Frequently Asked Questions

Session Questions

  • Most psychotherapy sessions last from 50 to 55 minutes. The length of a session is determined by client need. Sessions that go beyond 55 minutes will be charged $75 for each subsequent 30 minutes.

  • Typically, therapy begins on a weekly or bi-weekly basis (more frequently if medically/clinically necessary). As progress is made, sessions will be reduced to a less frequent basis. This is something to be determined by you and your therapist in reviewing your specific situation and therapy goals.

  • After the first intake session, a treatment plan will be proposed, with the individual’s or couple’s involvement. On an average, clients may see a therapist 10-20 times (some more, some less). Duration of treatment is determined primarily by the client’s diagnosis and their individual needs. At any time, clients reserve the right to end therapy, yet this is generally a decision agreed upon by both client and therapist when therapy goals have been successfully attained.

  • Coordination of care will be conducted. You will be asked to sign a release of information for your outside provider (i.e., primary care physician (PCP), psychiatrist, or other mental health provider). This is considered voluntary and you may revoke your consent at any time.

 

Therapy Questions

  • We believe the diversity of our services can meet both sexuality and other mental health concerns. Simply request a consultation to discuss how our services can help you.

  • Sex therapy is a specialized type of psychotherapy. Similar to traditional talk therapy, treatment consists of talking to a therapist about difficulties and concerns that specifically focus on issues related to sexuality, sexual/gender identity, and a person’s sex life. Sex therapy can help you resolve various sexual issues, from concerns about sexual functioning to difficulties in your sexual relationship. It often includes a combination of education, talking through problems in session, and practical at-home exercises to do between sessions.

  • Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a sex therapist without receiving any formalized in-depth training or supervision. One of the largest credentialing organizations is the American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). This organization requires therapists to complete a rigorous certification process. Only those therapists who have met these qualifications may designate themselves as “AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists.” Finally, AASECT-certified sex therapists use specialized clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to help people solve their sexual concerns.

  • No. Sex therapists who are certified through AASECT abide by a code of ethics. In no instances and under no circumstances will an AASECT-certified sex therapist observe a therapy client having sex nor engage in any kind of sexual activity with a therapy client, whether in the office or in any location (i.e., telehealth). In addition, sessions do not include nudity or touch.

    We do not use sex surrogates in therapy. For surrogate partner therapy information, please visit IPSA or the Surrogate Partner Collective.

  • Connections does not provide this type of treatment. Those wishing to find treatment for sex offenses should contact the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.

 

Connections Questions

  • Dr. Carlson is licensed and authorized under the authority of PSYPACT in all participating states. Click here to view the current PSYPACT map and enacted states.

    In addition to Telepsychology, Dr. Carlson is licensed to provide in-person Psychology services in Louisiana and Texas allowing her to support patients statewide.

    Feel free to contact us in advance of scheduling with any questions or concerns we can address.

  • Similar to a medical physician’s office, you will have a confidential record that is created and stored in a HIPAA compliant electronic health record system (HER). This means that no one else has access to your records unless you sign an “Authorization for Release of Information” form.

    Any information that you disclose to us will remain confidential, except as stated in the disclosure statement provided to you prior to beginning treatment.

    If we unexpectedly see each other in a public setting, we will not acknowledge you in any way unless you choose to acknowledge us first.

    In addition, we will not engage with you through social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Instagram). If you wish to discuss a matter with your therapist, please contact them through our office.

  • Complete the online new client registration and sign the electronic consent forms. You may be asked to complete additional intake forms based on your need. For expediency, we appreciate you completing all registration materials and questionnaires prior to your first visit.

    Do you provide treatment, psychological testing or court ordered psychosexual evaluations for sexual offenders?

    No, those wishing to find treatment for sex offenses should contact the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.

 

Rates & Insurance FAQ

  • We are an “out of network” provider. We do not go through any insurance or any third-party payors nor do we complete any third-party forms. We do not wish to share any information about your private counseling experience with others, including insurance companies. Thus, payment is due at time of service by credit card. We are happy to send you an itemized receipt for services which you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement depending on your insurance plan.

  • Please see our Rates and Insurance page.

  • All major credit cards (including HSA debit cards). Unless different arrangements have been made, payment is due at the beginning of each session. A credit card authorization form will be sent to you with the terms and conditions paperwork.

  • If you fail to make a scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full fee for the appointment.  Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will result in a fee equal to the total amount of the missed session and will be debited from your credit card.  To cancel or reschedule your appointment you may either call, leave a voice mail, or email.  After one no-shows/late cancellations, client will pre-pay before services are rendered.

If you have more questions, please contact us.