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Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see the answer to your questions below? Use our contact page to reach out to me directly with your questions, comments, and/or concerns. 

  • How do I schedule a teletherapy appointment?
    If you are interested in scheduling a free 30-minute consultation (via teletherapy), click the link below (or send an email to: info@lucboudreau.com). The purpose of our first meeting would be to learn more about what’s going on in your life and to answer any questions you may have about doing therapy together. During that consultation, if we decide to work together, we would then find a time that fits both of our schedules and I would send you the new client paperwork via email (just like I would if we were meeting in person). Click here to schedule your consultation now.
  • Does teletherapy work?
    I have found teletherapy can be a very effective form of therapy and can even have some unique benefits (for example, minimizing commuting and scheduling advantages). At the same time, teletherapy isn’t for everyone. My commitment is that if for a specific reason I do not believe teletherapy would be a viable option, I will communicate this and we can discuss further.
  • Is teletherapy video or phone calls?
    I conduct teletherapy sessions via a secure videoconferencing platform which includes audio and video conferencing capabilities. I currently do not conduct therapy sessions via telephone.
  • How do I to teletherapy “right”?
    There isn’t necessarily one right way to do teletherapy. However, there are some things you can do that will help. For example, having a private space in which you can talk freely is very important. As another example, turning off notifications can also help minimize digital distractions. During either our phone consultation or our first session, I’m happy to address any questions or concerns you might have regarding how to get the most out of your teletherapy sessions.
  • How many sessions are usually recommended for psychotherapy?
    The answer to this question is dependent on your situation, your goals and preferences. Some people benefit from just a few sessions while others come in weekly or biweekly over a year. On average, most people completing CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) need about 6-10 weeks to build up their resiliency skills however; some may require more particularly when their issues are more complex or if they don’t regularly commit to practicing. There is no set timeframe however this is something we can discuss further together based on your goals.
  • What is CBT – Cognitive Behavioral therapy?
    For more than 4 decades (and over hundreds of clinical trials), CBT has been clinically tested and proven to help treat many different mental health conditions. Today, CBT is considered to be the gold standard in evidence-based psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is about developing resilience and coping skills. CBT can be an effective way to improve your frame of mind. The concept behind CBT is recognizing the negative or distorted thoughts we have and understanding how realistic they actually are. Because our thoughts, feelings and behaviors can influence each other, we can change how we feel by identifying how they are related and what they trigger. CBT helps us manage our feelings, so we may develop a happier and healthier outlook on life.
  • Do you take insurance?
    I do not take insurance but can provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider.
  • Is Psychotherapy and/or Occupational Therapy covered by extended benefits?
    Your plan may include any of these coverages, or you may have a health care spending account as part of your benefits. Check with your benefits provider to find out more information.
  • What will our first meeting look like?
    Many people have a fear that they will need to “spill their guts” and disclose deep, dark secrets and prior painful memories in the first session. While this sometimes happens, you can think of our first meeting more as an opportunity for you to tell me about yourself, what is bringing you in to therapy, and other pertinent information that will help us begin to create a plan together. The initial meeting is also an opportunity for you to further decide if I am a good fit for your therapy needs, and I make sure to leave time to answer questions you may have about therapy.
  • What do I need to do to prepare for our first meeting?
    First, I want to acknowledge that for many people, the first therapy meeting can create significant stress and anticipatory anxiety, even if you are really excited and hopeful about therapy. In terms of preparation, the good news is that your biggest task is simply to show up to the session and try to show up on time. Optionally, you can write down or otherwise make note of any areas in your life you want to make sure we discuss. I also like to mention here that I believe part of my role as a therapist is to keep us on track. Some clients can have a fear that they are “not doing therapy right.” There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do therapy, but I am always committed to thinking about if what we are doing is contributing to healing.
  • Can I record our sessions (either via audio or video)?
    No – unless pre-approved by the therapist in writing.
  • Is what I say during therapy confidential?
    Yes. The honesty and privacy of the process are critical to its success. The only circumstance under which confidentiality may be broken occurs when someone is at risk of harm to self or others. Although many therapists discuss client issues with senior therapists and experts in the field, these discussions are strictly confidential. Do not hesitate to discuss your confidentiality concerns with me.
  • Do I need a physican’s referral?
    No. You do not need a doctor’s referral to schedule a psychotherapy session. However, if you have an insurance plan that covers treatment with a psychotherapist, your insurer may require a doctor’s note prior to a therapy session. Check with your insurer to see if this is the case.
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