FAQ's
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist (M.D.), Psychologist (Ph.D.), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Professional Counselor (LPC), and Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC)?
All of these professionals are licensed and trained to provide psychotherapy services. Each has some specialty areas that are unique to their training.
Psychiatrist: This is a medical doctor. Their role is often to do medication assessment, prescription, and medication monitoring.
Psychologist: (PhD) This is a PhD/doctorate level clinician with advanced training in psychology. A psychologist role is often to provide psychological testing and diagnostic assessment.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker: (LCSW) This is a Masters Degree level therapist (MSW), with at least two years post graduate degree experience. Their role is often to be the primary provider of individual, family, and group psychotherapies.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: (LMFT) This is a Masters Degree level therapist with at least two years post graduate degree experience. Their role is often to be the primary provider of individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapies. They have advanced training in family and marital therapy.
Licensed Professional Counselor: (LPC) This is a Masters Degree level therapist with at least two years post degree experience. Their role is often to be the primary provider of individual, family, and group psychotherapies.
Certified Addictions Counselor: (CAC) There are four levels of CAC- CAC I, CAC II, CAC III, and LAC (Licensed Addictions Counselor). Most CAC III and LAC clinicians have a Masters Degree and all have had advanced training in substance abuse treatment.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a special therapeutic process that focuses on children’s need to express themselves through the use of play and toys. Play Therapists have had advanced training in this method utilized for children.
Do you do psychological testing?
No, we do not.
Do you do IQ tests?
No, we do not.
Do you perform mental health examinations?
Yes, we do.
What if I can’t keep a scheduled appointment?
Your family is important to us. We set this time aside just for you so it is important to keep all scheduled appointments. If you are unable to come at your scheduled time, please call your therapist at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or you will be charged for the visit. If you cancel at the last minute or fail to come to an appointment, you will be charged for the visit.
Do we need an authorization from the insurance company to come to your office?
Every insurance plan is different. Please call your insurance company before your first visit to determine if you need an authorization. If they give you an authorization number, please bring the number to your first visit.
How much is my co-pay?
Every insurance plan is different. The only way to determine the amount of co-pay due is for the subscriber to call the member services number on the back of the insurance card and ask about your specific benefits. Please note that co-pays are due at the time of service.
I don’t have insurance. Do you work on a sliding scale?
We have many clients who are self- pay, but we do not have a sliding scale. We are able to refer you to an agency that does have a sliding scale.
Do you take my insurance?
We are contracted with most major insurance companies and are able to work with other smaller companies as well. Please call and ask us if you are unsure.
How often will we need to come in?
This is determined by you and your therapist. Commonly, we will meet weekly at the beginning of treatment and spread out frequency as progress is made. We have clients that meet multiple times per week, and we have clients that meet on an as needed basis only.
Do parents need to come to the appointments?
If your child is 17 or younger, parental involvement is required. The nature and frequency of involvement will be determined by you and your therapist. At Denver Family Therapy Center, we believe that parental involvement is very important in the treatment of children and adolescents.
How long does a session last?
Most therapy sessions will last 50 minutes.
Do your therapists prescribe medication?
No, only an medical doctor can prescribe medicine. Our therapists will help you locate a psychiatrist or coordinate with your Primary Care Physician if you request it. Your insurance company is the best resource for a referral to a psychiatrist who takes your insurance.
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes, we have evening and weekend appointments. Each therapist keeps their own schedule. If you need an evening or weekend appointment, please discuss this with your therapist.
How soon can I get in?
We will see you as soon as possible. We are usually able to schedule your first appointment within a week of your call. Each therapist keeps their own calendar. Therapists are the only ones who can schedule or change your appointment.
How do I choose a therapist?
Please call the referral line (303) 456-0600 ext. 120. We will help you select a therapist to work with your family that takes your insurance plan and is familiar with concerns that you or your family are experiencing.
What is counseling?
The terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably. They are both goal focused conversations with a trained facilitator.
What is family therapy?
This therapy focuses on relationships. It usually involves many members of the family. Couples therapy is considered family therapy. Most instances in which children or adolescents are the “identified patient” utilize a family therapy approach. For example, at Denver Family Therapy Center, parents are always involved in treatment of minors. The nature of involvement is decided by all involved.