MPSI Psychotherapy Center

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment, call us at (612) 824-3800 and leave a message in the general voicemail box. Please include your name, phone number, and brief description of why you’re calling. Also, let us know if it’s okay for us to leave a message on your voicemail when we return your call. An intake coordinator will get back to you within 1-2 business days, if not sooner.

What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a form of intensive psychotherapy that promotes personal development and freedom from unsatisfying or painful patterns of living. In pursuit of these goals, the individual and the therapist work together in close collaboration. Special attention is paid to replications of past relational patterns in the present, personal and interpersonal interactions, body and mind experiences, and fantasy and reality within the unconscious as well as conscious experience. The patient and therapist work together to understand the meaning of the patient’s emotional reactions, thoughts, memories, fantasies, dreams, images, and sensations in an effort to alleviate personal suffering and to expand the capacity for work, love, and creativity.

Is there scientific evidence for psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

Yes. There is substantial evidence which supports the effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy for numerous mental health concerns. For more information on research, and for a bibliography of articles and studies on psychoanalytic psychotherapy, please see the following link from APSaA (American Psychoanalytic Association): http://www.apsa.org/research-bibliography

What can I expect for my first session?

Your therapy starts with your first visit where you will have a chance to talk about the problems you are having and the help you want to make important life changes. You’ll have a chance to meet your therapist and decide if the fit is a good one. You’ll also determine your fee for each session and complete a brief intake process. We keep the paperwork to a minimum so that the main focus is helping you get the care you need.

How much are your fees and do you take insurance?

We are a fee-for-service center and do not take insurance. Fees range from $20 to $50 for a 50-minute session and are determined solely on your ability to pay.

Do I need to take medications?

As psychotherapists, we do not prescribe medications. However, based on a joint assessment of problems you are facing, you may decide you want to consult with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted. Typically, patients see someone under their health insurance coverage, or we can refer you to a psychiatrist.

How long will I be in therapy?

The length of time you will be in therapy depends on the nature of the problem and the goals of the therapy. We offer both brief and long-term therapy. Some patients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of therapy. For others, therapy is an on-going process of learning and growth, and they choose to receive therapy for a longer period.