It is important to acknowledge that the field of mental health is undergoing importantchallenges, both due to the crisis of mental health in childhood (reported increases indepression and anxiety), as well as the global events that have impacted individuals in apersistent manner. The last two years has seen manifestations of community despair and vocalinterest in making mental health services more accessible and affordable.The broader context of mental health is more positive: There is a keen interest in trauma and theimpact of trauma (Dr. Bessel vanderKolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score, has been on the best-selling list for months!). In addition, Dr. Porge’s and Deb Dana’s work on polyvagal theory,Warner et al.’s work on somatic integration, ongoing attention to complex trauma, thethe meteoric rise of EMDR treatment approaches and specialization for children, the legitimizing of expressive therapies for trauma treatment, and the continued attention to brain changes thatoccur with trauma, have grown our understanding and sensitivity to trauma-informedtreatment.

Gil Institute clinicians are committed to providing quality, state-of-the-art, trauma-informedmental health services. In order to best serve clients along the developmental continuum, wehave developed an integrated model that includes evidence-based and practice-informedapproaches. We have distinguished ourselves in the treatment of traumatized children andtheir caregivers with special attention to establishing or strengthening parent-child attachment;the use of expressive therapies such as sand, art, and play; and utilizing a systemic lens whenworking with families. We provide therapy in a variety of languages (Spanish, English, French,Farsi) and we make every effort to provide a culturally diverse group of therapists.In the past two years, a cohort of Gil Institute clinicians participated in the basic training inEMDR as well as ongoing consultation with EMDRIA teachers and consultants. We also invested in training by the SMART program in order to equip our clinicians to do purposeful sensoryintegration work. These two models are congruent with other methodologies utilized at GilInstitute, including Theraplay, Circle of Security, and Animal-Assisted Therapy.We are one of the few group private practices to specialize in and prioritize the treatment ofchildhood trauma and our clinicians strive to provide the best services possible to currentvictims of child maltreatment, as well as adult survivors.

INTERVIEWS WITH DR. ELIANA GIL
APT Lifetime Achievement Award winner (interview on play therapy)
Interview with Lisa Dion
Interview with Eli Karam
Interview with Karen Doyle Buckwater
Interview with Larry Rubin

HYBRID THERAPY
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When Covid began, no one anticipated the challenge and opportunity that occurred for mentalhealth professionals, who quickly learned about HIPPA-approved platforms for virtual therapy,and struggled to engage child clients and keep them interested in participating. The playtherapy community quickly responded by sharing ideas for engaging children online anddesigning creative activities that could work online. The topic of virtual therapy or telehealthbecame commonplace and clients were both pleased and concerned. Some clients found greatrelief in not dealing with traffic patterns to arrive at therapy sessions in person. Others foundthat children were unwilling to participate online, especially since they were attending schoolin that fashion. Conversely, some children familiar with technology, we're excited to meet withtheir therapists online and share screen time doing fun activities.As we look forward to 2023, our group private practice has evolved into a hybrid model of in-person and telehealth options. We will continue to follow CDC guidelines and will observewhatever cautions may become necessary in the future.Our clinicians are delighted to provide this hybrid model moving forward.

FEES

Psychotherapy fees vary depending on each therapist’s credentials (Master’s or Doctoral level) and level of training and experience. Our fees are consistent and comparable to rates for similar services in the Northern Virginia area. Our therapists also reserve some lower fee or pro bono openings and lower fees may also available when working with clinical interns and residents.

Gil Institute clinical interns are master’s or doctoral level students who have completed educational requirements sufficient to ensure delivery of quality services under the supervision of a licensed clinician. Clinical residents have graduated from their clinical program and work under supervision until they have completed direct service hours and obtained a license to practice in Virginia. All interns and residents are required to participate in weekly supervision in addition to having access to clinical guidance as needed.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payment is due at the time of service and not at the time of insurance reimbursement. Given that service rates vary depending on the credential of the therapist, specific rates can be reviewed by our intake coordinator upon referral and discussed further with the assigned therapist. New referrals undergo a screening process where assessment or treatment needs are matched with a therapist with the appropriate training and experience to meet those needs. While our clinical intake coordinator obtains general information initially, clients and therapists decide whether to proceed with the provision of services with the clinician during the initial clinical interview.