Claudia Rhodes, LCSW, Answers your Frequently Asked Questions

What's a typical therapy session like?

You come in prepared to discuss concerns you have. Together we come up with a plan to help you change or understand the situation that is causing you stress.

How long does a session last ?

45 minutes.

Are evening/weekend appointments available?

Evening appointments as well as some Saturdays on an as-needed-basis are available.

Are you licensed?

Yes, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed by the state of California to provide psychotherapy.

How do i know when it's time to get help?

It is time to get help when the coping mechanisms that you have been using to deal with your problems are no longer working. Sometimes it is a family member, friend, co-worker or boss that suggests that you get help. It isn’t unusual for others in your life to be more bothered by your behavior than you are. I think that people that come for help are healthier than those that continue to do things that continue to cause them problems. if you think you are having difficulties with compulsive behavior, anxiety, anger, or depression, the quiz section of my website has simple questions you can ask yourself to determine if you need help.

What is the difference between a clinical social worker, a psychiatrist, and psychologist.

A clinical social worker is a person that has earned a masters degree in social work who has passed a test and been licensed by the State of California to practice psychotherapy.

A psychologist has doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D) in behaviorial sciences. They also do psychological testing as well as counseling.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. They generally focus on the medical aspect of healing through the use of medication, "antidepressants", mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety drugs. They are the only mental health professional that can prescribe medication.

How do I know if I should go to a group or a private session?

I start everyone off in individual sessions. All of my group clients have been or are still in individual therapy. After we have met for several sessions, we will discuss if group therapy would be beneficial for you. Participating in group as well as individual therapy will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself and how you relate to others. Groups provide an opportunity to practice new ways of interacting in a safe and non-judgemental way. The benefits of group therapy are too numerous to list here.

Can I come and observe before I join a group?

I get asked that question often. The answer is no. It often takes several months of being in group before you see the benefits. Oftentimes other people in the group see the changes in you before you do. It is important to know that a commitment to group means you will be there every week.

What books do you recommend your clients read?

Spiritual:

The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz
The Power of NOW, a Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle
Ethics for the New Millennium, Dalai Lama
Conversations with God (series), Neale Donald Walsch
If the Buddha Got Stuck, by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
Many Lives, Many Masters, by Brian Weiss, M.D.
Messages from the Masters - Tapping into the Power of Love, by Brian Weiss, M.D.
Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan

Relationships:

If the Buddha Dated, by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
If the Buddha Married, by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
Reviving Ophelia-Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls, by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
The Shelter of Each Other-Rebuilding our Families, by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
The Five Love Languages-how to Express Heartfelt Commitment to your Mate, by Gary Chapman
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

General Health:

PMS & Perimenopause Sourcebook, by Lori A. Futterman, R.N., Ph.D. and John E. Jones, Ph.D.
Stick Figure by Lori Gottlieb
The Heart Speaks by Mimi Guarneri M.D., FACC
Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel
Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner
Dance of Fear by Harriet Lerner

Other:

Writing to Change the World, by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
Waking, by Matthew Sanford
The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
What The Bleep Do We Know? a DVD movie hosted by Marlee Matlin, 2004
The Secret a DVD movie starring Rhonda Byrne, Paul Harrington, 2006

What is your fee?

Please contact me about my current fee. I offer fees on a sliding scale to those in need.

Do you take insurance?

Yes. Please call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if Claudia Rhodes is an in-network behavioral health provider. If not, ask about out-of-network benefits.

Will you bill my insurance?

Yes, but it is YOUR responsibility:

To determine whether authorization is needed or required for outpatient mental health services.
To pay your co-payment at the end of each session.
If you have a deductable, your payment must be made by you before your insurance will cover the session.