Can we meet virtually?
Dr. Gall is authorized to see clients virtually in most states in the US through an interjurisdictional agreement between state psychologist boards called PSYPACT.
Please check here for the most updated information. Current PSYPACT states include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Interns are only able to see clients virtually if they are physically located within the state of Colorado at the time of the therapy session.
How do I find the right therapist?
Research indicates that client-therapist fit is one of the most important factors in the success of therapy. It is essential that you feel safe, connected, and have trust in your therapist’s ability to help you. Every therapist is different and you may need to interview a few to find the best fit for you.
Consider each therapist’s approach. Listen to them describe how they think problems develop, what psychological health looks like, how they see the roadmap to reaching that goal in therapy, and any techniques they use to help you achieve your goals. There should be a solid research base underlying their approach and it should feel like a good fit for your needs and personality.
There are many Master’s-level therapists. What is different about seeing a psychologist?
As a client, it is important to be informed about the different types of therapists in Colorado. We recommend seeking a mental health professional who is licensed, as that is an indication they have met minimum standards for independent practice. Consider if you would like a therapist with a Master’s degree, such as a counselor, marriage and family therapist, or social worker (typically two years of training) or if a psychologist with a doctorate (typically four years of training after a Master’s degree is completed) would be more appropriate for your mental health needs. Licensed psychologists have additional training in psychological testing and assessment, conducting and evaluating research and writing a dissertation, teaching at the graduate level, training in the theory and practice of clinical supervision, and advanced training in the theory and practice of therapy.
How is therapy different from coaching or psychiatry?
Psychiatry
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who provides medication management for mental health-related concerns. Some psychiatrists are also trained in the practice of psychotherapy. Commonly prescribed medications for mental health include antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medication, and antipsychotics.
Coaching
A coach, such as a life coach, relationship coach, or parenting coach, typically has a future-focused orientation. Coaches help with decision-making, setting intentions, motivation and getting unstuck, and strategies for achieving goals. In Colorado, coaching is an unregulated profession, meaning that anyone may call themselves a coach and there is no legal/ethical oversight or expectation of confidentiality. Coaches may not legally engage in work that is considered psychotherapy, such as addressing underlying or past issues that are causing mental or emotional distress, providing treatment for mental health concerns, or relieving emotional distress.
Therapy
Psychotherapy is the scientific treatment of mental disorders. The goal of therapy is to resolve psychological problems, provide symptom relief, effect personality change, increase wellbeing and functioning, and reduce future symptomatic episodes. Therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, when there is a solid therapeutic relationship, and when client characteristics and culture are taken into account. Research consistently supports that a range of therapeutic approaches are effective for diverse individuals, groups, couples, and families, with a variety of issues and problems, across the lifespan. Overall, the effects of therapy last longer than the effects of psychiatric medication, well beyond the end of therapy. Therapeutic approaches are based in research, and therapists minimize advice-giving and making recommendations based on their personal experiences. Therapy is legally privileged and confidential with the exception of imminent safety concerns.
What is your stance on medication?
Medication can be a useful tool in your toolbox. Yet treating symptoms without addressing the underlying cause can leave you frustrated or in an endless search to find the "right" medication. Medication can often jump-start the therapy process so it is more efficient and can help your brain be ready to create lasting change. We can refer you to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specializing in providing medication for mental health issues), if appropriate, so we can collaborate to meet your needs.
What are the benefits of private-pay therapy?
Using insurance benefits is a convenient and potentially inexpensive way to gain access to mental health care. However, many clients report challenges accessing available therapists even with insurance, whether due to high caseloads or high deductibles and copays. Research suggests clients who find their therapist via insurance are less satisfied than those with more choices available. With a better fit, psychotherapy will be deeper, more efficient, and have longer-lasting results.
For many clients, private pay may be cheaper in the long run, especially if you have a high deductible insurance plan. Private pay allows you and your therapist to tailor therapy to your unique needs and circumstances. In fact, insurance companies dictate certain types of treatment without taking your personal situation into account, impose session limits, and require access to your confidential medical file. They do not cover every diagnosis and may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for the bill. The hassle of this back-and-forth negotiation, confusing billing systems, poor customer service, and even finding a provider who takes your insurance to return your call can be stressful and time-consuming.
We can provide you with a superbill (a detailed invoice with a diagnosis) which you may submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement. Any arrangements are handled directly between you and the insurance company. We recommend asking the following questions to your insurance company:
What are my mental health benefits?
Do you accept out-of-network providers?
How much do you reimburse for an out-of-network provider?
Do I need approval from my primary care physician?
We are also happy to connect potential clients with community referrals that offer sliding scale payment systems.
What are your rates?
50-minute session: $195 (prorated for longer sessions)
80-minute intake session: $350 (for all new clients)
50-minute session with Master’s-level intern therapist: $125
Greenlake Psychology is a fee-for-service practice and does not accept insurance. If you are in financial need, please inquire about pro bono services. We provide services by appointment only and am not available for after-hours or crisis management.
Cancellation policy: 48 hours advance notice is required for cancellations, otherwise the full session fee will be charged.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of services. Click below for more information.
