Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect?

  • We protect your confidentiality.
  • We give you our undivided attention.
  • We return phone calls within 24 hours.
  • Therapy is a unique balance of support and independence.
  • We are trying to work ourselves out of a job…..when you are better, you don’t need us.
  • Our goal is to help you live better on purpose.

How do I make an appointment?

When you call Metamorphosis and/or a specific clinician on our team for your first consultation, we will ask you to briefly discuss a bit about the difficulties you are having. If you haven’t already chosen a specific clinician, we’ll discuss the specialties of the clinician that align closely with your needs. Therapy is a real relationship, and we know it matters who helps you. Together, you will agree upon a course of action. Once you schedule your first appointment, there will be a few more areas to consider:

  • The severity of your difficulty
  • The number of monthly sessions you will likely need
  • Your payment options

How long will I be in Psychotherapy?

In 80% of cases, our clinicians meet with patients once per week for an average of 3-6 months. More infrequently, therapy can last from 6-9 months. BUT REMEMBER, our job is to help you not need us anymore. While it’s always okay to return to therapy for booster sessions, it’s a rare situation where someone needs therapy for more than nine months for the same condition. In therapy, you can expect to feel better and to “do” better. This is how you will know that therapy is working.

How often will we meet?

If your case is not an emergency, we may suggest two to three sessions per month or weekly sessions that last 45 minutes instead of an hour. However, it should be noted that IN ALL CASES your first session will range from 75-90 minutes minimum.

In most cases, however, you can expect to meet 4-6 times per month over your first month of treatment. If the situation is an emergency, then six times per month is more likely.

How long are the sessions?

In most new cases, you can expect to meet 1-2 times per week for 45-60 minutes each time.

IN ALL CASES, your first session will range from 75-90 minutes. Every session, thereafter, typically ranges from 45-60 minutes unless you choose our 30-minute option for financial purposes.

Do you take my insurance?

Metamorphosis is primarily fee-for-service and accepts a few insurances for DSM 5 Diagnoses (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks). However, we will gather your insurance information, and call the company on your behalf to determine what your benefits will cover. Keep in mind, some insurance companies will not reimburse for some common concerns that are not considered “Medically Necessary” (e.g., Learning Disorders, Couples Counseling, Autism Spectrum, etc…).

How do you decide the sliding fee scale?

In cases where you find that you are unable to use your insurance, let’s discuss the other options that you may have at Metamorphosis. We have found some very creative ways to help families afford the treatment they need.

If you are uninsured or your insurance company will not cover services, Metamorphosis is committed to helping you by developing a self-pay payment plan with our clinicians that works for you and your family. In non-emergency situations, it is also possible to meet fewer times each month to help make therapy costs more affordable. Usually in this case, there is more “therapeutic homework” outside of therapy.

For those individuals paying full price, Metamorphosis offers a 10% discount for monthly pre-payment of sessions in full by the first of the month.

What if I am late?

We understand that life happens! In the event you are late for an appointment, we ask that you notify your clinician or our office by phone. If you are less than 15 minutes late for a 60 minute session, you’ll have a 45-minute session that day; but will be charged for the time allotted for the original session time scheduled. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we are willing to see you, but give you the option of rescheduling directly with your clinician because your session will be shorter . Same-day cancellations will incur a regular session fee except for in extreme cases (e.g., Weather Emergencies).

Do I have to have a diagnosis?

No, you do not have to have a diagnosis. At Metamorphosis, we are willing to work with people that are experiencing life transitions. However, insurance only pays when it is determined treatment is a medical necessity. “Medical Necessity” equals a diagnosis.

Why all the paperwork?

Metamorphosis is owned by a Licensed Psychologist, Dr. April Jackson – James, Ph. D. It is Dr. April’s philosophy that information about a person should be gathered in as many ways as possible to help that person learn about themselves. Sometimes the clinical interview can lead to anxiety and trying to please your counselor. The privacy of a paper and pencil assessment gives you, the client, a private space to check off symptoms that you aren’t yet ready to talk about.

Additionally, paper and pencil assessments don’t have emotions or reactions. This means that your therapist’s moods or feelings about your symptoms don’t get in the way during the paper and pencil assessment.

Finally, we want you to understand what your rights and responsibilities are regarding this experience, as well as what our responsibilities are to you. We put it in writing so that you can take it home with you and read it at your leisure.

When is my session not confidential?

The short answer to this question is that if your Psychotherapist believes that you are a danger to yourself and/or anyone else, we are required to get you to a safe place and a higher level of care. Additionally, every Psychotherapist in the office is considered a “Mandatory Reporter” by the state of Florida. That means, we must report any suspected abuse of the following:

  • Of a child under the age of 18
  • Of an elderly person over the age of 65
  • Or a person deemed to be disabled