Frequently Asked Questions

 

What modes of therapy does Maturity Matters offer?
We can see clients in person, virtually, or a mixture of both. Please let our office know of your preference when calling for an appointment.  

 

 

What insurances do you currently accept?
Medicare, Medicare Plus Blue, Medicare BCN Advantage, BCBS, BCN, Private Pay

Does your clinic offer specialty services?
Yes! Our clinic specializes in working with older or “mature” adults (50 and above) and/or care partners, such as spouses or adult children of people living with chronic health or cognitive conditions. We also have a focus on working with individuals themselves who experience chronic health or grief issues.  Symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, or caregiver burden are common reasons people seek treatment. In addition, we are pleased to offer services to persons concerned about early cognitive loss or diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. All of our services work best when clients are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process and can carry over goals from one week to the next. 

 

What is therapy like?
After your free consultation, your therapist will schedule an intake assessment to explore your life history and current problems. Your therapist will likely weave some of this information in your sessions. Occasionally, clients are given readings or other light “homework” to help with the journey to wellness. Sessions usually meet weekly at first, with a titration down to every other week or monthly, but this is very individualized.
 

What type of therapy does your clinic provide?
Each of our fully licensed master’s level social workers has their own approach to helping their clients. While all of our therapists provide supportive listening and offer a neutral environment to sort out concerns, most of our clinicians also offer a mixture of techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, grief work, mindfulness, and life review.  There is not one approach that works for all clients so you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan together to navigate your individual situation. 

 

What is the purpose of therapy?
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, or caregiver burden are common reasons people seek treatment, especially if these symptoms interfere with relationships, sleep, or home/work life. “Therapy” may also be called counseling, psychotherapy or talk therapy. The National Institute of Health identifies these terms as “treatment that aims to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors”.  While many people can manage these stressors independently, engaging with a therapist is growing in popularity as a way to get neutral support. Seeking therapy is NOT a weakness and by no means indicates incapacity in any way. On the contrary, seeking assistance for emotional health needs takes great strength as you take control of this part of your life.  Many feel that counseling is really just as important as seeking treatment for other medical conditions, given the mind-body connection.

 

How do I know if I need therapy?
Everyone has problems, some big and some small, which can often be sorted out independently or with the support of family, friends, or others. However, when life’s stressors become too large, it can impact your life quite negatively, even impacting physical health such as high blood pressure, sleep, or eating habits, among other things. Chronic stress, low mood, anxiety, and grief can also impact relationships.  Getting support from a professional is a healthy step toward managing your life’s stressors even when the problem itself can’t be cured.  As the saying goes, life is not about your problems but how you approach them…
 

How long does therapy last?
Therapy frequency is different for every person.  Sometimes clients only need a few sessions to  help them review and identify goals to learn strategies for getting there.  However, sometimes clients need many months or even longer to manage their stressors or uncover habits that have led to depressed mood or anxiety.  In many cases, your problems did not just “pop up overnight” so it may take an extended time to assist you with your goals.  Since each person is different, your therapist will help you figure out a schedule that helps you with your needs. 

 

Can Maturity Matters help a person who doesn’t think they need therapy?
Therapy works best for motivated people to try it and who can find time to meet regularly enough to keep the progress moving.  It may take a session or two to confirm that patient and therapist are a “good fit” for each other, but very often, clients will know if therapy will be useful after a few sessions.  

 

Can you prescribe medication? 

Not at this time. Medication management is not a service we currently provide. However, as our practice grows, we may be able to include providers that assist with this request. 

How long is your waitlist?
Like many clinics, we sometimes need to put potential clients on a waitlist. The time frame may depend on your insurance, therapist availability, schedule, and preferred mode of therapy (online vs. in-person).  Most often, we have more virtual visits available than in person but this also varies.