Frequently Asked Questions

Our first session is called an intake appointment where I will ask questions about your history and what brings you to therapy. By the second session we will have set a therapy goal (or two or three) together. and you will be doing most of the talking. I will be prompting you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and actions, particularly the helpful and not-so-helpful ones. I will be looking for patterns and themes in your life and focus in on your strengths. I will encourage you to explore how your earlier life experiences impact your life today and how you respond to stressors. We will also work together in identifying your values and making plans to create small, meaningful changes in your life that add up to big changes over time. During our sessions, I might call attention to interactive patterns I see playing out between us and prompt you to think about how these patterns play out in other relationships. I will be asking you to connect to how your body feels when you experience certain emotions. Many times, I will recommend small tasks I call “therapy homework” to help you carry over what you are learning in session into your every day life outside of session. And yes I will be asking you “how does that make you feel?” and if you need an emotion chart don’t you worry! I have tons of charts and visuals to help you out.

Yes. I set aside a certain percentage of my time slots for clients in need of sliding scale fees. If my sliding scale time slots are full, I am happy to put you on a waitlist.

The therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect and biggest predictor of success in therapy. To determine if we are a good fit, please feel free to read over the tab titled Meet the Therapist. You are also welcome to contact me to schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consultation where I will tell you more about myself and you can ask any questions you might have at (734) 707-1881‬ or chelsea@levitymentalhealth.com

Pre-pandemic, I never would have thought I would become a telehealth only therapist. While working remotely during the pandemic, I found that a lot of my clients were able to open up more about their thoughts and emotions while sitting in the comfort of their own home or with their pets by their side. Location and commuting also became a non-issue, which enabled me to help even more people. For these reasons, I decided to continue to provide teletherapy to my clients. Please keep in mind that teletherapy does require a decent internet connection and a private space in your home (or car) so that you are able to open up freely and comfortably.

I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (Illinois) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (Michigan). Some insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits. To find out your out-of-network benefits, call your insurance company and ask for out of network behavioral health benefits. I am also happy to do a free benefits check for you upon request.

This is a tricky question to answer. Some people might find they only need brief, solution focused therapy when focusing on one specific issue for about 5-6 sessions. Many people will come to therapy for several months at a time at various points in their life to work through difficult times. Other people come to therapy long-term as part of their health care. I would say half of my clients are working with me on a long-term basis and the other half tend to work with me for 6-18 months and then gradually taper down and exit therapy. If you decide to work with me, I will help you determine what is right for you.