Common Questions
Good questions. Real answers.
No question is too small. Here are the ones I hear most often.
How does teletherapy work?
Sessions happen over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Think of it like a video call built specifically for healthcare. You'll need a private space, a device with a camera, and a solid internet connection. That's it. Research consistently shows outcomes are on par with in-person care, and a lot of clients actually prefer it.
Do you accept my insurance?
Insurance is handled through Headway. Head to care.headway.co/providers/don-neil, enter your plan details, and get an instant cost estimate before you book anything. Reduced-fee sessions are also available through Open Path Collective for qualifying clients. Still not sure? Just reach out and we'll figure it out together.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
That's what the free 15-minute consultation is for. No pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation. Most people have a pretty clear sense by the end of that call. If it doesn't feel right, I'll do my best to point you toward someone who might be a better fit.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on what you're working on and what you want out of it. Some clients come for 8 to 12 focused sessions around a specific issue. Others find ongoing support more valuable over time. We'll set goals early and check in regularly on how things are going. You're never locked in.
What happens in the first session?
Mostly just getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you in, a bit of your history, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You can share as much or as little as feels right. There's no script. It's a conversation.
Do you work with teens?
Yes. I have a lot of experience with adolescents navigating anxiety, school stress, identity, ADHD, and family conflict. Parents and guardians, reach out and I'll walk you through how the process works, including confidentiality and what your involvement looks like.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Everything shared in therapy is protected under HIPAA and Pennsylvania law. The only exceptions are mandated reporting situations like imminent harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a minor. We'll talk through all of that together in our first session. Your privacy matters.
What if I've never done therapy before?
Most of my clients haven't. There's no right way to do this. We go at your pace, start where you are, and build from there. Honestly, reaching out is the hardest part. It gets easier from here.
What platform do you use for video sessions?
Sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, Headway. You'll get a secure link before each session. No app download required. Tech giving you trouble? We'll sort it out together.
What's your cancellation policy?
Please give 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. Life happens though. Just reach out early and we'll work something out.