How do I know if I need counseling?
At Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy we honestly believe that therapy is for everybody. Many people come to therapy seeking personal growth. They come even if they are not currently suffering. Others may not have a diagnosable “mental health condition.” But, they are looking for additional support as they deal with a life transition such as moving, marriage, divorce or retirement
Why can’t I just talk to my friends and family?
The relationship you develop with your therapist in counseling is different from any other relationship you have. In this relationship, the focus is solely on you. A therapist does not have any other agenda. Their only goal is to help you to heal and grow. In addition, our therapists are specifically trained to understand human behavior. So, they can offer information that is rooted in theory and data.
How do I choose a psychotherapist?
Finding a therapist that you can work well with is the most important factor in the success of counseling. So, we recommend sitting down with two or three people before choosing your therapist. Also, it is important that they specialize in the specific issue that you are having. For example, they may have specific training to help clients with eating disorders, trauma, or chronic illness. For more information, please see this blog post by our founder Dr. Dana Harron.
Do Monarch therapists provide anxiety treatment?
Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that we treat. For example, many people come to us because they are worrying too much, having difficulty sleeping, grinding their teeth, or placing impossible standards on themselves. Our talented therapists can help you to soothe your anxiety without losing the motivational edge that has helped you succeed.
Can we get couples counseling at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy?
Yes. Both Dana Harron and Carissa Hannum are specifically trained to provide couples’ therapy. In addition, Dr. Harron is the author of Loving Someone with an Eating Disorder: A Guide to Nurturing, Supporting and Connecting with your Partner. You can purchase her book here. As such she has specific expertise in helping couples to navigate food problems and disordered eating behaviors.
Do you need to see an eating disorder specialist for binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia treatment?
Yes. Eating disorders are very different than other mental health conditions. They impact your physiology directly. It is critical to find a provider who is familiar with these conditions.
Does Monarch Wellness have specialists who provide eating disorder treatment?
Yes. All Monarch Wellness therapists have experience in helping people overcome eating disorders. In fact, several of our therapists have come to our clinic after working at clinics that offer a higher level of eating disorder treatment. We pride ourselves in having staff that are well trained to provide the highest quality eating disorder treatment.
I don’t need binge eating, bulimia or anorexia treatment, but I think I do have an issue with food. Can Monarch Wellness therapists help me?
Absolutely. Disordered eating actually exists on a spectrum. This includes diagnosable eating disorders, and problematic behaviors like yo-yo dieting, overeating, and worrying too much about food. Monarch Wellness specialists are able to food problems all across this range.
I believe that my struggles are related to negative things that have happened to me in my life. Should I work with a specialist for trauma treatment?
Yes. Trauma treatment has to unfold in a specific way. In trauma therapy, you will learn tools to help you cope with the reaction your body has to a trauma flashback or a trigger. This is referred to as reestablishing the ability to regulate your nervous system. Then, you will be able to talk about what happened to you and the trauma you experienced. Doing trauma work out of sequence can lead to retraumatization, possibly making the condition worse than it was to begin with.
Are there any therapists at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy who specialize in trauma treatment?
Yes. Every Monarch Wellness therapist is certified to work with trauma. This is a structured approach to trauma work that many find helpful.
Is Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy metro accessible?
Completely. Our DC counseling offices are across the street from the south exit of the Dupont Circle Metro station (red line).
Why doesn’t Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy take my insurance to pay for counseling?
Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy does not contract directly with any insurance companies. Being in-network means that your insurance company can dictate treatment.
What is the cost per session for counseling?
Our therapists all have slightly different rates, ranging from $235 to $300 per hour. This is due to the high level of expertise they provide.
Is that the final cost for counseling?
No. Most insurance companies offer some form of reimbursement for our services as out-of-network mental health providers. The terms of reimbursement are entirely between you and your insurance company. However, we do provide all of the needed paperwork through our patient portal. You’ll receive a log-in for the portal shortly before your first appointment.
Are there lower-cost counseling options?
Monarch offers a variety of group therapy options. These are not only less expensive at $75-$100 per group than individual therapy, but often more effective because there are a variety of perspectives in the room. Our current groups include Eating Disorders Support, Women’s Process Group, Trauma and Eating Disorders Support, a free-of-charge COVID Support group for healthcare providers, and a PsychoEducational Trauma group for adults. If there is a group you would like more information on, please emails us at ReachOut@monarchwellness.com.
When is payment for counseling services due?
Payment is due at the time of the session unless you have made some other arrangements with your therapist. During these virtual times, we provide a credit card form to make things easier between you and your therapist. Payment is automatically processed at the end of the day.
How can I get a statement to send to my insurance company for reimbursement for counseling?
Statements can be downloaded from the patient portal at any time. You’ll receive a link to the portal shortly before your first appointment. Additionally, we offer an option to have statements generated and sent directly to you via email every month.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because our therapists are in very high demand, we employ a strict cancellation policy. This ensures that therapists do not turn clients away, only to find that they would have been free for a session. We ask that you notify your therapist with 48 hours’ notice, otherwise you will be charged the full price of the session.
I am a physician, psychiatrist, dietician, or other allied health professional. What is the policy on collaboration?
Our therapists are all wholehearted believers in a team approach. With the client’s permission, we touch base frequently with referring providers and other members of the team.
I am a supervisee seeking supervision or a professional seeking expert consultation. Does Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy offer these services?
Absolutely. Please reach out via the contact form. Then, our offices will contact you shortly to determine if there is a clinician available to work with you.
I am a journalist seeking input on mental health concerns. Are Monarch psychotherapists able to help me?
Yes. Our clinicians have provided source information for publications such as the Washington Post and Seventeen magazine on topics including eating disorders, self-harm, body image, women’s wellness, and social media usage. Please reach out via the contact form. Our offices will contact you shortly to determine if there is a clinician available with the specialty that you are seeking.
Begin counseling in Washington DC:
If you are looking to make lasting change in your life, then Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy can help. Our highly trained and compassionate therapists are ready to support you in your wellness journey. To begin counseling, please follow these steps: