Outpatient Therapy
Skills outpatient therapy offers a counseling and psychotherapy option that addresses the entire person — mind, body, emotions, behaviors, creativity and spirit.
Skills offers confidential, skilled and compassionate counseling and psychotherapy for those concerned about things like:
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Within the psychotherapy process, there are many treatment methods. One of the methods Skills Outpatient Therapy Services offers is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is an information processing therapy that uses an eight-phase approach to address experiential contributions to a wide range of conditions.
Since 1990, there has been more research done on EMDR as a treatment for post-traumatic stress than on any other form of treatment. While it is not yet understood just how EMDR works, there is no doubt of its effectiveness in this area. Using EMDR seems to be able to initiate an accelerated natural healing process that allows memories to move into the past. The memories remain, but no longer have the intense emotional charge they once had.
Eligibility and Referrals
As long as the individual seeking services has Medical Assistance (Medicaid) as his or her only form of health insurance, the referral will be accepted. New referrals are being accepted at this time. If the individual has a Support Coordinator with North Star Support Services, completion of a referral form and provision of the Individual Support Plan is requested.
Payment Options
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is accepted for payment. Medicare and private insurance are not accepted at this time. Current rates are $80 per 50-minute session for fee-for-service contract or self-pay.
About the Psychotherapy Process
The psychotherapy process treats psychological concerns through communication and relationship factors between an individual and a therapist. While most psychotherapy hinges on communication between the therapist and the individual, it is much more than talking about the individual’s problems. It is a professional relationship based on therapeutic principles, structure and technique.
The relationship between the individual and the therapist is strictly professional and exists solely for the purpose of helping the patient. The therapist is there for the patient and expects nothing in return except payment for the time.
The therapeutic relationship differs from all other relationships. Individuals can tell therapists things without worry about the information being told to others in any way that would affect the individual’s job, family, or other relationships. Individuals can be honest with therapists without having to worry about offending friends or neighbors.
Therapists reveal little about themselves to patients. This ensures therapists do not do anything to change how individuals present themselves. Extending the relationship beyond the therapeutic setting is not considered psychotherapy and is often harmful to patients.
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For more information about Skills Outpatient Therapy Services, contact:
Ellen A. Black, MSW, LSW
4601-A Cortland Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
814-283-0025 ext. 344
