Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that we do not provide crisis services. Neither our staff or our providers are available for contact outside of office hours. Once you are a client, you will be set up with a client portal that has messaging capabilities that are encrypted and confidential. Each provider works different hours and has different personal policies for contact. You can always call reception (please leave a voicemail) or email us to get in touch. Our team will get back to you quickly.

This depends. Our medication providers provide diagnosis as well as vitamin and diet recommendations for a more holistic approach to mind and body wellness. Talk therapy focuses on personal insight, understanding, and learning skills to improve your relationships and well-being. Often one modality is sufficient for reducing symptoms or problems, but research has shown that a combination of medication and therapy increases the chances of positive and effective outcome for many mental health struggles. Amber Creek is unique in that we have medication providers and therapists working in the same office. This makes professional collaboration easier and makes services more convenient and accessible to you.

The first step is to check with your pharmacy. If you do not have refills, please call our office. We are usually able to fulfill requests within 3 business days. You can also reach out to your provider directly through our client portal to request refills or notify them of any side effects.

The first few sessions involve questions and assessment so your provider can get to know you, your needs, and your goals for therapy. Therapy might include homework or recommendations, and it always includes discussions and prompts to help you learn about yourself and see things in a new way. Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, and each provider takes a slightly different approach, experiences might vary. We will tailor our therapeutic approaches to your specific needs and help you find a good fit. Visit our provider pages to learn more about our therapists.

Research shows that, on average, it takes 15-20 sessions of therapy for most individuals to see a decrease in symptoms. Typically, talk therapy sessions occur once a week or once every two weeks. Medication management appointments range from weekly to twice a year check-ups depending on treatment plans and needs. It’s helpful to plan on committing to at least several months of intervention for effective outcomes. However, there are so many factors to consider (severity of symptoms, whether you have attended therapy before, type of therapy, etc.) that it’s not possible to offer a one-size-fits-all answer. A focus on personal development and building a working relationship with your provider(s) is often more valuable to clients long-term. Discuss any concerns with your provider, who can provide full assessment and recommendations accordingly.

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Research shows that client engagement contributes to more effective outcomes. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. Our practice policies paperwork notes attendance–it is important to commit to regular sessions and attend regularly to maintain continuity of care and treatment progress. In addition, keep an open mind, be willing to be honest and vulnerable, implement recommendations, and communicate your wants and needs to your provider.

Everyone! Life presents many challenges, and it’s normal to need help. Asking for help when you need it takes courage. In our work together, we will help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.