Outpatient Mental Health Services
Licensed therapists are available to provide outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. Services could include individual, couples, and/or family therapy.
Why come for outpatient therapy services?
Most referrals are for problems related to mood (depression, sadness, loneliness), anxiousness (anxiety, fear, panic attacks), behavior (ADHD, truancy, delinquency, violence, etc.), and substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, other addictive behaviors). Often referrals are for a combination of all the above. These problems are significant enough that they are interfering with relationships and daily functioning at work and/or school.
Who usually comes to therapy?
Referrals often identify themselves as the client and are voluntarily asking for help. Other times referrals are made by family members for problems presented by individuals in the family. Finally, referrals are made from courts, Employee Assistance Programs, or other public agencies ordering therapy.
Adults (18 and over), determine who is involved in treatment. If the problem is relational, i.e., couples conflict, parent-child conflict, it usually makes sense to involve all that are involved in the conflict. Both the therapist and client determine how they are involved. This could involve individual therapy, couples therapy or family therapy. If the situation requires collaboration with medical or legal professionals, this will be done only with the clients’ permission.
When the difficulty is related to children or youth (under 18), the parents or custodians determine who is involved in treatment. A decision as to what approach to utilize is a joint decision between therapist, parents/custodians, and youth depending on age and development. Treatment would likely include both individual and family therapy. If the situation requires collaboration with medical or legal professionals, this will be done only with the parents/custodians permission.
What does “strength based” therapy mean?
Client families often assume that therapy means identifying the cause or diagnosis of problems. Therapists that are “strength based” focus equally or more on identifying the client strengths, successes, and history of recovering successfully from difficulties. The core belief is that the clients bring with them the capacity to change and successfully meet their goals. Therapy is about helping clients identify and access these strengths.
Will you be giving me a diagnosis?
If you are utilizing your insurance, a diagnosis is required for reimbursement. Just as in your medical coverage, a diagnostic code will be submitted that is recognized and covered by your insurance. You should talk with your therapist about this if it is a concern. They will share any and all information with you that you need.
Do you prescribe medication?
The therapists at Denver Family Therapy do not prescribe medication. This can only be done by a Physician. If a medication intervention appears warranted or is requested, our therapists will help you with referrals and will work together with your doctor when appropriate.
How do I choose a therapist?
Research tells us that the single most important component in successful therapy is the client-therapist relationship. Use our web site to review information about our therapists. Sometimes clients will schedule 15 minutes with a therapist to talk directly and assess for themselves if it is a comfortable fit. It is okay to shop around. Ask questions.