What to expect / FAQs

GDC utilizes Hello Alma to manage insurance payments and all the required paperwork electronically.

Most major insurances are accepted, including United, Anthem BCBS (of Colorado), Optum, and Aetna.

Click here to check out my Hello Alma page. You can enter your insurance info to verify if it is accepted prior to scheduling a consultation.

Or, click here to check out my Psychology Tody profile.

I utilize an eclectic approach to counseling, using multiple theories, including IFS, DBT, CBT.

We begin by promoting safety and stability, by building a therapeutic relationship, and creating an awareness of your specific needs, personality traits, and preferences.

I make use of a new AI tool for your electronic health record to help demonstrate and track therapy goals and progress.

With over 10 years of experience, I have worked with trauma in a variety of capacities, including foster children, ADHD, ASD, high school / college students, veterans, LGTBQ+, separated families, defiant and suicidal teenagers, substance use issues, court ordered therapy, and many other populations.

All of my experiences have taught me the importance of getting to know YOU as a holistic person, not just about your symptoms or struggles.

During our first session, we will complete a Comprehensive Assessment, which is a requirement of insurance.

We focus on topics including symptoms, goals for therapy, history of mental / physical health, substance use, family dynamics, support system, trauma history, cultural considerations, strengths, and hobbies.

This first session remains "surface level," as it is mainly focusing on gathering information, developing a diagnosis to use for insurance, and solidifying our treatment approach and goals.

As sessions continue, we will cover numerous aspects of my approach.

We usually begin with CBT aspects, focusing on behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and belief systems.

We will incorporate elements of DBT, including mindfulness, breathing and relaxation techniques, and general emotional awareness.

Once we have a therapeutic foundation established, we will incorporate elements of IFS, learning how trauma has impacted our lives, both physically and mentally.

What you will NOT get from me is a therapist that tries to make you fit into "their approach."

Every client has different needs, histories, expectations, strengths, weaknesses, and objectives.

It takes time to get a sense of these important aspects, which is crucial to finding success in therapy.

I continually check in with my clients during our sessions, ensuring they are feeling in control, engaged, and safe.

FAQs

Some clinicians are not fond of sharing details about their personal life. I am not one of those clinicians. :) I find that sharing my stories often helps clients feel more understood, more relatable, and more invested in developing a solid therapeutic relationship. When setting up a consultation, please think of some things to ask me! I ask my clients to be "an open book," so I give the same of myself.

Here are a list of FAQ I have received during consultations over the past several years.

"How much is therapy? How do you accept payments?"

Every insurance company has a unique contract with every therapy company. How much you pay per session depends on your plan / deductible / co-pays. We securely store your credit card on file and automatically bill you once the insurance claim has been filed. Click here to check your estimated cost.

"What insurances do you accept? Why don't you accept all insurances?"

Since every insurance company has a unique contract, not all insurance companies offer mental health services. Also, some insurance companies have not demonstrated enough confidence or follow through with some therapy companies. I currently take United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Cigna, and a majority of their subsidiary companies. To check if I accept your insurance, click here.

"Is this virtual or in person? Does virtual therapy even work?"

When COVID took over our lives, therapists around the country had to learn to adapt to a telehealth world. I have found great success with virtual therapy and am happy to talk about this topic in a consultation. For those that feel the need to meet in person, I am currently looking into renting an office in the Littleton area, with more details to come.

"What is your style of therapy / specialties?"

I utilize approaches from IFS to DBT to CBT. I am a person-centered therapist that works to connect and treat every person in multi-dimensional approach. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, and have a vast amount of experience working with a multitude of populations. You can learn more in the About Dave section.

"Are you religious? Are you political?"

Sort of?? I was raised in a small town with the one church being a Methodist church, where I attended until I was about 12 years old. I have walked down many spiritual paths since then. I currently define myself as Agnostic, but have a deep respect and appreciation for the impact religion can have on a person and their community, as long as that power or energy is NOT spent spreading hatred or negativity towards other people or their communities. Likewise with politics, I was raised in a household with a conservative Republican farmer of a father, and a progressive Democrat immigrant from Ireland as a mother. As long as you are not spreading hatred, we're ok. :)

"How do you handle clients that are suicidal? How do you handle confidentiality with minors?"

If a client has reported a history of suicidality, or is discussing active suicidal concerns, I follow my own protocol that has been developed with the various companies I have worked with. I am familiar with the C-SSRS (Colombia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) and the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan. I have gained great insight into the topic of suicidality from various trainings and approach the topic with direct questions, respect, and intelligence. When working with minors, the parents sign all the paperwork, and a release of information is signed by the minor to allow me to communicate with the parents. I will only discuss suicidality with parents if it is high enough on the C-SSRS (or my gut is telling me that the child is a threat to themselves). All these details are located in the initial paperwork.

"Why did you become a therapist?"

I love to share that I actually began college with a focus on Business Administration. Within a few months, I knew a shift was needed. I became interested in Psychology in high school, realizing that I have always had a gift in being able to connect, empathize, and communicate with people from all walks of life. As a young adult, working with children in foster care, and seeing the trauma these children were going through, I began my journey to become a therapist. It hasn't been an easy road, but I am proud of my accomplishments and differences I am making in this world.