Frequently Asked Questions

What concerns can therapy help with?

Therapy can support you through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress and burnout, life transitions, grief, self-esteem and body image concerns, and disordered eating. At Middle Path, we also work with clients navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Your therapist will work with you to understand what you’re experiencing, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools that support meaningful and lasting change. 

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don’t have to be in crisis or have a specific diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply want a better understanding of yourself and your relationships, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore what’s going on and create meaningful change. At Middle Path, we meet you where you are and work together to identify your goals, build on your strengths, and develop tools that fit your life.

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a higher level of mental health support than traditional weekly therapy while allowing you to continue living at home and maintaining your daily responsibilities. IOP typically includes several hours of structured therapy and support each week, with a team of clinicians working together to address the concerns that are affecting your life.

Middle Pathways IOP incorporates evidence-based approaches including DBT, ACT, CBT, nutrition support, gentle movement, and somatic therapies. The goal is to provide more support and connection when weekly therapy alone isn’t quite enough—while helping you build practical skills that you can carry into everyday life.

What is a trauma-informed approach?

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences can shape how we understand ourselves, relate to others, and respond to stress. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, trauma-informed therapy considers the whole person and prioritizes safety, trust, choice, and collaboration. Our clinicians are skilled in EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, CPT, and Neurofeedback. At Middle Path, we create a space where you can explore difficult experiences at your own pace while building on your strengths, developing practical coping tools, and reconnecting with a sense of safety and control.

Yes. Middle Pathways Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) accepts most major insurance plans. Insurance participation varies by clinician for individual therapy, so we recommend reaching out to learn which providers and services are in-network with your specific plan. Our team can help you explore your options and determine what may be available to you.

What can I expect from my first therapy session?

Your first therapy session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, talk about what brings you to therapy, and begin identifying what you’d like to work toward. Your therapist will ask questions about your experiences, current concerns, and goals while getting to know what approaches may be most helpful for you.

There’s no expectation that you have everything figured out before you begin. Therapy at Middle Pathways is collaborative and individualized, so you and your therapist will work together to create a plan that feels supportive, practical, and aligned with your needs.

What should I do if I am experiencing a mental health crisis?

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or feel that you may be a danger to yourself or someone else, seek immediate support rather than waiting for a therapy appointment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is an immediate danger or medical emergency. You can also call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support.

If you’re experiencing a significant increase in symptoms but are not in immediate danger, reach out to your therapist or healthcare provider to discuss the appropriate level of support. Middle Path can help you explore treatment options, including whether a higher level of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be appropriate.

How quickly can I get started?

We know that reaching out for support can be a big step, and we want the process to feel as simple as possible. Availability varies depending on the service and clinician, but we’ll work with you to find an appointment or program start date that fits your needs. Reach out to our team, and we’ll walk you through the next steps and help determine the right fit for your care.

How quickly does Middle Pathways respond to referrals?

Middle Path welcomes referrals from therapists, physicians, hospitals, treatment programs, and other healthcare professionals. To make a referral, we typically need basic contact information, presenting concerns, and current level of care. You can submit this information via the contact buttons on our website.

Once we receive a referral, our team will review the information and reach out to the client to discuss next steps within 24 hours. We strive to respond to referrals promptly and make the process as simple and collaborative as possible for both providers and the people we serve.

How can I determine the right level of care for myself or a loved one?

The right level of care depends on the severity of symptoms, how they’re affecting daily life, and the amount of support needed. Weekly therapy can be a good fit when someone is able to manage day-to-day responsibilities but would benefit from ongoing support. An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be appropriate when more structure, frequent support, and skill-building are needed.

We can talk with you about what you’re experiencing and help determine whether individual therapy, our IOP, or another level of care may be the most appropriate fit. If someone is experiencing an immediate safety concern or mental health crisis, emergency or crisis services should be contacted rather than waiting for an outpatient appointment.