Dr. Listermann smiling while drinking a cup of coffee

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're new to therapy or have years of experience, finding the right fit is essential for your healing journey. Doing your research helps ensure you're comfortable and confident in your choice of therapist. This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process and address any concerns you may have. If you have additional questions, feel free to schedule a free consultation call where we can cover them together.

What types of therapy do you offer? 

I currently offer individual therapy services for adults (18+) via teletherapy. I specialize in treating Trauma-Related Concerns/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment-Related Concerns and Navigating Difficult Life Transitions, Burnout and Chronic Stress, Traumatic Grief and Loss, Women’s Issues, and provide LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care.

How long does each therapy session last?

Each individual therapy session is scheduled for 50 minutes. I block the entire hour to allot for additional time to schedule upcoming sessions, as well as provide lead time to wrap up the session if needed outside of the 50-minute mark. I pride myself in ensuring my clients don’t feel rushed during our sessions, while also being mindful to maintain my time management as I have multiple sessions per day typically back-to-back.

How much does therapy cost?

  • Individual Intake Session (60 Minutes)- $225

  • Individual Psychotherapy Session (50 Minutes)- $185

Do you accept insurance?

Carolina Trauma Recovery has chosen to remain a private pay outpatient clinic in order to provide the highest standard of care to clients and does not accept insurance. Most clients can file claims on an "out-of-network" basis, however, it is highly recommended that you contact your insurance provider to verify your “out-of-network” benefits before scheduling an appointment. Clients will be provided with the necessary documentation for “out-of-network” reimbursement if needed.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes, Carolina Trauma Recovery exclusively offers secure online therapy and does not offer in-person therapy sessions at this time. Telehealth sessions (video or phone sessions) are completed through HIPAA-compliant platforms. Clients are able to attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes and provides those who have busy schedules, live in remote areas, and prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions greater access to mental health care.

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

In your first session, known as the intake session, you will be asked you questions about your background, current challenges, and collaboratively identify goals for therapy. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get to know each other better to begin fostering our therapeutic relationship.

How often will I need therapy and how long will it take to see improvement?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and goals. I recommended that clients begin with weekly sessions and then transition to bi-weekly as they progress. Clients may eventually decrease the frequency of sessions to once per month over time once the majority of treatment goals have been met. This will be an on-going collaborative conversation between us to evaluate progress toward established goals that align with your identified treatment plan.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Choosing to participate in therapy is such a personal decision that is dependent on a variety of factors. While there is most likely no predetermined way to know for certain if therapy is the next best step, therapy can be beneficial for most anyone especially from a general wellbeing and insight-oriented perspective. Generally, if you are noticing marked changes in your thoughts, behaviors, and/or emotions, simply not feeling like yourself, and having difficulty coping on your own, it may be a good idea to talk with a trained mental health professional. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, I offer a free consultation call to discuss your situation and determine the best approach.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential and everything discussed during therapy sessions will remain private under your protected health information. All information shared with me will be kept confidential unless you authorize, in writing, the release of your information to specified parties for specified reasons. The exceptions to this, where all limits of confidentiality will be explained in depth during your intake session, is where I have a duty of mandated reporting as specified by North Carolina law are:

  • Cases of imminent threat to self or others

  • Cases of suspected neglect and/or abuse of minor by a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker

  • Cases of suspected neglect and/or abuse of elder by their caretaker

What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

It is completely understandable that life happens! If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least a 24-hour notice prior to your scheduled appointment time (e.g. if your therapy session is scheduled for 4pm on Tuesday, you would need to cancel prior to 4pm on Monday). If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged the full session fee. In order to provide the highest standard of care and be accessible to my clients, I limit the number of clients I work with at a time and operate through routinely scheduled appointment slots. This policy promotes effectiveness in your therapy, ensures quality of care, and is fair to those on my wait list, as I only take on a certain number of clients at a given time.

What treatment modalities do you use in therapy?

I utilize an integrative and tailored approach for all of my clients to meet their clinical needs and therapy goals. I am trained in various evidence-based approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)

  • Process-Based Therapy (PBT)

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

How long will therapy take?

The duration of therapy varies for each individual. Some clients may need only a few months to work through a specific issue, while others may engage in long-term therapy for more in-depth exploration of personal challenges. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy! I provide free consultation calls to all prospective clients to ensure goodness of fit. You can contact me directly or use the online appointment scheduling system to set up your free consultation call!

What are your hours of availability?

I schedule six therapy sessions per day Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm (with a break from 2-4pm). For admin-related concerns and general contact purposes, the best way to reach me is via email as I can typically respond the fastest through that form of communication. However, I make it a point to return calls within 24 business hours.

Taking The First Step is The Hardest

The best way to get started is simply by having a phone call and putting your feelings of uncertainty at ease!