Dr. Joy Patton, LMSW, MA

Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?
Only virtual sessions are offered at this time. You can schedule a telehealth session by clicking on the Schedule an Appointment button above.

Once you click on the Schedule and Appointment button, you will be taken to the scheduling system hosted by Inspired Practice, LLC. Once there, you will click on the Request Appointment button and will be given a choice of therapist to select. All therapist names are in alphabetical order so scroll down to find the name of the therapist you want to schedule an appointment with and click the Select button beside this therapist’s name.

Do you accept insurance or offer sliding-scale fees?
Yes, I accept Aetna and Cigna insurances. If you have other insurance, I also offer a Superbill that you can use to file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.  I offer sliding-scale fees for clients without insurance or those facing financial challenges. We will discuss this information during your Free Initial Consultation.

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment with me through clicking on the Request an Appointment Link. Once you click this link, it will take you to the scheduling portal hosted on Inspired Practice, LLC’s website. Simply select my name Joy Patton, PhD, LMSW, MA and your options for an appointment will be visible to you.

• You may request:
  A Free Initial Consultation (highly recommended to start here) for 15 minutes at no charge to you.
  You have the option of session lengths of 53 minutes, 45 minutes or 16-37 minutes. Session charges will be based on the length of session you choose. You may also request a Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation if needed.

What can I expect from a Free Initial Consultation?
The Free Initial Consultation is a chance for us to get to know each other and determine if we are a good fit. It’s a brief session, 15 minutes, where you can share what’s led to you seeking counseling, ask any questions you have about the process, and discuss your goals. I’ll explain my approach to therapy and what working together might look like for us.

If I sign up for Psychotherapy Sessions, how often will we meet?
Typically, we will meet once per week for the first 4-5 weeks. This allows us enough time to assess your challenges, set goals, and develop a plan on how to work together. After this timeframe, we will re-assess and determine how often we will meet for future sessions.

How do I prepare for my first session?
After signing up for your first Psychotherapy Session, you will be sent paperwork for you to complete – this paperwork will be sent to the email address you have provided. If you are using insurance, it is essential that you complete the insurance information at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment so your insurance can be verified and applied as your method of payment. If the insurance paperwork is not completed at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, your appointment will be cancelled, and you will need to reschedule for a future date.

Once you have completed all paperwork and uploaded these in your client portal, I encourage you to take a moment to think about what’s been on your mind and what you would like to work on in therapy. If you have specific questions or concerns, jot them down so we can address them. During your first session, we will complete an assessment together that helps us both understand you and the challenges that are most concerning to you.

Is therapy confidential?
Yes, everything you share in therapy is confidential, with a few exceptions required by law, such as situations involving harm to yourself or others. We will discuss confidentiality in more detail during your first session.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is a space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges with the support of a trained professional. Whether you are facing a specific issue or just need a place to process, therapy can provide you with tools, insights, and support for growth. If you’re unsure, your first session is a great time to explore whether this feels like a good fit for you.

What happens if I feel therapy is not working for me?
If at any point you feel therapy is not meeting your needs, let’s talk about it. We can adjust our approach, revisit your goals, or discuss alternatives for you. Your feedback is essential in making sure the therapeutic process supports your needs and growth.

Can I cancel my appointment or reschedule my appointment?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment. We do ask that you cancel within at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time to avoid being charged for your session. You can make changes to your appointment in your client portal.