Frequently Asked Questions

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Spring Forward Psychotherapy, LLC is a subscription based psychotherapy practice that provides individual therapy for adults and teens (14 and older) in either outdoor park settings ("walk and talk") or teletherapy for Delaware or Pennsylvania residents.  I focus on treating symptoms that cause mental distress.  

Spring Forward Psychotherapy, LLC is NOT the right practice for you if any of the following is true:

• You are in an urgent crisis or an emergency situation
• You are experiencing psychotic symptoms or have recently (in the past year) have been having suicidal ideation and/or attempts.
• You are required to undergo therapy either by a court order or by any other authority
• You are seeking a formal diagnosis/evaluation.

This model is subscription based because self-care can get lost in decision fatigue.  When you pay an automatic monthly fee, you have an external motivation to prioritize your self care.   You can unsubscribe and change subscription packages at any time.    Here are some other benefits of a subscription based service.

1. Consistent Support: With a subscription, individuals can access regular mental health support, whether it's through your live session time or with access to messaging throughout the month. Consistency in seeking help can lead to more significant progress in managing mental health issues.
2. Flexibility and Convenience: Subscribers can  access the services from the comfort of their own home, or in a nature setting, with flexible frequency of sessions (and messaging is available at any time). 
3. Continuity of Care: Subscription-based programs  provide ongoing support, which is particularly helpful for individuals dealing with chronic mental health conditions or those who require long-term support to manage their symptoms effectively.
4. Preventive Approach: Regular access to mental health resources through a subscription can encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help at the earliest signs of distress. This preventive approach can help address issues before they escalate into more severe problems.
5. Reduced Wait Times: In traditional mental health settings, there may be long waiting lists for appointments with therapists. Subscription-based platforms can often provide quicker access to support, reducing the time between seeking help and receiving assistance. 

At this time, I do not accept insurance. If you have "out of network" coverage in your insurance plan, see below about the ability to submit for reimbursement with Superbilling.  

The cost of the subscription is comparable to some co-pays and there are no limits to how long therapy goes on or required diagnosis to receive services. 

Coverage and benefits for traditional therapy and therapy services change from one health insurance company to another and from plan to plan, but generally the following rules apply:

• With many health insurance plans, coverage can be partial or very limited to specific services.
• In many cases, before you can get reimbursed by your insurance company, you  have to be diagnoses with a mental disorder or issue. This diagnosis would be sent to the insurance company and recorded in your medical file. In some cases, the therapist would also have to provide additional clinical information to the insurance company, such as treatment plans, summaries or copies of the entire record in order to receive any reimbursement. This subscription plan ensures your information is completely confidential and no information is shared with third parties for billing purposes.

I offer comparable pricing options in the subscriptions ranging from $116-$250 per session (and all packages include access to unlimited messaging in the portal) .

You are able to pay for the services with either an FSA  to help offset costs to you. If you use an HSA, check with your plan if this service would be eligible.

SUPERBILLS 

Upon request, I am able to create a Superbill, which is a receipt of services that you can submit on your own to your insurance company for reimbursement for an out of network provider.   You are responsible for contacting your insurance to learn your specific out of network benefits as they differ between plans. (Reimbursement rates can range from 60-80% of session cost).  You will need to have a formal diagnosis as part of your care in this practice in order to submit claims to your insurance company.  You can view more information on how this works here ..https://www.goodrx.com/insurance/health-insurance/superbill-therapy or with this helpful video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwGJdKffpI

I do NOT provide formal evaluations, court documentation, disability services, etc.  This practice is not appropriate for those who are looking for a full evaluation for an IEP, court documentation or other formal services.  This is a space for those who are looking for talk therapy.  

To schedule an appointment or find out more about subscription packages with Spring Forward Therapy, LLC, please connect via the Contact page, or email karen@springforwardde.org or call or text 302-468-6524.

This is a flexible model.  Walking therapy is very beneficial in many ways (see below), but so is being outside in nature.  If you have mobility issues or you are not interested in walking, we can still have therapy in nature settings.  Here are just a few of the many benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy...

1. Physical and mental well-being: Walking in nature can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and increases the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and overall well-being.
2. Enhanced connection: Walking side by side in a natural environment can create a more relaxed and less intimidating atmosphere, making it easier for clients to open up and connect with thier therapists. This can lead to more productive and meaningful therapeutic conversations.
3. Stimulating creativity and problem-solving: Being outdoors in a natural setting can stimulate creativity and help clients see their challenges from different perspectives, leading to more innovative and effective problem-solving during therapy sessions.
4. Increased openness and self-expression: Some clients find it easier to talk about their feelings and emotions while engaging in physical activity, as the movement can provide a sense of comfort and distraction, making it less daunting to discuss sensitive topics.
5. Reduction of therapy stigma: Walk and talk therapy can be appealing to individuals who might be hesitant about traditional therapy settings. The outdoor aspect and less clinical environment may attract those who would otherwise avoid seeking help due to perceived stigma.
6. Incorporation of mindfulness: Being in nature can encourage mindfulness and grounding, promoting present-moment awareness, and allowing clients to focus on their emotions and experiences.
7. Symbolic reflections: The natural environment can serve as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and transformation, aiding clients in understanding and addressing their emotional challenges in a symbolic manner.
8. Physical activity benefits: Apart from the therapeutic advantages, the physical activity itself contributes to better cardiovascular health, improved fitness levels, and potentially reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
9. Flexibility and diversity: Walk and talk therapy can be adapted to suit individual preferences and needs. Clients can choose different outdoor locations, activities, or paces, allowing for a more personalized therapeutic experience.
10. Combining therapy with lifestyle improvement: This form of therapy promotes integrating mental health care with an active lifestyle, encouraging clients to spend more time outdoors, which can have long-term benefits for their overall well-being.

Overall, walk and talk therapy offers a unique and refreshing approach to traditional psychotherapy, combining the benefits of physical activity, nature exposure, and therapeutic dialogue to support clients in their journey towards healing and personal growth.

The benefit of this model is having a lot of flexibility to use your session time within a month.  If you are interested in having your session outdoors for a walk and talk, I am able to meet in most types of weather, but I will not compromise our safety in conditions such as; lightning, hail, ice, or flooding.  We can easily shift to teletherapy if any of those situations arise or if possible, reschedule to another day in the month for outdoor therapy.