Who is my therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: A Deaf licensed therapist who specializes in working with Deaf people and who understands Deaf issues and experiences.

Traditional Therapy: A licensed therapist who may or may not sign.

How do I communicate with my therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: 

• • Sign easily and fluently in ASL.

• Can send a video or typed email to therapist without worrying about therapist not understanding my signing or English.

Traditional Therapy: Sign slowly and repetitively, try to use voice and lip-read, write back and forth on paper, type on computer, or rely on interpreters.

Do I always work with the same therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: Yes

Traditional Therapy: Yes

Where do I talk with my therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: Your home, your office or ours, or anywhere convenient for you.

Traditional Therapy: Only at the therapist’s office.

When do I talk with my therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: Based on your availability and schedule

Traditional Therapy: Usually Monday-Friday, during work hours and based on the therapist’s schedule

How often can I see my therapist?

Deaf Counseling Center: As often as you need.

Traditional Therapy: Once a week.

How much of my time is wasted?

Deaf Counseling Center: None! You can start the session the minute you call your therapist on the videophone.

Traditional Therapy: Time spent driving back and forth to the therapist’s office, sitting in the waiting room until the therapist is ready.

What about my privacy?

Deaf Counseling Center:
Completely private, no waiting room.

Traditional Therapy: Other Deaf people see you in the waiting room or when you arrive or leave a session.

How about confidentiality?

Deaf Counseling Center: Protected by federal and state laws. HIPAA-compliant videophone and internet-based platforms.

Traditional Therapy: Protected by federal and state laws.

How about medications?

Deaf Counseling Center:
Medication is only recommended as a last resort. Emphasis is on alternative solutions first.

Traditional Therapy: Often very quick to offer medication as a solution.

What happens if I have an emergency or question that can’t wait?

Deaf Counseling Center: Send an email to your therapist and get a quick response.

Traditional Therapy: Wait until your next appointment.

How much does it cost?

Deaf Counseling Center: We are on many insurance panels and most plans will pay for sessions. We take care of all billing for you.

Traditional Therapy: Many therapists do not accept insurance or require you to pay first and then you need to submit claims for insurance later.

What if bad weather prevents driving?

Deaf Counseling Center: You can still meet with your therapist via videophone.

Traditional Therapy: Cancel session and wait until next week.

How easy is it to change therapists?

Deaf Counseling Center: Easy. Send an email to the Clinical Services Director and ask to switch to another therapist. No extra paperwork.

Traditional Therapy: Difficult and time-consuming. You need to start all over again and fill out more forms.

How do I start?

Deaf Counseling Center: Email us!

Traditional Therapy: Google for a therapist in your area or ask your friend for recommendations. Fight for your right to interpreters.