Question 1

Where do you practice therapy?

Accepted Answer

I offer virtual therapy in California, Texas, and Florida.

Question 2

What techniques do you use in therapy?

Accepted Answer

I use multiple techniques, including less structured and more structured ones according to what each client benefits from. These techniques are derived from psychodynamic, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.

Question 3

Is this page a supplement for therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not. It is my brand and personality, and not a therapist page. If you would like to find a therapist, if you are located where I am licensed or able to provide therapy (California, Texas, or Florida) then you may reach out at patrick@patricktullytherapy.com. I can provide referrals too. I often recommend the directory: https://www.therapyfinder.com.

Question 4

What drives your passion for helping people and providing information?

Accepted Answer

I derive my passion from the many people who helped me build confidence in who I was without exception: my parents, my acting mentor Debra De Liso, who is now one of my closest friends, the community that I surround myself with, and my own therapist. I enjoy helping other people find out ways to make their lives smoother. I provide LGBTQIA+ Affirmative therapy, as a gay cisgender man who understands that the community, while diverse, has many universal traits: what we would like from our life is often less-defined than heteronormative standards, thus our life path looks different. This is just one of many generalizations, however.

Question 5

What do you enjoy doing, besides your job?

Accepted Answer

Besides my work, I enjoy writing, reading, research, and learning about new technologies and innovations. I also enjoy my creative imagination and meeting new people! I really am grateful to be able to integrate many things of passion into my work. I do admit to enjoying reality television, but also movies and television from prior eras: I Love Lucy, The Golden Girls, etc.

Question 6

What insurance do you accept? What Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) do you take?

Accepted Answer

I accept many Cigna, Aetna, and Optum / United plans. I also am a provider for a couple of employee assistance programs (EAPs), which include Lyra Health and Modern Health.

Question 7

What is your fee if you do not accept my insurance plan?

Accepted Answer

My fee is $180 for a 50 minute session with individuals. I don't see couples. I can offer sliding scale fees as well, and we can find what works for us both based on your budget. Also, if there are concerns about affordability, we can meet less than once per week.

For any PPO and many POS insurance plans, if I am not in network, I can automate superbills or if I'm able to bill the insurance directly, I can do this on your behalf. The system I use for administrative and clinical tasks makes this very easy to navigate!

Question 8

What is your opinion of BetterHelp or Talkspace?

Accepted Answer

I do not hold a favorable opinion of either BetterHelp, Talkspace or the many other platforms that exist that exploit both therapists and clients. Oftentimes, the monthly fees end up being the same as what you would receive with a higher quality therapist. The chat function is very limiting as context can be lost. It's a bit different if one has been seeing their therapist and understands the limitations of text-based communication. Therapy can be delivered over text, but if done, it should be done with a therapist who allows for flexibility and can help you navigate the texts if there is confusion. A mixture of methods can be accomplished. But it has to feel right for the therapist and the client.

Question 9

I noticed Amazon is partnering with therapy companies. What are your thoughts?

Accepted Answer

This scenario reminds me of the attempt to offer sessions at certain drugstores: CVS or Walgreens. But I believe this never took off. The environment in which therapy occurs is extremely important, as is the flexibility of the therapist. If one is working for these companies, the ability to see fewer clients per week and deliver care that is tailored for each client disappears. Amazon seems to be partnering with multiple companies for therapy and this is problematic because it appears the companies they're choosing are not the highest quality: ethically or just in general. One of the companies seems to be Talkspace, which is designed to burn therapists out and not focused on the client experience.
If you've used chat-based medical care with Amazon, you probably have seen the limitations.

Question 10

Are you a part of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I'm a gay cisgender man who enjoys the unifying experience possible as a part of the community. There's a shared universal experience that is beautiful about the LGBTQIA+ community, and I hope to embody that as a therapist.

Question 11

Do you use humor in sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I have a silly sense of humor and love jokes. I enjoy being an observer that makes fun of the ridiculous. I can be very serious, but there are times to laugh. I hope we can laugh in therapy together! It just naturally comes out and isn't a part of a modality or anything. Humor is just a part of my personality. Just like anyone else, I may not get every joke though.

Question 12

Do you support the entire LGBTQIA+ community? A lot of therapists and people in general can erase bisexuality or really focus on the gay community but claim they support all sexualities and genders.

Accepted Answer

Your concern is a valid one. I do support the entire LGBTQIA+ community, including bisexuality and trans people, not only people who are gay or lesbian. I support all gender identities, and do not limit my outreach to sexual identities. I should mention that I also recognize that sexual orientation and gender identity are not binary for everyone. I welcome everyone.

Question 13

What is your opinion on monogamy? Do you feel open relationships or polyamorous relationships are a good idea?

Accepted Answer

There are therapists who strongly believe monogamy should be the only construct and feel it is the healthiest. But I disagree. I believe if you feel monogamy works for you, then that's great. I also believe if you feel an open relationship or poly relationship is best for you, then that can work just as well. All relationships require communication, and there is something to be said for monogamy being a heteronormative construct. I feel whatever feels healthy for you is what is right for you. I am not the one to judge, as I practice therapy from a non-judgmental space.

Question 14

What hotlines exist for people in crisis? Are there specific hotlines for the LGBTQIA+ community or ones that support trans people?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely, there are hotlines, chat lines, and text lines available:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 or 988 (can call or text 988).
Online Chat: https://chat.988lifeline.org/

Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 13-24, but don't worry too much:  1-866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
https://www.crisistextline.org - You have access to not only this text number, but also an online chat option: https://connect.crisistextline.org/chat?utm_source=popup.

LGBTQ+ National Hotline:
1-888-843-4564
(Mon-Fri: 11am - 8pm Pacific, 2pm - 11pm Eastern; Sat: 9am - 2pm Pacific, Noon - 5pm Eastern).

*If there is a crisis at any point, please call 988, 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.*

Question 15

Are there confidential resources to call or text for non-emergency situations, or situations that have not yet escalated to crisis situations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Phone numbers and chat lines that offer immediate mental health support that are not emergency lines are referred to as warm lines. A warm line offers non-emergency services but still offers confidential mental health services. Warm lines can provide assistance before a potential crisis develops.

The following warm-line is for anyone in California and operates 24/7. You can call or text: 1-855-600-WARM (9276).

You can look up warm lines at the following website:

https://www.warmline.org/

LGBTQIA+ specific hotlines and warmlines are listed here:

https://translifeline.org/resource_category/hotlines-warmlines/

*If there is a crisis at any point, please call 988, 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.*

Question 16

Do you offer in-person therapy or virtual therapy?

Accepted Answer

Right now, I just offer virtual video / telehealth for therapy. While I have had an office in Los Angeles, CA, right now I offer telehealth services only. I utilize a secure video platform for therapy.

Question 17

Do you offer in-person therapy at your office?

Accepted Answer

I do not currently offer therapy services in person. I have had a Los Angeles office I have used in the past. But I have been 100% virtual telehealth for now.

Question 18

Does the chatbot offer therapy services?

Accepted Answer

The chatbot does not offer therapy services, and any questions about how to handle emotional challenges or things in the realm of a therapist should be done so by contacting me or another therapist and scheduling a session. Of course, if you are in crisis, then please call or text 911, 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Question 19

Do you have a disclaimer for using the chatbot?

Accepted Answer

Yes I do. The chatbot should not be used as a therapist. If you have anxiety, depression, or symptoms of anything, please reach out to a therapist or another professional to help. The chatbot is to be only used to learn about my services, and not provide mental health services.

Question 20

What if I am in crisis or feeling overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

If you are in crisis, please call or text 911 or 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

@patricktully

Gay man in Los Angeles, CA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who sees individuals for LGBTQIA+ Affirming therapy, anxiety, and other concerns.

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