How do I get started with therapy in Portland?

Getting started with therapy at Bridges Therapy in Portland is easy. You can schedule a free consultation through our website or contact us directly. During the consultation, we'll discuss your needs and match you with the right therapist. We offer both in-person sessions in SE Portland and telehealth appointments throughout Oregon.

How much does therapy cost in Portland Oregon?

Therapy session costs at Bridges Therapy vary by provider and service type. We accept several insurance plans and offer sliding scale fees for those who qualify. Contact us for specific pricing information. Many clients find that investing in mental health provides significant returns in quality of life and overall wellbeing.

What insurance do you accept for therapy in Oregon?

Bridges Therapy accepts various insurance plans for mental health services in Oregon. Coverage varies by provider within our practice. We recommend contacting us with your insurance information so we can verify your benefits. We also offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

Do you offer telehealth therapy in Oregon?

Yes, Bridges Therapy offers telehealth therapy sessions throughout Oregon. Our licensed therapists provide secure, confidential video sessions that are just as effective as in-person therapy. Telehealth is convenient for busy schedules, those with mobility challenges, or clients outside the Portland metro area.

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Your first therapy session at Bridges Therapy is an intake appointment where your therapist will get to know you, understand your concerns, and discuss your goals for therapy. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and determine if it's a good fit. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy at Bridges Therapy is confidential. What you share stays between you and your therapist, with few exceptions required by law (such as imminent danger to yourself or others, or suspected child abuse). Your therapist will explain confidentiality limits during your first session.

Do you offer child therapy in Portland?

Yes, Bridges Therapy has therapists who specialize in child therapy in Portland. We use age-appropriate techniques including play therapy to help children process emotions, develop coping skills, and address behavioral challenges. Parents are involved in the treatment process as appropriate.

Therapy FAQs Portland | Questions About Counseling Oregon

Q: How often should I attend therapy?

Most clients at Bridges Therapy start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a therapeutic relationship. As you progress, sessions may become less frequent. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best frequency based on your individual needs and goals.

How do I get started with therapy?

Getting started is simple! You can reach out to us through our contact form or by calling our office. We offer free 20-minute consultations via telehealth to help you meet with a potential therapist and determine if they're a good fit for your needs.

During the consultation, you can ask questions, share what brings you to therapy, and get a sense of the therapist's approach. There's no obligation to continue after the consultation.

How do I pay for sessions?

Credit Cards, FSAs, or HSAs are accepted for payment before or at the time of the appointment.

We also accept various insurance plans including OHP CareOregon/Healthshare, IHN OHP, OHP Open Card, Regence BCBS, United Healthcare/Optum, Pacific Source, Providence, MODA, Aetna, and Sam's Choice.

For out-of-network coverage with other insurance providers, we can provide you a superbill for partial out-of-network reimbursement with your insurance provider.

What should I expect in my first session?

Your first session will focus on collecting as much information from the therapy participants as possible in areas such as reason for seeking therapy and desired outcomes.

Information shared during this session helps to inform your therapist of the current needs and strengths of the therapy participants. For children and teens, it is important that the parents/caregivers be able to participate in the first session and support the child through the process while providing any additional helpful information.

How does therapy work?

Therapy is a collaborative process driven by YOU and what you've identified as a struggle, challenge, or area of distress or discomfort in your life. It's important not to expect a simple solution to address all of you or your family's needs. There are typically many facets and moving parts to an issue so progress and lasting positive changes take time and patience to cultivate.

What you should expect is to feel listened to and understood in your sessions and to walk away with a better understanding of yourself and/or others along with tools for better communication and management of feelings and stress. Having the ability to express yourself in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space can truly be a life-changing experience.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes! Telehealth sessions are available to meet you where you are anywhere in the state of Oregon. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.

Many of our clients find telehealth sessions to be convenient and effective, allowing them to attend therapy from the comfort of their own home or office.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Yes! In-person sessions are available at our SE Portland location. Our office provides a warm, welcoming environment designed to help you feel comfortable and at ease during your sessions.

How do I talk to my child about their therapy?

It's important to not pressure your child to talk about their sessions. The therapist will talk with parents about anything that takes place in the session relating to the child's safety or any other important information when appropriate.

Remember that your child is given privacy during their sessions in order to allow for self-expression. It is important to remember that progress takes time and children must be allowed to work at their own pace in order to build a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Should I be directly involved in my child's therapy sessions?

How best to participate in a child's therapy depends primarily on the child's age, the nature of the problem, and whether research supports parental involvement in the type of treatment your child is receiving.

In some situations, particularly with younger children, parental guidance may be critical to bring about and support behavioral change between therapy sessions. In other situations, particularly with older children or adolescents, privacy between the child and therapist may form an important foundation for establishing trust and encouraging behavioral change.

In every case, parents should be clear on what the goals are for treating their child and how they can best support their child achieving these goals outside of therapy.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept a variety of insurance plans including:

OHP CareOregon/Healthshare, IHN (InterCommunity Health Network) OHP, OHP Open Card, Regence BCBS, United Healthcare/Optum, Pacific Source (commercial plan), Providence, MODA, Sam's Choice, and Aetna.

Please note that not all providers accept all insurance plans. Check individual provider profiles for specific insurance acceptance, or contact us for more information.

What if my insurance isn't accepted?

For out-of-network coverage with other insurance providers, we can provide you a superbill for partial out-of-network reimbursement with your insurance provider. Most insurance plans offer 30-80 percent reimbursement for out-of-network services.

We also accept credit cards, FSAs, and HSAs for self-pay clients.

How much do sessions cost?

Session rates vary by provider and whether you're using insurance. Standard sessions are 50 minutes and can be attended weekly or biweekly.

For the most up-to-date information on rates and insurance coverage, please contact us directly or schedule a free consultation with your preferred provider.

How often should I attend therapy?

Sessions can be attended weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs and preferences. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best frequency for your situation.

Many clients start with weekly sessions and transition to biweekly as they progress in their treatment.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies greatly depending on your goals, the issues you're working on, and your personal progress. Some people find that they achieve their goals in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support.

Your therapist will regularly check in with you about your progress and help you determine when you're ready to conclude therapy or reduce frequency.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes, with some important exceptions. Everything you share in therapy is confidential and protected by law. However, there are specific situations where therapists are required to break confidentiality:

If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult, or if required by court order. Your therapist will discuss these limits of confidentiality with you during your first session.

Frequently Asked Questions