Looking for more information about therapy with Sierra Dator, LCSW? Please read below.

Information on the length of therapy sessions

Typically an individual or family counseling session lasts 50 minutes. Usually a session with a child lasts between 45 to 50 minutes.

Will therapy work for me?

Therapy works for a variety of individuals and families in creating positive changes and understanding more about themselves. There is no guarantee regarding the outcome of therapy.  However, the client’s motivation and life circumstances will create the opportunity for a desired change. Often times other insights come to light and changes that one did not even know they were desiring can occur.

Therapy is a collaborative process.  An open and honest relationship between you and your therapist is essential for therapy to be successful. Sometimes therapy is uncomfortable as people face difficult challenges and realities of their situations. It is important to talk with your therapist about your feelings. Sometimes it takes two steps backward to move one step forward toward growth and desired changes.

Information about what to expect in the first therapy session with Sierra Dator, LCSW

You can expect a warm, friendly experience upon starting an appointment with Sierra. You’ll talk about what brought you to therapy and how she may be of help. You’ll discuss the logistics of therapy. Also the initial forms you completed before your appointment are addressed. You are free to ask any questions. You will always be respected in your comfort level of what you want to share with her. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled if both parties agree that they would like to move forward in working together.

Information about medication and therapy

Many ideas exist on how to treat different symptoms people are dealing with. Medication in combination with therapy has proven to be successful for many people. On the other hand, there are other thoughts on how to work with symptoms. These include other health professionals like homeopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors, body workers, acupuncturists, and other trained professionals. Medication is never pushed but may be discussed based on the severity of the symptoms.  Sierra will support you on what direction and modalities you want to take. She gives recommendations based on her experience of what could be helpful. Sierra will honor your decisions in your own care.

What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California has a Master’s Degree from an accredited university school of Social Work. Upon completion, 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience and 104 weeks of clinical supervision must be obtained under a licensed professional. After the hours are obtained, mandated course work and two licensing exams are passed in order to apply for a license. In order to maintain this license, at least 32 hours of continuing education credits are obtained.  Then a renewal form with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences is submitted. You can verify a license here.  Information about therapy and social workers can be found here. 

Information on the length of therapy

The length of therapy cannot be precisely determined.  It is based on what the needs of the person or family are. These needs can change as treatment progresses. For example, a parent may initially look for help for their teenager who is dealing with depression. It may come up after building a trusting relationship that the teen suffered a trauma. Then possibly the parents get a divorce. Often there are layers to what people come into counseling for. As therapy continues, feel free to discuss with your therapist the length of therapy and their recommendations.

Cost of therapy with Sierra and information on what forms of payment she accepts

The cost per 50 minute session is $225.  For many individuals, therapy is tax deductible.  Acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, credit card, and HSA accounts.

Insurance information

Sierra is currently in network with Medicare. She accepts payments for those with an HSA account. She also accepts PPO plans and offers out of network coverage. Please keep in mind insurance companies do have access to your confidential information. If choosing to use your benefit, this information may become part of your permanent health record. Using your insurance is a personal choice. This should be discussed with your therapist prior to the first session. Insurance companies will often limit the number of sessions allowed. In some cases, this can cut therapy short when there is still work to be done. Because of these reasons, many individuals/families opt out of using insurance. You can contact your insurance company for information about therapy and what they cover.

Want more information or to schedule with Sierra?

You can contact her here.