Psychodynamic Therapy Programs for Treatment and Counseling

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

16 minutes read
Psychiatrist writing notes while having therapy session with a patient.

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We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

Welcome to A Mission For Michael (AMFM), a leading mental health treatment provider for those experiencing various mental health challenges. Our expert clinical teams use a variety of treatment approaches to provide you with efficient and effective treatment. You can locate our treatment facilities in California, Washington, and Virginia.

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers provide a range of treatment options for mental health and dual diagnosis conditions. We are passionate about the work we do, which you’ll notice within our supportive and welcoming environment. Psychodynamic therapy is an example of an effective treatment approach that can treat various conditions. We will now dive into the benefits of this psychodynamic therapy, and how you may see it incorporated into AMFM clinical programs.

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy is a clinical approach that is closely related to psychoanalytic therapy, both of which were developed by Sigmund Freud. This form of talk therapy focuses on exploring your unconscious thoughts, feelings, and early life experiences. This allows you to better understand how your early childhood experiences affect your behaviors and emotions.

Your counseling sessions will focus on helping you identify unresolved conflicts that are influencing your behaviors. Due to the nature of this work, psychodynamics is seldom used for short-term treatment. This approach can be used to support those struggling with anxiety, depression, and various personality disorders.

Psychodynamic therapy differs from psychoanalytic therapy because it is less intensive. With an emphasis on deep-rooted concerns, your counselor will focus on transference in therapy sessions to explore your emotional responses and defense mechanisms. Psychodynamic counseling can include the use of free association, dream interpretation, and exploration of the transference process.

When used in a long-term therapy setting, the psychodynamic approach can lead to lasting results by addressing the root causes of your emotional distress. This therapy helps you become in tune with your responses by helping you become more self-aware of how your unconscious patterns affect your behaviors.

Psychodynamic counseling can help you process and move past unresolved childhood conflicts and significant relationships that affect you today. You’ll learn emotion regulation skills as you gain more self-awareness of your unconscious mind and emotions. With a focus on developing healthy coping skills, you can experience long-term relief from distress because you will have the tools needed to manage curveballs thrown at you.

A psychodynamic therapy treatment program generally provides long-term therapy options, lasting from several months to a year or more. These treatment programs will focus on your unconscious mind so that you can gain an intimate insight into yourself. This allows you to change the way that you relate to yourself and others, improving your overall quality of life.

Psychodynamic treatment programs generally include the use of talk therapy, free association, and an exploration of your personal history. Sessions are guided by a trained and experienced psychodynamic therapist and may incorporate other treatment approaches like group therapy and medication management services. Because this is a long-term therapy approach, you have the opportunity to make gradual changes while receiving continual professional support and guidance.

One of the key differences between psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is that it focuses on exploring your unconscious thoughts and early life experiences. CBT is a structured therapeutic approach that focuses on modifying your current thoughts to decrease behavioral and emotional distress.

CBT is an example of a therapeutic approach that can produce positive results faster than psychodynamic therapy. This is because psychodynamic therapy focuses on your deep-seated conflicts and relational patterns, compared to the goal-directed approaches associated with CBT. Additionally, differences can be seen in the conditions that these approaches are used to treat. As an example, CBT can be effective for anxiety, depression, and phobias. Psychodynamic therapy can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

Research shows that psychodynamic therapy has a 69% positive response rate after two years, higher than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for some individuals. It is effective in treating depression, certain anxiety disorders, and somatic, and eating disorders. Studies also reveal that 92% of individuals in psychodynamic therapy report progress with their symptoms by the end of treatment.

Psychodynamic therapy has shown strong results in treating various conditions but may not be suitable for personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, some substance use disorders, or PTSD. For young adults, it can be as effective as psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments, offering significant therapeutic benefits. For those who are willing to commit to this form of therapy, you can experience lasting changes in your psychological health.

Free and Confidential Psychodynamic Assessments

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides free and confidential assessments for those experiencing a range of mental health concerns. Our assessment can help us understand your current symptoms and concerns so that we can provide you with a personalized treatment recommendation.

Assessments are a complimentary component of our admission process, though there is no requirement for you to engage in treatment after receiving an assessment. We believe that you should have a thorough understanding of your needs and treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your care. Call us today to get started.

How Do I Know If Psychodynamic Therapy Is Right For Me?

We encourage you to contact A Mission For Michael by dialing (866)478-4383 to determine your treatment needs.  A psychodynamic consultation may be to determine if psychodynamic psychotherapy would be a good fit for you. This approach may be a good fit for those who are interested in long-term therapy focused on increasing their self-awareness.

The heart of psychodynamic therapy is understanding the root causes of emotional difficulties and increasing your self-awareness. For many, this takes time and patience. Psychodynamic counseling sessions are not structured and can meet you where you are. Those who are looking for quick symptom relief, or a structured therapeutic approach, may benefit from alternative treatment options.

What Happens During Psychodynamic Therapy Treatment?

We’ve mentioned that psychodynamic therapy is a long-term treatment approach and that it can help you get to the root of your emotional challenges. But what can you expect when you sit down with a psychodynamic therapist? Your sessions will involve open-ended conversations focused on your feelings and previous experiences. These conversations are guided by what you share.

Your therapist will help you explore your unconscious mind, emotional conflicts, and your early childhood experiences. Free association is an example of a technique that may be used in sessions. During this exercise, you would be encouraged to say your thoughts aloud as they arise, without editing them. Your psychodynamic therapist will look for recurring themes and emotions and may inquire about your dreams and significant memories. Transference is the process of projecting your feelings onto your therapist and is a key component of psychodynamic counseling sessions. Your sessions will shy away from immediate symptom relief, and focus on exploring your emotions.

What Are Different Types of Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy comes in various forms, allowing therapists to provide personalized care. The various types of psychodynamic therapy share core principles of exploring unconscious processes and emotional patterns. Differences can be found in the duration of treatment. Examples of some of the psychodynamic therapy types include, but are not limited to:

Brief psychodynamic therapy has a shorter duration, often lasting between 12 and 34 therapy sessions. Your sessions will focus on a specific concern, typically related to a recent life event or crisis. Sessions can help you gain rapid insight into your unconscious conflicts and patterns. This allows you to concentrate on your core emotional themes for fast, and meaningful change.

Psychodynamic family therapy can be used to explore unconsciousness patterns that affect family dynamics. Sessions can explore the emotional roles of each family member and explore how early childhood experiences affect current behaviors. This approach can encourage healthy communication, and resolve unresolved conflicts.

Open dialogue therapy is a team-based approach that often includes family members in your sessions. Open communication is a key component of these sessions and allows you to address the emotional and relational challenges that you’re facing. This is a collaborative and non-hierarchical approach that can provide new insights and perspectives to current challenges.

Music therapy is a creative approach to therapy that can be used to explore your unconscious feelings and emotions. Music can help you find a way to express emotions that you don’t quite know how to put into words. This approach can be helpful for those who have struggled in traditional talk therapy settings but still wish to process emotional conflicts.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an approach that focuses on improving social functioning and relationships to decrease emotional distress. This approach differs from the others because it focuses on current relationships and social situations compared to early childhood experiences.  IPT can help you recognize unhealthy patterns within your relationships, and develop healthy communication skills. 

How to Find a Psychodynamic Therapy Treatment Program Near Me

Choosing an AMFM healthcare facility is a decision that can have a lasting impact on your quality of life and emotional health. Our recovery centers provide individualized and comprehensive care for a variety of mental health conditions including mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Dial (866)478-4383 to explore nearby treatment options.

Types of Psychodynamic Therapy Programs Available Near Me

Psychodynamic therapy can be used in a variety of treatment settings, including an inpatient treatment center and an outpatient treatment center. Outpatient programs can often provide the long-term care commonly associated with psychodynamic therapy. Mental health treatment centers may offer psychodynamic therapy in the following treatment programs:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Psychodynamic Therapy

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) can provide you with intensive treatment on an outpatient basis. This treatment program includes group therapy for several hours, multiple times each week. It is often available in morning and evening sessions, accommodating your schedule. An IOP can incorporate various psychodynamic techniques to provide comprehensive care.

Outpatient Program for Psychodynamic Therapy

Outpatient therapy can provide you with regular therapy sessions, once or twice per week depending on your needs. Outpatient care is ideal for those with mild to moderate mental health concerns who would like to develop a deeper understanding of how their unconscious mind affects their behaviors. Outpatient psychodynamic therapy offers long-term support and self-exploration.

Partial Hospitalization Program for Psychodynamic Therapy

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer structured, intensive care for several hours a day, most days of the week. These immersive treatment options can use psychodynamic techniques in group and individual therapy sessions to uncover emotional concerns that are contributing to your overall psychological distress.

Inpatient Residential Programs for Psychodynamic Therapy

An inpatient treatment center can provide you with 24-hour care in a safe, structured environment for intensive psychodynamic therapy. These programs are designed for those experiencing severe mental health concerns and can include individual therapy, group sessions, and additional approaches for whole-person care.

How Often Do I Need Psychodynamic Therapy?

Psychodynamic therapy typically involves weekly individual sessions. Depending on your needs, additional time may be needed for complementary services including group therapy and medication management services. Individuals who are experiencing intensive emotional conflicts may require more than one session per week.

Your psychodynamic treatment schedule will be based on your unique needs. Regular therapy sessions can help you gradually uncover pieces of your unconscious mind while receiving a reliable source of support. You may find that your treatment schedule changes throughout treatment to fit your needs at that moment.

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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    Does Private Health Insurance Cover Psychodynamic Therapy Near Me?

    Private health insurance companies often provide coverage for mental health treatment, which can include Freudian theories like psychodynamic counseling. The coverage that you can receive is dependent on your insurance carrier and the details of your insurance plan. Insurance coverage can include treatment at a residential treatment facility and outpatient mental health treatment centers.

    The simplest way to learn about the details of your policy is to complete the insurance verification form from AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers. Our staff can help you understand limitations, out-of-pocket expenses, and required authorizations associated with your policy.

    Several behavioral health insurance plans offer coverage for long-term therapies, such as psychodynamic therapy. Insurance companies that are known to provide coverage for psychodynamic therapy include Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare.

    Coverage details do vary, which is why we encourage you to contact AMFM to verify your insurance coverage. We can help you understand the details of your plan regarding inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.

    Those who elect to use health insurance to cover the cost of psychodynamic therapy often have lower expenses compared to those who don’t. Insurance plans often have set out-of-pocket expenses in the form of deductibles and copayments. Your insurance coverage may also have limitations and exclusions regarding in-network providers. 

    Because of the variations found in different insurance plans, we encourage you to complete the AMFM insurance verification form. This allows us to contact your insurance provider and inquire about the details of your coverage. 

    depressed male in therapy with a psychologist.

    How Much Does Psychodynamic Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

    The cost of psychodynamic therapy can vary based on the setting in which you receive treatment. Those who are enrolled in an inpatient behavioral therapy program tend to have higher treatment expenses than those in outpatient programs. Outpatient therapy sessions often range from $100 to $200 per session.

    You may find higher costs per session for a psychodynamic therapist due to the additional training and experience required to provide this service. For a personalized quote regarding the cost of treatment and to learn about payment options, contact A Mission For Michael today.

    At AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center, your admission process will be efficient and thorough. You will be supported during each step, taking some of the weight off your shoulders. There may be some variations in this process among our various locations, but you can generally expect the following steps:

    • Initial Contact: Contacting us is the first step in your admission process. You can complete our online insurance form, or call us today. We will ask for your contact information and a brief overview of your symptoms. 
    • Assessment and Evaluation: Next, we will schedule your professional evaluation. This assessment includes your current symptoms, mental health history, and current level of functioning.
    • Insurance Verification and Coverage: We contact your insurance provider to learn about your available coverage options for you. We will ask about your copayments, deductibles, and required authorizations. 
    • Treatment Plan Development: Using the information from your assessment we will develop your personalized treatment plan. 
    • Admissions Coordination: When the necessary paperwork is complete, we will provide you with a scheduled admission date.
    • Orientation and Program Introduction: Upon arrival, we’ll provide a brief tour of our AMFM treatment center and introduce you to our clinical team.
    • Active Participation in Treatment: You’ll then begin following your treatment schedule. This may include group, individual, and educational sessions. 
    • Progress Monitoring and Adjustments:  During your treatment experience, our clinical team will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.  
    • Research has indicated that response rates for psychodynamic therapy rose with longer treatment durations, with a 69% positive response rate after two years of treatment. Response rates were higher for psychodynamic therapy compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
    • Psychodynamic counseling can be used to treat depression, particular anxiety disorders, somatic disorders, and eating disorders.
    • Other studies have indicated that at the end of psychodynamic therapy treatments, 92% of those in the study made some form of progress regarding their presenting symptoms.
    •  Psychodynamic treatment centers may not provide treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, some substance use disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder.
    • Studies have indicated that psychodynamic therapy can be as effective as psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions for young adults. 

    We understand that looking for a specialty treatment center can feel overwhelming. Finding a Psychodynamic behavioral health center near you generally involves several steps. To help you understand the process, we have outlined a guide on how to do it:

    • Online Search: Begin with an online search using sites like Google and Yahoo. You can use keywords like “Psychodynamic therapy near me,” “Dynamic psychotherapy treatment center near me” or “Psychodynamic therapist near me.”
    • Therapist Directories: Review therapist directories such as Psychology Today. Professional directories help you search for psychodynamic treatment centers in a particular location.
    • Contact Your Insurance Provider: If you’re planning to use your health insurance, you can contact your provider and inquire about local medical treatment centers offering psychodynamic therapy.
    • Community Mental Health Resources: Reach out to local mental health organizations, community mental health centers, and nonprofit mental health agencies within your area. They may have a list of local wellness centers offering psychodynamic counseling services.
    • Online Support Groups and Forums: You can interact with online support groups and public forums. You may be able to review local treatment center options that have been recommended by others. This can provide you with insights into the care they received from particular providers.
    • Local Healthcare Directories: Explore your local healthcare directories for listings of psychodynamic therapy clinics near you.
    • Social Media: Review local or regional social media groups with applications like Facebook. People often provide insights into various specialty treatment centers.
    • University and Medical School Centers: Reach out to local universities and medical schools and ask about available counseling services. They may offer specialized psychodynamic counseling options. 
    • Online Reviews and Ratings: Review online ratings for various psychodynamic therapy centers and therapists. Personal reviews can provide you with insights into other’s treatment experiences.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.