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I’ve never had therapy before, what should I expect?

You and your therapist will spend the first couple of sessions exploring your concerns and other relevant information in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan for your therapy goals.  From there, you’ll start actively working on the plan.   Each client’s process will look different, depending on their goals, needs, and preferences.

How long does therapy take?

The length of the treatment process varies widely depending on individual factors.  Sometimes only a few sessions are necessary; others will find they benefit from many sessions over time.  Each individual therapy session is approximately 53 minutes in length.

How often do we meet?

During active work on treatment goals, sessions are generally weekly for best continuity between sessions.  When the goals have been largely attained, sessions are generally less frequent – every other week or once a month – for a short time while working to ensure your progress is maintained before ending regularly scheduled sessions.

What kinds of clients and presenting concerns do you see?

We work with adults (18+) in individual therapy on a variety of concerns including: anxiety, depression, trauma/PSTD, stress management, burnout, chronic shame/self criticism, binge/emotional eating, body image struggles, relationship issues, grief/loss, ADHD, and life transitions. For more information on the concerns we treat, please check out our Services Page (LINK). While we are able to work with many types of client concerns, we would not be a good fit for client seeking treatment for the following: psychotic disorders, anorexia/bulimia, substance use disorders, autism spectrum, or gender dysphoria. Adults of every race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious/faith tradition, and ability are welcome.

What evidence-based treatments to your therapists use?

Our therapists have each been trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and tailor treatment to the individual client’s need including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). If you are interested in a specific treatment approach, you can see which therapist(s) uses that approach on the therapist bio pages.

What about medication?

As therapists, we do not prescribe medication, but can refer you to a prescriber if needed or desired.  Some clients prefer not to take medication and find that therapy meets their needs.  Others find medication to be a helpful part of their overall treatment, including helping them get more out of therapy.  Ultimately the choice is yours, but your therapist can help you with that decision if you are unsure.

What insurance do you accept?

Therapists  at True North Therapy & Wellness are in-network  providers for a variety of health insurance companies.  Please see each therapist’s profile for a list of insurances they accept. If you plan to use your insurance to help cover the cost of treatment, we recommend you contact your insurance provider prior to your first session to verify your benefits. 

Do you accept self pay clients?

Yes.  Private pay is a good option for those who prefer not to use their insurance benefits for increased privacy or access, for those seeking therapy primarily for personal growth reasons, or for those who do not meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis (a requirement for insurance coverage). Our rate is $205 for the first 2 sessions and $185 for subsequent sessions.

Where are you located?

Our office is located at 2100 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, just off of the corner of 22nd Street and Westown Parkway.  The entrance to the parking lot is off of Westown and the main entrance (east side) is accessible.  Take the elevator to the 2nd floor; we’re in Suite 230 at the end of the hall on the right.  No need to check in when you arrive, just make yourself comfortable in the waiting room and your therapist will come get you at your appointment time.

Do you offer virtual (telehealth) appointments?

Yes, we are able to provide virtual appointments,  Some of our therapists provide telehealth regularly, others provide primarily in-person services.  Please see your preferred therapist’s profile page for more information.

How do I make an appointment?

Just click the “Request an Appointment” button below, fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch asap.  Once an initial appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive our client paperwork via our client portal, all of which can be done easily and securely online, at your convenience, prior to your first session.

client journey with therapist