from a psychological assessment, contact us for a free consultation to have a qualified professional help you make the best decision for you and your family.

What kinds of tests do you use in a psychological evaluation?

What kinds of tests do you use in a
psychological evaluation?

Psychological testing isn’t a one-size-fits-all or multiple-choice type exam that you either pass or fail. Instead, psychologists use proven frameworks to collect information and assess your symptoms to help them reach a diagnosis. These tests are usually questionnaires or checklists and are often “

How long will the test and evaluation take?

How long will the test and evaluation
take?

The process typically starts with an hour-long intake session during which we collect as much background information as possible. From there, testing is approximately three hours, completed in one session or over several sessions, depending upon need or personal preference. Once the testing is complete, we provide results as quickly as possible.

What can I expect to get out of a psychological assessment?

What can I expect to get out of a
psychological assessment?

Psychological tests and assessments provide a wealth of information about cognitive strengths and weaknesses. You should expect to receive a detailed report that summarizes the tests administered, results, and any diagnostic conclusions based on the results, as well as specific recommendations for the next steps for a healthier well-being.

How is young adult and child therapy different from adult therapy?

How is young adult and child therapy
different from adult therapy?

Kids and teens often learn by doing. With younger kids, this usually means therapy in the form of drawing, playing, and talking. For older kids and teens, therapists typically share ideas and activities to give praise and encouragement as the teens learn. Helping young adults believe in themselves and find their strengths helps them build healthy thinking patterns and behavioral habits.

How long should kids and young adults engage in therapy?

How long should kids and young adults
engage in therapy?

Everyone is different, and how long therapy lasts depends on the goals you and your child’s therapist have set. Most commonly, a therapist will want to meet with your child or teen once a week for a few months up to a year or possibly longer, depending on the specific symptoms and treatment plan.

Should I be directly involved in my child's therapy sessions?

Should I be directly involved in my
child's therapy sessions?

How best to be involved in your child’s therapy primarily depends on their age, the nature of the problem, and whether research supports parental involvement in the type of treatment we are administering. Many treatment plans for younger children support parental involvement, while many situations for older children and adolescents work best when the child and therapist have privacy.

Is TMS safe?

Yes — TMS is a safe and FDA-approved depression treatment. TMS treats your depression without drugs, so it doesn’t have the long list of systemic side effects associated with traditional antidepressant medications. It also is NOT ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), and it does not have memory loss, confusion, and other side effects associated with ECT.More than 1.6 million NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments have been performed, and less than 5 percent of patients reported any side effects. The most common side effect is a headache right after TMS treatment, which goes away after the first week of sessions for most people.

What does TMS treatment feel like?

We administer NeuroStar TMS through a coil positioned gently on your head. You’ll feel a light tapping throughout your treatment session while wearing the coil. TMS treatment does not affect your alertness or memory, and you’re free to go about your day after our session.

What ages can receive TMS?

Age 5 and up. Patients under 18 are evaluated on a case by case basis and may be referred for further specialty care from another provider if necessary.

Have another question? Ask us!

Ask a Question

Tailoring your treatment is our job; guiding you on your journey is our passion

Here for you, whenever you need us

Insurance Partners

Your well-being is always our first priority. Please review and sign this Client Rights & Responsibilities document prior to your treatment.

We’re invested in your well-being

Frequently Asked Questions

“I started really communicating with the person who was treating me. I found that I looked forward to my care.”

Care We Provide

Providers

About Us

Sign up to receive news and guidance for the purpose of wellness from Transformations Care Network