Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychoanalytic (also called psychodynamic) therapy?

Psychoanalytic therapy is a treatment approach that focuses on exploring how our upbringing and life experiences influence our current thoughts, feelings, and relationships. It focuses on helping individuals understand how the way they see themselves and others may be shaped by certain experiences. Emphasis is also placed on helping people work on identifying how unconscious patterns may be contributing to difficulties they may be experiencing. By understanding unconscious patterns individuals gain self-awareness that can help them change ineffective patterns moving forward. 

Do you only provide Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?

No. Our approach is based on each client’s individual needs. While we specialize in providing psychoanalytic psychotherapy, our therapists have training and expertise in other approaches (CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, etc) and can utilize these approaches depending on the needs of each client.

How do I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, you can contact us through the contact form on our website. You can also give us a call at (443)218-6876. Our intake coordinator will assist you in finding the right therapist and setting up a convenient time for your initial session.

What can I expect in my first session?

Your first session will be a little more structured than a regular therapy session. We will ask questions to get a better sense of what is bringing you to therapy and your goals for treatment. We will also ask questions to get to know you better, which may include asking questions about your upbringing, significant relationships, cultural experiences, history of mental health struggles, treatment history, etc. This session is also an opportunity for you to get a better sense of the therapist you are working with to determine if they feel like a good fit for your needs. Our priority is always to get you to the best therapist for you, so if for some reason you do not feel we are the right fit we would love to help you get connected to another provider.

How often are therapy sessions typically held?

While the frequency of therapy sessions may vary depending on individual needs, we generally encourage clients who start therapy with us to come in for weekly sessions. We encourage weekly sessions (especially in the beginning) because it allows space to develop a rapport with your therapist and it also provides enough time to adequately address the concerns bringing you to treatment. Sometimes when people have met many of their treatment goals they may choose to come in for less frequent sessions (biweekly or monthly). This is appropriate when you and your therapist determine that you are in more of a “maintenance” phase where you are working on maintaining changes you have worked on in therapy. We also at times recommend more frequent sessions (twice or three times a week) if we feel it may be beneficial and allow you to work on something that requires more support and containment. 

Is my information kept confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of our practice. Your personal information and the content of your therapy sessions are kept strictly confidential, in accordance with professional ethics and legal regulations.

How long does therapy last?

The duration of therapy varies based on individual goals and needs. Some clients may find short-term therapy beneficial, while others may engage in longer-term exploration and personal growth. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine an appropriate treatment timeline.

Are the therapists licensed and experienced?

Yes, all therapists at Reflective Therapy Group are licensed mental health professionals with extensive training and experience in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches. They are dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each client's unique situation.

Do you accept insurance? 

We are in-network with Johns Hopkins EHP Insurance. Haley Sheridan Sweet, :LCSW-C is also in network with Cigna/Evernorth. For all other insurance plans, we are considered an “out-of-network” provider. If you wish to utilize out-of-network benefits provided by your insurance, we can provide you with a monthly superbill that you would be responsible for submitting to your insurance. 

Is teletherapy (online therapy) available?

Yes, we offer teletherapy services for clients who prefer or require remote sessions. Online therapy provides flexibility and convenience while maintaining the same level of therapeutic support.

What should I do if I have an emergency or need immediate support?

While our therapists strive to provide timely responses, therapy sessions are not intended to address immediate crises. If you are experiencing a crisis or need urgent support, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You can also utilize one of the following resources: 

National Crisis Resources

988:  Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

  • 988

Veterans Crisis Line

Confidential help for veterans and their families.

Trans Lifeline

A trans-led organization that offers direct service, material support, advocacy, and education.

  • Peer support hotline available 7 am to 1 am PST

  • 1-877-565-8860

The Trevor Project

For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.

  • 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

  • 1-866-488-7386

Oregon Crisis Resources

Crisis Text Line

Text OREGON to 741741 

  • 24 hours a day / 7 days a week ​

Multnomah County Behavioral Health Call Center

503-988-4888

Toll-free: 800-716-9769

Hearing-impaired dial: 711

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Free, 24/7 behavioral health support

  • Language interpretation

  • Referral to low-cost or sliding-scale agencies

  • Help finding local behavioral health supports and providers

  • Information about non-crisis community resources

  • Mobile crisis services dispatch

Cascadia Health - Mental Health Urgent Walk-in Clinic

4212 SE Division, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97206

503-963-2575

  • Open Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm | Saturday-Sunday 9am-9pm

Project Respond

Mobile crisis services are available if you can’t get to the urgent walk-in clinic, or are trying to get help for someone else. 

  • Call 503-988-4888 for help.

Crisis Assessment & Treatment Center (CATC)

A safe, and supportive place to stay and recover from a mental health crisis. CATC offers short-term crisis support and stabilization for adults ages 18 and up.

Operated by Telecare and open by referral. 

  • 30 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Portland, OR 97232

  • 503-232-1099 Main

  • 503-232-3854 Fax

Other Oregon Crisis Lines:
Clackamas County

503-655-8585

Washington County

503-291-9111

Clark County

360-696-9560

1-800-626-8137

Maryland Crisis Resources

Baltimore City:

  • Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc, 410-433-5175

Baltimore County:

  • Baltimore County Response 420-931-2214

Howard County:

  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention 420-531-6677

  • Sheppard Pratt Crisis Walk-in Clinic https://www.sheppardpratt.org/patient-care-and-services/crisis-services/ 410-938-4357

    *Crisis appointments can be scheduled by calling the number above 

For any additional questions or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us through our website or by phone. We are here to support your journey towards greater self-awareness and well-being.