How does treatment work?

Mental Health Treatment with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor starts with an intake evaluation. The evaluation allows the provider to identify concerns and offer various modalities an interventions to address the concerns. The provider and client then use that information to create a treatment plan consisting of treatment goals, preferred interventions, and the expected treatment frequency and length. Follow-up appointments follow the treatment plan. Treatment is extended as needed and treatment termination occurs when all treatment goals have been achieved.

What does an intake evaluation look like?

The provider will ask you about your history and information relevant to your concern. The intake evaluation typically takes 1-3 sessions. At the end of the evaluation the provider will determine a diagnostic impression that provides possible treatment goals.

How is a diagnostic impression different than a diagnosis?

Mental Health professionals who are credentialed to diagnosis psychaitric conditions include Psychiatrists (MDs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Psychologists (PhDs, PsyDs), and Licensed Mental Health Counselors with diagnostic privilege (LMHC-Ds). At this time, Elsa Deutschbein, LMHC, PMH-C does not have diagnostic privilege. However, she is able to provide a diagnostic impression. A diagnosis is an official medical designation that allows providers and insurance companies to document and design treatment. A diagnostic impression a way to document the presenting symptoms that inform a treatment plan. The main distinction is how they are utilized by medical providers and insurance companies. Elsa Deutschbein has not persued diagnostic privilege, at this time, as she provides specialized care and prefers to refer to psychologists when there is a need to rule out and identify a chronic mental health concerns such as ASD, ADHD, CPTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders. She feels the best care comes from a collaborative team, and not a single provider.

What is the total cost of treatment?

The total cost of treatment depends on the presenting concern, the determined treatment plan, and the clients preference. Sometimes clients just want a long-term emotional safety deposit box, sometimes they need short-term, solution based treatment. That is why a tailored treatment approach, designed for each individual client, is utilized.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

For two main reasons:

1. Keeping your medical information secure.

When insurance companies pay for treatment they have access to the clients medical records. Mental health treatment is highly personal and it is harder to keep that information confidential when a company has access.

2. The power to determine appropriate treatment.

When insurance companies pay for treatment they get to determine whether or not treatment is necessary, even if the provider and client disagree. This means the client may receive a sub-standard level of care. Elsa Deutschbein is committed to providing the very best treatment, and therefore believes that it is the client who should control the direction and duration of treatment.

How does Sliding-Scale payment work?

Elsa Deutschbein is committed to making therapy accessible to all clients, regardless on their income. Sliding scale rates are determined by income on a case-by-case basis. Sliding scale is first reserved for current clients experiencing a change in financial circumstances. The availability of a sliding scale rate changes depending on Elsa’s current case load. If you are interested in treatment and would require a reduced rate, please reach out for a consult and Elsa will provide you with payment options, or referrals to providers who may be able to better accommodate your financial needs.

This sounds like a good fit, how do we start treatment?

If you are ready to move forward with your healing journey, please reach out using the contact form and Elsa will reach out to with within 48 business hours to schedule a free consultation. If Elsa determines you are a good candidate for treatment she will schedule an intake evaluation after the consult. She looks forward to working with you!