Frequently Asked Questions
Provider Questions
What are your credentials?
I am a licensed clinical social worker, or LCSW. I graduated with a master’s in social work in 2016 and became licensed in 2019. Since then I completed the certificate program for Sex Therapy from Modern Sex Therapy Institute and am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) in the state of Florida as well as a Grief Counseling Specialist.
Which states are you licensed in?
I am currently only licensed to practice with individuals living in the States of Florida and Colorado. I am currently working on obtaining licensure in California, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
What is your level of education?
I have a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University.
Do you have a particular approach, expertise or training?
My approach is eclectic. While I use evidenced-based practices and intervention techniques, my approach is tailored to each individual. My expertise is more narrative which relies heavily on the creation of meaning and reauthoring your experiences as well as Internal Family Systems.
In your practice, do you have someone who prescribes medicine?
As an LCSW, I do not prescribe medication. I do however refer to psychiatrists in the area who I have worked with in the past and trust as we have, or have had, a working relationship in the past.
CAYA Health: 407-559-7011 1355 S International Parkway, Suite 1481 Lake Mary, FL 32746 | www.cayahealth.com
Orlando Psychiatric Associates: 407-318-2993 4106 W Lake Mary Blvd, Ste 205 Lake Mary, FL 32746 | www.orlandopa.com
Do you have a sliding fee scale?
No current availability. When available, I do provide sliding fee scale services for clients wanting to self-pay. There is limited availability and clients need to document financial hardship to qualify. To be notified when the sliding fee scale option is once again available, please sign up to receive updates or follow Mindful Sexuality Florida on Facebook or Instagram.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Insurance is not accepted at this time. Current clients may continue to use their insurance until services have terminated. Please visit the Costs and Fees page for more information.
How much will treatment cost me?
Services at this time are on a self-pay basis. Individual sessions are $120 per hour. Initial couples sessions are $175 and follow up couple's sessions are $140. Consultation, supervision, and workshop costs will be honored as advertised.
Do you have admitting privileges at a hospital?
I do not have admitting privileges at any hospital.
Are you willing to communicate with my other doctors and therapists to coordinate care?
Absolutely, once the client and/or responsible guardian have signed the appropriate release of information/consent form.
Appointments
How hard is it to schedule an appointment?
It's very easy! All current clients can schedule future appointments free of charge through my SimplePractice client portal. This feature can be accessed here: https://michellelopez.clientsecure.me/. New or returning clients will need to call or email me to establish services following a brief 15-minute consultation phone call. The phone number is 407-720-9789. The email address is michellelopez.lcsw@outlook.com.
What times are you available to see me?
At this time, my availability is very limited. The only day I operate my private practice is Saturday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
How often do you recommend seeing me?
Frequency depends on each individual. My responsibility is to meet my client’s where they’re at. What this means is they may not be ready to see me every week if that is my recommendation. If the symptoms you are experiencing are severe or if you have been recently hospitalized, more often can feel better. Other clients are okay with every other week. And if you are just looking to maintain progress you have already made, once a month may be what is right for you.
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
Walk-in appointments cannot be accommodated.
Do you require appointments for everything or can I conduct some transactions over the phone?
Requests for documentation can be made over the phone or via email.
What happens if I need to cancel or change an appointment? Is there a fee?
Appointments can be cancelled and rescheduled at the clients convenience through the client portal: https://michelle-lopez.clientsecure.me/.
That being said, therapy is one of those things that only works if the client shows up and attends consistently. Repeated cancellations and no shows may be a sign that we need to discuss what needs to improved. For individuals on a sliding fee scale, repeated cancellations or one (1) No Show will result in being charged full price for services in the future. Changes made at least the day prior to an appointment will not be subject to any cancellation fees. If an appointment is rescheduled within the same week, there is no cancellation fee. Late cancellations are subject to a $120 No Show fee.
Why is there a fee for late cancellations?
Giving 24 hours, at least one day, notice for appointments that cannot be attended allows that appointment spot to be offered to someone on the waiting list. Being proactive about your appointments and letting me know in advance can help someone else meet their health goals!
After Hours
How hard is it to contact you outside of business hours?
My office number is my cell phone number. If you call the number, you are calling me. I, however, am human and need to turn off my phone to maintain good work-life boundaries. If you leave a message outside of working hours, I will return your call or text message within 24-48 business hours.
Do you charge for non-emergency consults after hours?
I do not provide consults after hours.
Will I be able to contact you in an emergency?
If there is an emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself, taking your life, or hurting someone else, please visit your nearest emergency room or call/text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
Do you have an off-site receptionist during off-hours to assist me in the case of an emergency?
There is no receptionist or answering service to assist during off-hours.
If you aren't available, is there a staff member who is "on call"?
There is no staff member on call. I do check my messages once per day and will return your call or text within 24 hours.
What kind of other staff do you use - interns, students, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, etc?
I am in a solo private practice. I am also a qualified supervisor, however, and may work with registered social work interns who are working towards their own licensure from time to time. You will never be forced to work with someone you are not comfortable with.
First Day Questions and Concerns
What can I expect during a typical appointment? How long will it last?
Individual sessions last between 50 to 60 minutes. The initial session is basically a history gathering session and a time for us to establish objectives for services. Following sessions depend on the type of therapy but usually involve briefly recapping the previous session, discussing what happened since, and creating a plan for the future. Couples sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. The initial couples session is 90 minutes and breaks down to 30 minutes in a joint setting followed by each partner getting 30 minutes of individual time to discuss their own perspectives. Follow-up session are usually 60 minutes.
Will I get time to ask questions?
Always! Therapy is collaborative. I welcome everyone I work with to provide me with constructive feedback to can keep my services to you effective. Time is a precious commodity and I don’t want to waste your time or your money.
Will you be asking about other elements of my life?
In the initial session I will ask about the following areas of your life: Family dynamics growing up Medical History and current medications Social Interactions Romantic Relationship History of Trauma Religion and Spirituality The reason I ask about so much is because I use this information to identify strengths that can support treatment and stressors that can throw a wrench into therapy. Being aware of these factors up front help me create a more informed treatment plan and help me not lose track of the goals important to you.
Do I have to talk about things I do not want to?
You 100% do not have to talk about things you do not want to. I would not risk re-traumatizing someone or bringing issues into a session that are not related to the objectives previously discussed with the client. Ultimately, if I feel there is resistance or avoidance of a relevant memory, feeling, or pattern of thinking, I will tread carefully and it will eventually be brought up as an observation.
Therapy/Treatment
What are the risks and benefits associated with my treatment?
Depending on the modality or therapy being utilized, there can be certain side effects. As an example, a client treated with EMDR may experience more vivid dreams, memories, and stronger emotions related to their triggers or the original event. Individuals will not be subjected to EMDR treatment if they are not sufficiently resourced to practice relaxation techniques in the event of such reactions. Other types of therapy may shift a client's boundaries and the way they interact with people at home or at work. When you makes any changes within a particular system, other parts of that system will react, sometimes in a empathetic, supportive way and sometimes in a reactive and invalidating way. Follow up sessions allow client’s to plan for and address these types of changes. The benefits of therapy include the following: Learning life-long coping skills Improved, more fulfilling relationships with others Improved, more fulfilling relationship with yourself Better quality of life Less chronic stress
How soon could I expect to see signs of feeling better?
I wish I could offer guarantees on when a client can expect to see results. Some people feel better on day 1 and I wish everyone could experience that relief. I can only offer that individuals who engage in therapy do feel better in time but the amount of time is different for every individual.
How long will my therapy sessions last?
Each therapy session is expected to last between 50 and 53 minutes. How long someone stays in therapy depends on what their goals are. It is my view that no one should be in therapy for life if that isn’t their goal. My goal as a clinician is to help my client’s become their own therapists while also leaving my door open for them to return if they ever feel they need additional support.