Dr. Courtney Corrado, PsyD - Existential Psychotherapy in California and Illinois
FAQs
Are you a medical doctor?
No. I hold a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree and am a licensed clinical psychologist, not a medical doctor. My training focuses on psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy rather than medical treatment or prescribing medication.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice and missed appointments are subject to the full session fee. Additional details are available on my Fees page.
Do you offer a sliding scale for cash pay therapy?
I offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments based on individual circumstances and availability. If cost is a concern, you're welcome to ask about current options during your initial consultation.
Can I use insurance to pay for my session?
My practice is private pay, and I do not bill insurance directly. However, if your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. Because coverage varies by plan, I recommend confirming your benefits directly with your insurer.
How do I know if your approach is right for me?
Finding a therapist whose approach resonates with you is an important part of the therapeutic process. My work is relational, insight-oriented, and existentially informed, with an emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of yourself, exploring how your experiences and relationships have shaped the way you see yourself and navigate the world, and recognizing patterns that may be influencing how you live and the choices you make. I encourage you to explore My Therapeutic Approach page and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation if you'd like to learn more about working together.
How long are sessions, and how long does therapy last?
Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. The frequency of appointments depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances, and we'll discuss a schedule that makes sense for you. The overall length of therapy varies from person to person.
What can I expect during the initial consultation?
The complimentary 15-minute consultation provides an opportunity for us to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, what you'd like to address, and whether my approach aligns with your needs. I'll also share a little about how I work and answer any questions you may have. There's no expectation that you share more than you're comfortable with or make a decision about moving forward during our conversation.
What does the first session look like?
Our first session provides an opportunity to explore the concerns and circumstances that have led you to seek therapy, what feels most important to you at this point in your life, and what you'd like to address in our work together. I'll ask questions along the way to better understand your perspective and learn about relevant aspects of your personal history and current circumstances. This initial conversation provides a foundation for our work together, allowing us to begin exploring what matters to you while developing a deeper understanding over time.
What if I've tried therapy before and didn't find it helpful?
Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Different therapeutic approaches can be helpful for different people, concerns, and circumstances, and what works well at one point in life may not be what you need at another. If you've been in therapy before, we can discuss what you found helpful, what may not have resonated with you, and what you're looking for in your experience this time. Understanding your previous experiences can help inform our work together and ensure that your individual needs and preferences remain central to the process.
Can we meet in person?
My practice is exclusively virtual, with all sessions conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You can attend appointments from a private, comfortable location, provided you're physically located in California or Illinois at the time of your session.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship and helps create an environment where you can speak openly about personal concerns and experiences. What you share in therapy is protected by professional ethical standards and applicable privacy laws, with certain legal and safety-related exceptions. We'll review these limits during the informed consent process, and you're always welcome to ask questions about how your privacy is protected.
What do I do if I'm having a crisis right now?
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support, you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
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Click HERE for additional Immediate & Crisis Support resources.