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General Therapy Questions

How soon can I start?

At The Calli Institute, we are typically able to offer initial therapy appointments within one to two weeks. First-time psychiatric clinic appointments are typically available within three to four weeks.

How long is a typical therapy session?

Each therapy session lasts between 45 and 50 minutes. Psychiatry appointments range from 25 to 40 minutes after an initial assessment, which is typically about an hour long.

What does being in therapy or taking medications say about me?

Pursuing mental health services means that you or someone who cares about you has recognized that there is an issue that you need help figuring out. Sometimes problems become bigger that what we can handle on our own or with the support of friends and family. Guidance and support from a mental health professional can help us look at things in a new way. Being in therapy means that you have the courage to do something different! For some people, medications may be needed to help our bodies function better so that the other things we need to do to care for ourselves are possible.

How long does it take to start feeling better?

The amount of time it takes to start feeling better is unique to each person. Some individuals report feeling a sense of relief the very first time they meet with a mental health professional. In some case, people might feel worse before they get better. Therapy is not easy and sometimes the process can take months or even years. It all depends on your goals, your willingness, and the effort you put toward growing and learning.

Who else will know I’m in therapy?

All mental health services are private and confidential. We cannot disclose any information about you or even acknowledge that you are a client without your written consent. There are only a few exceptions that apply in emergency situations and if there is a concern about your safety or the safety of others.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We have contracts with most major health plans in Minnesota as well as Medicare. If you have questions about coverage, contact your insurance provider’s customer service. If you do not have insurance or do not wish to use insurance, please contact us for information about our fee schedule. You are responsible for all charges not covered by insurance.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Yes, many of our mental health providers offer evening and Saturday appointments.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call with at least 24-hours’ notice. It is the policy of each provider to charge for appointments that are canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice except when it is not permitted by state or federal regulation. All charges must be paid in full prior to your next appointment.

What if I miss my appointment?

It is our policy to charge for missed appointments except when it is not permitted by state or federal regulations. Clients who miss more than three (3) consecutive appointments or show a pattern of regularly missing appointments may be discharged from service at the clinician’s discretion.

Can I bring my child(ren) with me to my appointments?

The Calli Institute is not able to provide childcare while you are receiving mental health services. Therefore, we ask that you do not bring children who require supervision with you to your appointment.

Medication Management Questions

What types of medications are used to treat mental disorders?

There are many types of medications used to treat mental disorders. As a group, these medications are known as psychotropics. Sometimes, medications that are indicated for other health conditions may also be used to treat specific symptoms associated with certain disorders or to augment the effects of a psychotropic.

The most commonly prescribed psychotropics include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Anxiolytics
  • Antipsychotics
  • Antimanics or mood stabilizers
  • Sedative-hypnotics
  • Psychostimulants

Medications do not necessarily offer a cure, but they can greatly improve a person’s ability to function and succeed in obtaining a higher state of wellness. Unfortunately, there are common misconceptions about psychotropic medications.

Will these medications change my personality?

No. Medications do not have the power to change an individual’s personality. They do have the power, however, to change how a person feels and behaves. For example, after a person has calmed their anxiety, they can think more clearly, be more productive, and relax more easily.

Do medications cause side effects?

Yes, medications can cause side effects. Most are mild and resolve shortly after your body gets used to having the medication in its system. If side effects are persistent or severely uncomfortable, tell your provider. They will either adjust the dose or change the medication.

Everyone’s body is different. That’s why it’s important to maintain regular contact with your mental health provider, who will assess the safety and ongoing necessity for the medication.

What are the side effects of these medications?

Every medication has its own individual profile and potential for side effects. Depending on what you have been prescribed, your mental health care provider will instruct you about the most common or serious side effects. If you have questions about your medications, do not hesitate to ask your provider, who can give you the most accurate information and help you decide if the side effect is serious enough to seek alternatives, such as a dose adjustment or discontinuation.

It is important to always consult your provider before you stop taking your medication, as symptoms can sometimes worsen with abrupt withdrawal.

Once I start medication, will I ever be able to get off them?

This is a complicated question. Each individual is unique. In general, it is recommended that people stay on medications for at least 9 to 12 months after symptoms have gone into remission or resolved. Some need to stay on medications longer. This is an important conversation to have with your mental health professional, and another reason why ongoing medication management is necessary.

It is important to always consult your provider before you stop taking your medication, as symptoms can sometimes worsen with abrupt withdrawal.

Are psychiatric medications addictive?

With the exception of some anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics, and psychostimulants, the majority of psychotropics do not cause addiction. Addiction is a psychological need or excessive desire for something that produces a sense of escape, or a “high.” When someone is addicted to something, that person will do whatever it takes to ensure that they have the “thing” that produces the sought-after effect.

When medications are used as prescribed, even those with the potential to be abused, it is unlikely that addiction will occur.

Can my primary care provider prescribe psychotropics?

Yes. Primary care providers do prescribe psychotropic medications. However, many primary care providers recommend that a specialist manage this type of medication. Psychiatrists and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners have specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychotropics are a complex group of medications with many nuances that take prescribing beyond a science into an art. Just like someone with a heart condition sees a cardiologist, or someone with diabetes sees an endocrinologist, someone with a psychiatric disorder should see a psychiatric specialist.

Thelehealth Questions

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the use of electronic communication technology, or video conferencing platforms to support and promote clinical care from a distance. Calli has partnered with Zoom to provide fully encrypted, HIPAA compliant, two-way video and audio communication between a client and provider.

Am I Eligible for Telehealth Services?

Telehealth is convenient, private and flexible. Perfect for those days you are stuck at work, have to run the kids to activities or just can’t beat the traffic. Telehealth is a great option for those recovering from a surgery, struggling with mobility issues or concerned about the weather. Just give us a call and we can switch your in-office appointment to a Telehealth appointment at a moment’s notice.

How Can I Change/Modify an Existing Appointment?

All appointments are still scheduled through the team here at The Calli Institute. Simply give us a call at 763-255-2125, to schedule your next appointment.

Does my Insurance Cover Telehealth Appointments?

Yes! As a result of Minnesota’s parity laws, Telehealth is covered at the same level as an in-office visit by your insurance company.

Psychological Testing Questions

Why should I complete psychological testing?

For some clients, psychological testing is helpful to:

  • Assist with or clarify a diagnosis.
  • Assess a particular area of functioning or disability.
  • Assist in treatment planning.
  • Evaluate mental health treatment outcomes.

Does my insurance cover psychological testing?

Psychological testing usually requires a referral from another provider, such as a therapist or other medical professional. Most insurance companies require a prior authorization to complete testing. The staff at The Calli Institute will help walk you through the process before anything is scheduled.

How long does psychological testing take?

The actual testing process is usually completed over two to three sessions. The first session consists of an interview with a licensed psychologist. The psychologist then determines the appropriate tests. Some of these tests are completed on a computer while others are presented by the psychologist or completed by the client on paper.

Once testing is finished, the psychologist compiles the testing data and interprets the results. Approximately three weeks later, a feedback session is scheduled to review the tests with the client and recommend mental health services.

Individual mental health providers at The Calli Institute may also employ psychological assessment questionnaires to help identify specific symptoms that clients may be experiencing but are having a difficult time explaining. Assessments may also be used to evaluate progress in the treatment process. These questionnaires are used as part of intake appointments, individual therapy sessions, or medication management. We do not charge additional fees for these assessments.

What are the most common psychological evaluations used at The Calli Institute?

Commonly used assessments at The Calli Institute include:

  • Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)
  • Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-2 CPT)
  • Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory (MAPI)
  • Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MMCI)
  • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2 (MMPI – 2)
  • Rorschach Inkblot Test
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC – V)
  • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS – IV)

What are the most common questionnaires used by Calli clinicians?

The most common questionnaires used by clinicians at The Calli Institute include:

  • Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
  • Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI – II)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 – Item Scale (GAD – 7)
  • Mood Disorder Questionnaire
  • Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI)
  • Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ – 9)

Choose a mental health clinic that operates on strong values.

Wellness is a strengths based model that focuses on personal responsibility and self empowerment. It is the process of gaining awareness and satisfaction from activities that promote fitness, nutrition, positive relationships, stress management, life purpose, and commitment to self care. We believe that health and illness are not mutually exclusive and that one can maintain wellness even in the presence of disease.

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We recognize that each client is unique. We honor this by taking the time to get to know you as a whole person.

Our team’s goal is to help you feel safe and comfortable, while partnering with you to develop a plan to achieve your goals. We know that change is hard, but even a small change in any aspect of your life can have a significant impact. Our providers will partner with you and help to guide you through your mental health journey.

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"Very calm atmosphere, great providers...."

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"Great response to client needs. Recognizes non-standard gender and sexual orientations...."

"I have been going to the Calli Institute for several years and have always been welcomed by wonderful staff and service. The beautiful thing about going to places like this is the versatility of therapists you are given based on what you are seeking help for. I find that the Calli Institute has a multitude of therapists that are able to exceed anyone's needs. They have great re…..."

"I have been going to the Calli Institute for several years and have always been welcomed by wonderful staff and service. The beautiful thing about going to places like this is the versatility of therapists you …..."

"Very welcoming staff. Very helpful. Been a client for a couple years...."

"Very welcoming staff. Very helpful. Been a client for a couple years...."

"This is a great facility for first-time guests as well as long-term clients. I have been to other counselors for both myself and my son for varying reasons and, by far, Calli surpasses them all.

If someone has had a bad experience with a psychiatrist or therapist, please know there are other places and providers to listen and help - don't give up on your mental health becaus…..."

"This is a great facility for first-time guests as well as long-term clients. I have been to other counselors for both myself and my son for varying reasons and, by far, Calli surpasses them all.

If someone h…..."

"I have been seeing Cathy for over a year and her and her team have been great to work with and always friendly, understanding and there to help. It is hard to find someone that has after regular work hours and specializes in certain areas. Its great that my insurance and my employer covered my visits. There are so many negative reviews and my experience has been nothing but exc…..."

"I have been seeing Cathy for over a year and her and her team have been great to work with and always friendly, understanding and there to help. It is hard to find someone that has after regular work hours and …..."

"The clinic is beautiful and has a relaxing atmosphere. The reception staff have always been helpful and our therapist has been incredibly helpful...."

"The clinic is beautiful and has a relaxing atmosphere. The reception staff have always been helpful and our therapist has been incredibly helpful...."

"Calli institute is amazing, not only are you greeted when you arrive at the clinic, but you also feel comfortable waiting to be seen. The staff at the front desk are awesome!!!! Leigh is amazing also, she has helped me get through some tough times in my life, and still is continuing to help! They have compassion, empathy and don't judge you! I would recommend CALLI TO ANYONE WH…..."

"Calli institute is amazing, not only are you greeted when you arrive at the clinic, but you also feel comfortable waiting to be seen. The staff at the front desk are awesome!!!! Leigh is amazing also, she has h…..."

"Wonderful establishment! Really respectable team and warm space...."

"Wonderful establishment! Really respectable team and warm space...."

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