Mental Health FAQs

We know there are a lot of questions. We have asked them all. Here is a list of a few that are commonly brought up. If you are not seeing a question answered below, please reach out: info@forgehealth.com

Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) Questions

Is IOP going to be right for me?

Forge’s IOP is for those going through trauma, addiction, mental health, and other rough times. If you feel alone, if you are engaging in substance use, or if the desire to use is overwhelming you – and you find yourself reading this – call us now

How long is your IOP?

We don’t have time constraints like other programs. You are not limited to 12 weeks, or bound to 12 years, we adjust your treatment to meet your needs… But like we said, there is no silver bullet. IOP consists of a minimum of three (3) groups every week that are each three (3) hours long and is coupled with one (1) individual session so we can work through the tough stuff and process it in an intimate setting.

That setting can be virtual or physical. Your choice. And the data shows we deliver great outcomes either way. We know that other treatment providers use the buzzword of “We meet you where you are.” Do they? We take it seriously.

We have found that some of our clients are looking for programs that are even more personalized. Which is why we offer population specific programming for Veterans and First Responders and the LGBTQ+ community.

Can you tell me a bit more about Evidence Based Modalities?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is the most researched and proven evidence-based practice for achieving behavioral change. With awareness of your thoughts and inner-dialogue it becomes possible to identify underlying emotions, beliefs and values that may be standing in the way of your highest goals. CBT is experiential, giving you the tools to change how your mind works and gain more control of your habits and the thoughts inside your head.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT is a game changer when it comes to resolving PTSD and other related problems. You don’t need to re-experience the trauma. But you must be honest about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CPT sessions help you explore how your trauma or traumas have changed your internal system of thoughts and beliefs and how some of these ways of thinking may keep you ‘stuck’ in your symptoms. We’ve seen great success with it.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Our eyes create the window to an outside world which is beautiful and at times scary. What if we told you that moving your eyes in a particular way can activate the brain to create new neural pathways, which can reduce the impact of trauma. Meet EMDR. It allows a once traumatic memory to become less emotionally charged so it no longer causes you mental, emotional, and physical distress. We’ve seen EMDR give people the emotional freedom they’ve been searching for. But it’s only a part of a much larger picture that includes building coping skills, and exploring trauma themes, negative cognitions, and related memories – all through a deep rapport with your counselor.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure teaches you that your trauma related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided. The experiences and memories you have been avoiding have actually been reinforcing your fears. By facing what has been avoided we can help you decrease your PTSD symptoms. We don’t just jump in head first, this is a gradual approach. Prolonged exposure incorporates imagery, story telling, and various exercises to help you reprocess and reframe your traumatic experience(s). We are here every step of the way to help you through this challenging and rewarding process.

Okay, these are all great answers, but will I have the time for this?

We don’t have time constraints like other programs. You are not limited to 12 weeks, or bound to 12 years, we adjust your treatment to meet your needs… But like we said, there is no silver bullet. So IOP consists of a minimum of three (3) groups every week that are each three hours long and is coupled with one (1) individual session so we can work through the tough stuff and process it in an intimate setting.

That setting can be virtual or physical. Your choice. And the data shows we deliver great outcome either way. We know that other treatment providers use the buzzword of “We meet you where you are.” Do they? We take it seriously.

Always remote. Always insured.

Stay home. But don’t stay stuck.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Questions

Is MAT right for me?

Our clinicians are skilled, sensitive and just hard-assed enough; however, they’re not the ones determining whether or not MAT is right for you. Our prescribing physicians are the ones who will determine whether or not MAT is right for you.

To give you a sneak preview ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I having trouble managing my opioid use?
  • Am I currently experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or opioids?
  • Have I been to treatment multiple times and yet continue to struggle with staying away from drugs and/or alcohol?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, MAT may be right for you. Contact us to learn more.

What are my medication options and how do they work?

Buprenorphine (Also know as “Suboxone”)

  • For the Doctors: Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist.
  • For our Clients: Buprenorphine is a tablet that is taken orally that suppresses the symptoms of cravings and withdrawal from opioids and alcohol.

Naltrexone (Also known as “Vivitrol”)

  • For the Doctors: Naltrexone is an intramuscular extended release medication that blocks the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)
  • For our Clients: Naltrexone is an injection that is delivered once a month and is effective in reducing and suppressing cravings for opioids and alcohol

Do I have to see the doctor in-person?

You can, but you don’t have to. Forge’s treatment is agnostic to place, so you can choose to get better at home via our telehealth option, or at one of our centers, or both.

Here’s the hitch, if you and the doctor agree that MAT is right for you, you need to remain compliant with your treatment and continue to show up. If you can’t do your part, we can’t do ours.

At Forge, we value Reciprocity. It’s what we expect from ourselves and from you.

Costs

You say in-network a lot, but what does that actually mean?

Insurance can be complicated, but at Forge, it’s not. We are always in-network, period. This means we have negotiated rates with your insurance company for the services we provide. Because of our agreements with the insurance company your costs are significantly lower than going to an out-of-network provider.

Receiving treatment at our program means you are only responsible for your co-pay and your deductible, if you have one. There are never any surprise bills.

Before choosing to work with us, we’ll go over everything you need to know about cost. It’s how we build trust, we need to be transparent and honest, from the start, this is how we Forge a strong alliance, together.

This all sounds great, but way too expensive for me.

Take a deep breath. We have some good news. We are In-Network, in all ways, always. This means that insurance will cover most of the fees for your treatment. Your only responsibility is the copay and your deductible, if you have one.

Making Forge available to all wasn’t a nice-to-have. It was a must-have. We were started by Vets, First Responders and those who’ve lived the recovery journey. We refused to let cost be another obstacle for you.

General Questions

What does outpatient mean?

Simply put it means that you come in for your scheduled appointment, and once finished with that appointment you’re free to go about your day. The beauty of outpatient is you can get the help you want and need without having to upend your life. We call this Real World Recovery.

I really don't want my family, friends, or employer knowing that I'm getting this type of support. Will they find out?

No one will find out about your treatment without your consent. Let’s address each of your concerns:

  • If you do not fill out a consent form to disclose health information to family members or friends, we will not be able to confirm nor deny your involvement in our treatment.
  • If an employer calls us asking about you, we will neither confirm nor deny that you were ever treated at Forge.
  • Your insurance carrier is prohibited from disclosing what coverage you are using to your employer. This allows you to use your healthcare benefits how you want to use it while always maintaining your privacy.
  • If you’re active duty military, a Veteran, or a First Responder, privacy and trust is core to how we operate, so your chain of command finding out should be the least of your worries.

We have to be able to say anything to each other, before we can help each other. No holding back. That is why your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us. Without trust, there can be no progress, we need both to Forge your new path forward, together.

How long am I signing up for?

Your path to recovery is not linear, but it is yours. So you’ll get an idea of the time commitment right away, as your personal counselor works with you to identify your recovery goals and build out a plan that will help you.

Can you help me get better?

There is no silver bullet. We have data, and lots of it, which show that we have success and positive outcomes at a level that have earned the praise of addiction experts. That’s thanks to the combination of our unique approach to applying proven science, and the quality of those who work with you.

So again, can we help you get better? Yes we can, that’s what we’re here for.