What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the treatment of emotional or mental distress, intended to relieve suffering. This professional relationship, between you and the therapist, is designed to help you live the life you want to live. Therapy is an excellent resource to help clients process difficult emotional situations, deal with life or work-related stresses, and gain new skills to have a happier and healthier everyday life. The client and therapist work together to clarify issues, explore feelings and to help the client to deal more effectively with their problems.
Who seeks therapy?
Many different people find that they need therapy at different times in their lives. The IPS Center is equipped to offer therapeutic services to a diverse population including: children, adolescents, students, adults, couples, and families.
Why do people seek therapy?
People come to resolve difficulties they may experience with family relationships, friendships, and stresses they encounter from school or work. People also come to therapy when they have felt sad or anxious for a long period of time. Many people find that they can find a way to handle these complicated problems in therapy.
What makes IPS different?
The IPS Center offers a unique vision of the individual as possessing great dignity. The IPS Center clinicians approach each patient with great respect and a desire for their flourishing. Therapy from this perspective is grounded in an integration of the psychological sciences and a Catholic understanding of the human person.
What can I expect from my first visit?
Before you arrive for your first visit you will receive an information packet. The packet includes forms that ask about your current situation and any past history that may be related to your current problems. During the first session your therapist will spend most of the time reviewing this information and explaining how therapy works so that you can decide whether you would like to continue with therapy.
What is the cost of therapy?
The IPS Center offers a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Please call our office at 703-418-2111 to discuss your fee. Limited appointments are available with one of our licensed clinicians at a higher sliding scale fee.
How long are sessions?
A typical session is 45 minutes. Assessments generally take longer and the length may vary depending on the assessment.
What if I need psychological testing?
The IPS Center currently does not offer psychological testing services. Please call our intake line at 703-418-2111 ext 1 and we would be happy to provide referrals that may be able to offer this service.
Do I have to be Catholic?
No. Our services are available to everyone, regardless of religious preference.
What should I do if I’m in a crisis?
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Below are some additional resources if you or a loved one are in crisis:
National Suicide Hotline:
(800) 273-TALK
(800) 273-8255
Virginia
Loudon County Hotline (24 hrs):
703-771-5155
Crisis Intervention Team:
703-777-0320
Washington, D.C.
Suicide Hotline: 800-SUICIDE (800) 784-2433
Psychiatric Emergency Service (24 hrs)
(202) 561-7000
Crisis and Family Stress (24 hrs):
(202) 223-2255
Maryland
Community Crisis Center in Bethesda:
(301) 656-9161
Montgomery County Hotline (24 hrs):
(301) 738-2255
What are other resources for finding a clinician?
https://psychologytoday.com