Why would I need therapy?

None of us is perfect, and from time to time life can be difficult for all of us. If we are to do our best and get the most out of life, we can all use help, support, and guidance. We can only directly change ourselves. If things are not working for us, we must seek ways to change what we are doing.

Seeking help from skilled, objective therapists is a constructive way to sort through our beliefs, meanings, and feelings, and to learn ways to make better choices.

What is therapy?

Therapy is collaboration between yourself and a trained, skilled mentor who is able to listen objectively to you. Your therapist can help you examine how you think, and see which of your beliefs are helpful or unhelpful to you. This can lead you to make more constructive choices to help you better create the life you want.

In individual therapy, you meet one-on-one with a therapist. With group therapy, you are part of a group led by a professional therapist. Couples therapy involves the couple meeting together with a therapist.

How do I get started with my therapy?

On your first visit, your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your needs, based on your input. Honesty and openness are essential to this process. Together, you and your therapist will develop treatment goals and a treatment plan. To get the most out of your therapy, it is important to follow through on taking the actions agreed to in your plan and honestly sharing with your therapist any difficulties you may encounter during the process.

I have a problem with substance abuse. What can The Resource Group do for me?

The Resource Group has specialized in outpatient substance abuse treatment for 20 years. Your recognition of your problem is a positive sign indicating that you probably will do well in treatment.

At the Resource Group, you and a therapist will make a thorough evaluation of the nature and extent of your substance use problem. At the end of that evaluation, the therapist will make recommendations that have proven helpful for recovery. These may be to the 8-week "Level I Program," to other groups, individual counseling, or our open-ended "Level II/Relapse Prevention Program."

If your condition warrants inpatient detoxification or rehabilitation, the therapist will facilitate a referral to an appropriate facility. In any case, we will prescribe an individualized treatment plan, based on your specific needs.

I have a family member or friend in need of therapy. What can I do to help?

Just listening with an uncritical ear is very helpful. You might suggest that he or she deserves some help in coping with the situation and ask what kind of help you might give. If the person does not know of a good therapist or group, you can direct him/her to this Web site, or suggest you would stand by while he/she makes a call to inquire about an appointment here or elsewhere. Also consider your own situation—you may also benefit from professional therapeutic support while you are supporting your friend or loved one

What is "Level 1?"

Level I is the 8-week introductory group experience for substance abuse recovery at the Resource Group.

Level I offers participants opportunities to examine the pattern and extent of their use of alcohol and/or other substances in a safe and supportive atmosphere. It enables group members to weigh the costs and benefits of their substance use and, if they choose, to reach a decision about their present and future use.

Information is presented about the biological, psychological, and social effects of substance use both on the substance abuser and his or her family. Elements of recovery and factors that lead to relapse are also discussed in the Level I program.

What is "Level II?"

Level II builds on what began in Level I. Meeting once a week, this ongoing group therapy program offers those abstaining from substances support during early recovery.

The Level II program provides opportunities to examine both the challenges and methods of dealing with everyday life without substance use. In an intimate, supportive setting, participants share difficulties they encounter at work, in their families, with their health, and with the legal and other social systems. Methods to strengthen recovery and relapse prevention are discussed. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants and are co-led by two therapists.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a successful new psychotherapeutic technique that uses visual or tactile stimulations to alternately trigger each hemisphere of the brain. This alternate stimulation helps the brain reprocess distressing memories and, as a result, disrupt negative feelings that arise automatically. This reprogramming of automatic reactions brings long-lasting emotional relief for some clients. Many difficulties—such as trauma, loss, anxiety, and depression—can be helped when EMDR is used in combination with a comprehensive treatment program. Whether this is an appropriate treatment for you will need to be determined with your therapist.

If I should require medication, who will prescribe this?

Medications can sometimes be an important adjunct to therapy, and some conditions require them. On staff we have three physicians who are board-certified psychiatrists. If there is a need for medication, one of these doctors will evaluate your situation from a psychiatric standpoint, and if appropriate, prescribe for you. The physician will consult with your therapist and will follow up with you regularly about medication use.

How much does therapy cost?

Click here to download and view our Fee Schedule.
Click here to download and view our Financial Agreement.

Does my health insurance reimburse me for therapy at The Resource Group?

Health insurance plans vary, but yes, most cover services of the Resource Group therapists. Plans that provide out-of-network mental health coverage will reimburse you for our services. When you call and give us your insurance information, our staff can verify your coverage.

Many plans require a co-pay for each visit and have yearly deductibles to be met. As a courtesy, we will automatically file insurance claims for you. Reimbursements come directly to you—not to the Resource Group. HMOs require subscribers to use their own providers and do not offer any out-of-network benefits.

How is payment handled?

We ask that you pay at the time of service and we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards as well as cash and checks. Your insurance company will reimburse you directly.

Other questions

If you have questions other than those covered here, please call our office. Our staff can address most issues. If they cannot, a therapist will be glad to speak with you directly to address your concerns.