At the Trauma Resilience and Education Center (TREC DC), we understand that navigating the process of starting therapy can raise many questions. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our services, processes, and approach to trauma-informed care.
Please contact us if you don’t see the answer to your question
Our providers are experienced in delivering telehealth services and are well-versed in the technology needed to ensure a smooth and secure therapy experience. At TREC DC, we use Jane, a HIPAA-compliant platform that guarantees the confidentiality of your information. To ensure the best experience, you’ll need a private space with a strong, secure internet connection. Sessions can be accessed on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. For more information, you can review Jane’s telehealth guide for additional details.
The first step is to review our clinician bios on the team page to see if a particular provider feels like the right fit for you. If you find someone you’re interested in working with, please contact us to inquire about their availability. If your preferred clinician is fully booked, we’ll help you find a suitable alternative or provide referrals. After making contact, you’ll receive basic information about our practice and be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. This helps us better understand your needs. We will then schedule a brief phone consultation where you can discuss what brings you to therapy and ask any questions you might have. Your clinician will also explain the next steps, including paperwork, fees, and logistics.
Most of our clinicians do not accept insurance directly. However, many insurance companies provide significant reimbursement for out-of-network services. We can supply you with monthly documentation of the services you’ve received, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Before starting therapy, we strongly recommend contacting your insurance company to understand your out-of-network coverage. Here are some questions to ask your insurance company to help guide the conversation.
Currently, TREC DC does not have medication prescribers on staff. However, if you’re interested in a medication evaluation, we can provide referrals to psychiatrists or other prescribers experienced in trauma-informed care. We will coordinate with them to ensure you receive the most supportive and integrated care possible.
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) is a therapeutic approach designed to help you clarify your goals, set intentions, and explore alternatives if you’re considering psychedelic use. Our role is to provide a safe space to discuss your expectations, experiences, and the insights gained from psychedelic experiences. We also offer post-experience support, helping you process the experience, re-establish safety, and translate it into meaningful long-term changes. Please note that PHRI at TREC DC does not involve the administration of any psychedelic substances.
We recognize the historical harm experienced by BIPOC communities due to colonization and exploitation, and we strive to ensure that access to healing practices is not gatekept. To reduce financial barriers, we offer sliding scale fees and reduced rates for BIPOC clients and others from marginalized identities.
We take your privacy seriously. All personal identifying information (PII) is stored in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Our communication is conducted through Jane, our HIPAA-compliant electronic medical record system. For clients seeking additional security, we offer AES256 encryption for data and end-to-end encryption communication platforms such as Signal and Jitsi Meet. Our providers adhere to best practices, including two-factor authentication for all devices accessing PII, and engage in regular consultations on security, privacy, and ethical issues.
Therapy costs vary depending on the provider and the type of session. Individual therapy sessions (either 50 or 80 minutes) are priced differently based on the clinician. Group therapy sessions are also priced according to the type of group, with most sessions lasting around 90 minutes. Payment is due at the time of the session. We offer low-fee services for those facing financial barriers to treatment, though availability is limited. Please contact us to discuss current pricing and any available low-fee options.
TREC DC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality. Your information will be kept confidential, with very few exceptions related to safety and legal requirements, which will be discussed during your first session. All therapy notes, payment information, and client details are stored securely in our HIPAA-compliant software, Jane. If you need to share specific information with certain parties, you can do so by completing and signing a release of information form with your clinician.
Several of our providers are skilled in diagnostic clarification and can offer brief evaluations to help you understand your diagnosis. We do not, however, offer comprehensive psychological testing. If you require more extensive evaluations, such as neuropsychological exams, we can refer you to trusted professionals and coordinate care with them.
