Frequently asked questions about Amy Howard’s approach to couples and relationship therapy.

I’ve provided a short answer to quickly get you on your way, and a more detailed perspective with added context if you prefer a deeper dive.

Question
I’m uncomfortable talking about sex and relationships. How do I start this process?
Answer
I make it easy with a free phone consultation.

Detailed Answer
Amy provides a 10-minute phone consultation free-of-charge to discuss your concerns and determine whether she can help you. If you both would like to move forward, she’ll schedule a session. If not, she’ll refer you to someone who can help.

Question
Can I use my insurance to pay?
Answer
No, but I will provide a reimbursement receipt for your insurance provider.

Detailed Answer
Amy Howard does not accept insurance and is considered an “out-of-network” provider.

If you choose to use insurance, you will pay for the session and Amy will provide you with a receipt you can use to request reimbursement from your insurance company, depending on your coverage.

Please contact your insurance provider for details about their “out-of-network” provider coverage. Also know that, if you choose to use your insurance, Amy is required by law to share your mental health diagnosis with your insurance provider.

Question
Do I have to bring my partner?
Answer
No, but couples therapy works best when both partners participate.

Detailed Answer
It’s ideal if you bring your partner in on the conversation. If you’re calling with a relationship concern, the ideal treatment is couples therapy because research shows that having both partners participating in the conversation produces the most long-lasting outcomes. 

It can be challenging for a therapist to treat a problem within a couple by seeing only half of the couple. That said, changing one part of the system has the effect of changing the system, so if you feel strongly about coming in to see me alone at first, I’ll be flexible and honor your request.  

Often I’ll meet with one partner for an assessment (detailed sexual history, relationship chronology, family of origin, and discuss current relationship dynamics), then provide feedback, and offer you the opportunity to bring your partner in on the therapy once the assessment phase of therapy is completed.  

If you choose to bring your partner in at that time, I do the assessment work with the other partner, provide a feedback session with the two of you, and then we can do some couples work and begin the treatment phase of therapy.

Question
How long does couples and relationship therapy take?
Answer
Couples therapy durations can range widely, but average about 12 to 15 sessions depending on your needs. Each therapy session is 50 minutes.

Detailed Answer
The length of time clients spend in therapy varies tremendously. Some couples simply want to bounce an idea off an impartial person or get some feedback about a problem. A few therapy sessions might satisfy their need.
Sometimes, however, clients have been living with trauma that has been put off for a long time. In those cases, they may need to build a long-term, trusting and deeper relationship with their therapist so they can do the work of processing the experiences that have affected so many areas of their life.

If you have additional questions, please contact Amy Howard.