potential risks include

There are potential risks involved in healthcare services, including psychotherapy. This is not a comprehensive list. These risks may or may not occur in any given situation.

1. You may not experience improvements. Your progress will be monitored closely. If change does not occur, you and/or your therapist may decide to change, discontinue, or refer you to more suitable treatment.

2. In the beginning some unwanted feelings or behaviors may get worse. Your desire to engage in unwanted behavior may increase in the beginning of treatment. You may experience sadness, anxiety, anger, or a fear that your symptoms will not improve. This intensification can occur as underlying issues are addressed. This can be an important part of therapy. Discuss these matters with your therapist so that she can assist with appropriate coping skills.

3. People in your life may not support you in your decision to engage in therapy. Be mindful that others may feel threatened or critical of this decision. Although psychotherapy is more respected than ever, people may still hold the view that being in therapy is an indication that someone is “weak” or “crazy.” If you are concerned that people in your life may disagree with this choice, your therapist can help you figure out whom to disclose to and how.

4. If you expect to use your health insurance benefits to pay for therapy at some point in the future, you may want to find out if your insurance has a pre-existing condition clause. Some health insurance companies deny coverage for the treatment of "pre-existing conditions."

5. Your psychological history may be sought in court proceedings where mental health or mental distress is at issue.  Similarly, high security clearance jobs could require mental health records. Your records could negatively impact your court case or result in denial of employment. Please consult with an attorney for legal concern. See HIPAA for more exceptions to confidentiality and risks to treatment.

6. Often times in psychotherapy people develop a natural affection and attachment to the therapist. This can make discontinuing treatment a challenging process. Be sure to share these difficulties with your therapist so that she can aid you in having a positive goodbye. Please note that once therapy has ended if you should find the need to return you are welcome to contact Dr. Rosenstock.

Feel free to discuss these and other risks of treatment with Dr. Rosenstock.