Melinda Messina, MA

Common Questions


Why do people seek therapy?
People mainly seek therapy for positive change. If depression, stress, grief, lack of confidence, relationship/family issues, or any other parts of your life interfere with your happiness, therapy is a great step to take. While we all encounter daily ups and downs, it’s important that we don’t let those downs overtake our life enjoyment. Therapy will also benefit those just seeking to enhance self-awareness, promote positive growth, and pursue the maximum quality of life.

What can I expect in a therapy session?
You can expect a safe, open, and supportive environment to discuss the primary concerns and issues in your life. Sessions generally occur once a week and last 50 minutes, but can vary depending on your needs. The initial visit is an opportunity for me to gain understanding on your current situation, your past, how it might play a role in your struggles, your goals, and the issues you wish to work on. Throughout therapy, we will confront your struggles, break destructive patterns, uncover your strengths, and work to develop a positive change in your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Often, this will require certain behavior and action on your part inside and outside of our therapy sessions.

What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
It’s beneficial to have goals when entering therapy, even if they are vague or broad. More important is the willingness to create goals. As we work together, we will identify the main issues, and work towards clarifying and specifying goals and solutions throughout therapy.

Is therapy confidential?
The relationship between a client and psychotherapist is confidential, protected by law, and only shared between these two individuals, unless the client wishes to discuss details with family, friends, or other individuals. Information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Three exceptions include:
  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse dependent adult or elder abuse
  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion that you may present a danger of violence to others
  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken
How can I pay for therapy?
I accept cash, checks, credit cards, and insurance plans. If you plan to use insurance, you will need to check with your insurance company about:
  • Whether or not I’m a provider under your plan
  • Whether or not your plan has coverage for mental health
  • Does your plan require pre-authorization (if so, ask for an authorization number)
  • What amount is left on your deductible (if you have one) this year
  • What’s your copay and/or coinsurance per visit
  • Limitations on coverage.  For example:
    • number of visits per year covered
    • number of visits per week covered
    • maximum dollar benefit per year
  • Claims address for mental health
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Depending on the situation, a combination of psychotherapy and medication can be effective; however, medication alone is usually not a long-term solution to a deep-rooted issue. Most mental and emotional struggles require exploration, self-awareness, analysis, and development or change in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For specific situations, speaking with a therapist and your medical doctor will determine the best overall solution.

How long will I need to be in therapy?
There’s no one answer for this. The amount of therapy necessary depends on how deep-rooted your issue is, how long it’s been occurring, how much of an impact it has on you, and other factors. If you’ve been struggling for a long time with depression, anxiety, low self esteem or other significant problem, we will need to spend a longer period of time to treat the problem. If the issue recently developed due to a negative change in your life, and you have not struggled with psychological issues throughout your past, the length of therapy may be shorter. The initial visit is a good opportunity to begin diagnosing how much therapy is needed to work toward a more positive life.

Is therapy right for me?
Therapy is right for anyone seeking positive change and gaining the most out of their life. There are different reasons for everyone who comes to therapy. These reasons can vary from wanting to overcome low self-esteem or long-term depression to resolving a recent occurrence like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Therapy can help you:
  • Gain better awareness of yourself, your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, values, and goals
  • Improve your relationships with friends, family, and other loved ones
  • Improve your communication and interaction skills
  • Resolve recurring conflict or issues in your life
  • Enhance positive thought and attitude patterns
  • Generate core happiness in your life