Frequently Asked Questions About Online Eating Disorder Therapy, Body Image Therapy & Trauma Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Eating Disorder Therapy

Stephanie Van Schaick, LMHC, C-DBT, CIMHP

Eating Disorder Therapist & Trauma Therapist

Who knew when you started googling find a therapist near me or find an eating disorder therapist near me that you would have found so many options, and be left with SO many questions? I am here to help!

Why an eating disorder therapist?

This is one I hear a lot! Most people don’t realize that treating Eating Disorders actually is a specialty! Think of it this way, if you have tooth pain, what doctor will you go to? You won’t go to a general physician, or a cardiologist, you’ll go to the dentist. Unfortunately, even in the mental health world, most professionals don’t realize that Eating Disorder treatment is different than treatment for other mental health issues. I have had people come in to my office for an Eating Disorder who sought help prior from a therapist who did not specialize in Eating Disorders. These people actually say they are in a worse place than before they sought treatment. Don’t let this be you and make sure you’re getting the proper help right from the start! For more information on finding the right help, check out my guide; Getting the Proper Help for an Eating Disorder or check out this video guide

Do I “meet the standards” to get help (or do I really need help)? 

You do not have to meet minimum standards to get help. My advice to you is this; if you feel you are struggling AT ALL, you meet the standards to get help! Research is on my side with this because much research shows the EARLIER AN EATING DISORDER IS CAUGHT AND TREATED, THE BETTER THE PROGNOSIS! What does this mean? It means less treatment, less likelihood of needing higher levels of care and a lot less money (because treatment is expensive)!

When should I get help?

The sooner you get help, the better! If you feel you are struggling in any way, shape or form, don’t wait and get help!

How often will I need to come to counseling? 

Great question! I typically see my clients at least once a week. In my experience, this is the when I see the most results in my clients. Sometimes, sessions more than once a week is recommended on an individual basis.

How long will I need to come to counseling? 

There’s not a one-size fits all answer for this. However, I can assure you that we will have regular check-ins throughout our treatment together to assess your progress on your goals and how therapy is working for you.

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

Chances are if you are asking this question, you likely know that you are struggling beyond the average person. The way to know for sure is to book an appointment with an Eating Disorder therapist so that they can properly diagnose you! Here’s my guide to see if you may be struggling with an Eating Disorder, but remember, this is not a diagnosis!

Is online therapy effective?

I have done both in-person and online therapy and have found that I have been able to get the same results for my online clients as my in-person clients! We treat online sessions just as we would if we were in-person. I find that my clients prefer online therapy since they can have therapy in the comfort of their own home or be able to have a session on their break during a busy day. It allows for such flexibility and we can all deal with a little less traffic, am I right?

Can I still get help if I am not local?

I am licensed for the entire states of New York and Florida. Regardless of where you are in New York or Florida, I am able to provide services to you. So whether you’re ON Long Island, upstate or in NYC OR in Ocala, Orlando or Boca Raton, Florida, I can help you!

Will you connect with other health professionals I see?

I believe that collaboration is key to a treatment plan that is best for you! Of course, I will not speak with anyone for whom I do not get your written consent to do so. As long as I have this written consent, I collaborate closely with the other professionals whom you are also working with, including prior therapists, treatment centers, nutritionists, Psychiatrists and doctors! This enables me to get the most comprehensive understanding of you and your needs, so I can best treat you!

Can you prescribe medication? 

No, I am not licensed to prescribe medication. I would refer you to a Psychiatrist or a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for medication management. As explained in the prior answer, I will collaborate with your medication prescriber to coordinate the best care for you.

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider. This means that my practice is paid directly by the client (you). I will provide you with this special receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many of my clients are able to get reimbursed by their insurance companies. If you’re unsure whether your insurance company reimburses, I would recommend contacting them and if you’re still confused, I can provide you with some guidance on our consultation call!

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company? 

Each insurance company has different requirements as to how you get reimbursed. You will need a special receipt that I will provide you for those reimbursements. Some companies request that you fax them in or submit them directly online. Once you are able to get that information from your insurance company, the rest is pretty simple.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available? 

I do not have weekend appointments available at this time. I meet with clients Mondays through Thursdays and do offer evening hours.

Where do sessions take place? 

Sessions can happen anywhere that you have privacy, a good internet connection and no distractions. Some of my clients meet me early while they’re at home and the kids are at school. Others are able to take a break from their work-day, close their office and have a session.

I know it can feel like a big step to call a therapist, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.

Contact me here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation for online eating disorder therapy.

My specialties include online therapy for eating disorders, anorexia therapy, bulimia therapy, binge eating disorder therapy, body image therapy and trauma therapy. Online eating disorder treatment Long Island, NYC and Ocala, Florida. Trauma-focused therapy for adults & PTSD Psychotherapy available online for NY and FL. Contact us today to schedule your free phone consultation for online therapy in New York and Florida.

 

Get started with counseling, today.

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