Frequently Asked Questions
How does therapy work? What is a typical session like?
At your first session with Blue Sky Therapy you will meet with your therapist and begin to talk about what brought you to therapy. You will have the opportunity to tell your therapist about your history which might include childhood events, your family of origin, significant life experiences and any information you think is important for your therapist to know. You can ask questions about the therapy process and discuss what you want to get out of therapy. You and your therapist will identify the goals you want to work on and create a plan to achieve the outcomes you want.
Your therapist will use an integrated, holistic, trauma-informed approach which will be discussed thoroughly with you. This may or may not include EMDR, CBT, DBT, trauma-sensitive yoga and mindfulness and more. Sometimes your therapist will give you homework which can include practicing a skill you learned in therapy or reviewing a resource that was shared with you in session that can be used for your benefit. We will review your goals on an ongoing basis to be sure we are supporting you.
How long is a therapy session?
Therapy sessions are 53-60 minutes.
How often should I come to therapy?
I recommend scheduling weekly therapy appointments to get the most out of therapy. Weekly therapy is especially important and effective during the first phase of therapy to create consistency and growth. If you are interested in EMDR or other intensive trauma therapy, out of ethical responsibility, I do require weekly appointments for consistency in treatment. As we work together, we will review therapy goals and make changes as needed, which include frequency of appointments.
How long will it take?
Every person is unique. The length of time in therapy can vary; for some 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, a year or more. It depends on your individual situation and goals. It can also depend on the therapeutic intervention(s) we are using. We can discuss this further at your first appointment. At Blue Sky Therapy, every single client is treated as an individual; we do not have a cookie cutter approach and will work with you to customize services to target your goals. We will address your unique needs, which may include time frames and length of time you can commit to therapy.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to support the healing process?
Your active participation, commitment and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for approximately one hour a week. It is the work you do outside of our sessions that will really support your personal growth and healing. Your therapist will offer you tools and skills in session which you can continue to practice on your own between sessions. Your therapist will absolutely support you in this process.
Do you provide services to active duty service members, military spouses and veterans?
At Blue Sky Therapy, we are honored to serve our military population. Blue Sky Therapy’s founder and owner is an experienced military healthcare provider who has worked with active duty Marines and Sailors, veterans and families and is committed to serving our military community. At Blue Sky Therapy, we believe every service member and veteran is deserving of quality healthcare provided by skilled, compassionate professionals who are familiar with military culture. We thank you for your service and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Do you accept insurance?
Blue Sky Therapy currently accepts TRICARE and IEHP (Inland Empire Health Plan) insurance plans.
*Many insurance companies offer out-of-network reimbursement for mental health services. Blue Sky Therapy can provide a Superbill (an itemized receipt of services) and/or invoice upon request. Please contact your insurance company to verify how your specific plan reimburses you for out-of-network psychotherapy services.
What are your rates?
THERAPY:
Individual therapy: $175/53-60 minute session.
Couples therapy: $200/53-60 minute session.
Walk and Talk Therapy: $175/53-60 minute session; Limited availability.
Group therapy: $50/per person.
TRICARE and IEHP insurance plans are accepted.
WORKSHOPS:
Rates TBD: Rates begin at $175 per hour. Dependent on subject matter, number of participants and length. If we are traveling to your business or AirBnB, a travel fee may be added based on location.
TRAINING AND CONSULTATION:
Rates TBD: Rates begin at $175 per hour. Contact Blue Sky Therapy to discuss your training/consultation needs.
*Fees are due at the time of service.
**Fees are subject to change and existing clients will be informed of any increases in fees in writing at least 2 months in advance.
What sets Blue Sky Therapy apart?
Blue Sky Therapy is unique! We offer a variety of therapy including: traditional psychotherapy, EMDR, IFS, somatic therapy (including TCTSY (trauma-sensitive yoga) and Somatic Experiencing), DBT, CBT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, relapse prevention, creative practices, therapeutic art experiences, workshops and groups all in one location. At Blue Sky Therapy, we see therapy as a collaborative relationship between an individual and their therapist. We provide a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who is highly skilled, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. We utilize a holistic approach because we believe healing happens best when you are treated as a whole person and not as a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. Blue Sky Therapy offers an eclectic, creative menu of offerings and services to support each individual’s personal process of healing and their therapeutic goals.
Does Blue Sky Therapy offer crisis/emergency services?
It is important to know that Blue Sky Therapy is not a crisis center. Blue Sky Therapy does not offer crisis services and/or emergency services. Blue Sky Therapy cannot respond 24/7 and is not able to manage mental health/psychiatric emergencies. If you contact Blue Sky Therapy in crisis, you will be referred to the local crisis center. If you contact Blue Sky Therapy due to a mental health/psychiatric emergency, Blue Sky Therapy will refer you to 911 or your nearest emergency room.
If you are currently in crisis, please visit our Resources page for local and national resources. If you are currently experiencing a mental health/psychiatric emergency, please dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is an evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy. EMDR is one of the most studied treatments for PTSD and is endorsed by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, American Psychiatric Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, World Health Organization and more.
EMDR enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma [from EMDR Institute website].
Introduction to EMDR Therapy Video: Courtesy of EMDR International Association
How does EMDR therapy differ from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue. EMDR allows the brain to resume its natural healing process rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
Courtesy of EMDR International Association
I am visiting the area and I am interested in working with Blue Sky Therapy. What kinds of services are available to visitors?
Joshua Tree National Park and the High Desert has been a long time destination for seekers and healing. Blue Sky Therapy has an eclectic, creative menu of offerings for visitors to the area to complement your High Desert experience. Whether it is a private trauma-informed yoga class,, a workshop on self-care and stress management or a therapeutic art experience, we can customize a workshop for you and your group. We also provide workshops for corporate retreats (see Services for more information about workshops). Please contact us to discuss how we can create a unique, healing experience for you and your group and to inquire about rates.
How do I get started?
To get started with Blue Sky Therapy, text Melissa at 760-972-6458 or email melissa@blueskyjt.com to schedule a free phone consultation. We will discuss your therapy needs and goals and you can learn more about our services to help you determine if we are the right fit. I look forward to speaking with you!
*Blue Sky Therapy does not provide 24/7 or on-call crisis services.