General Question
Q. Is therapy right for me?
EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM THERAPY. EVERYONE CAN DO BETTER. EVERYONEIS HUMAN AND EVERY HUMAN HAS CHALLENGES.
People come to therapy to make their lives better. It is more objective than talking to or seeking the advice of family and friends,
People find they have problems with relationships, work and coping with life. Emotions can become hard to manage and can result in feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, confusion, or loneliness. It has often been confessed to therapists that, “People from my background say that if you go to therapy you must be crazy.” Of course this is far from the truth, and there is hope.
Therapists here must able to assess safety of the clients, recognizing acute care needs, the limits of medications, and the limits of psychotherapy.
The therapist at JAT have been trained in scientifically proven therapies to help with diagnoses like anxiety and depression just as effectively as medication, depending on the severity and origin of the depression. There are times when medication is not helpful and fortunately therapy offers additional hope and improvement. Oftentimes, when people find that they get “stuck” in repetitive cycles, therapy/coaching can provide solutions to move past them. In the end EVERYONE can benefit from therapy.
How long does therapy take?
Some therapy organizations take a sliding scale at very low rates for students under supervision. A standard fee 10,000 Yen for regular member and 4000 Yen for overseas and active students, depending on the degree, seniority, types of service provided and so on. Testing can range higher for a lengthy battery of tests and report.
Can I get benefit beyond an urgent concern?
Most often, the problems that people seek treatment for improve very quickly. This is because they are stuck and have come as a last resort. Naturally, all things begin to change when the client changes…simply by choosing a new way to go about solving their problems. In contrast to most drugs for depression and anxiety that take 90 days to take effect, clients can expect to find significant relief in the same time frame, with weekly sessions. For example, the PE for PTSD treatment is a 12-week protocol. Likewise, for other scientifically established treatments, the time frame usually extends to the time when the client is ready to continue without additional support. However, the exact number of sessions cannot be determined until after the client is thoroughly assessed and a treatment plan is developed. In fact, many clients find that as their initial problem resolved, a much deeper and rewarding therapy is not only beneficial, but rewarding beyond their original expectations
How do I pay?
Most therapists will accept cash, credit cards, bank transfers, electronic payment platforms in Japan and more if there is no insurance involved.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychotherapist?
Psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy and prescribe medications for psychiatric conditions. Therapists offer mainly talk therapy, but art and other validated forms of therapy that are regulated by licensing bodies are available. It is a truth that there is a limit to psychotropic medications and a limit to psychotherapy. We at JTA committed to provide the best care possible, and the evidence suggests that often the best outcomes involve therapy and medications. We can help you find a psychiatrist that you trust should you need such a referral.
Does Japanese National Health care provide payment for outpatient psychotherapy.
No, which is why we are here to provide a structure for those in need of services.
Are your therapists licensed?
Japan’s licensing is limited to hospitals, so there is currently no national license for private institutions. Many of the therapists DO have licenses in their home jurisdictions, and can offer experience hours for licensing in this countries. To meet the need for credibility JTA utilizes the certification here to ensure a standard of education, practice and continuing education for providers.
I need testing for my children for school or other reasons, can you assist?
We have many contacts for schools and private psychological, educational, diagnostic and neuropsychological testing.
Do you take insurance?
Ther therapists here take many international insurances (GeoBlue, Cigna, Aetna, EAP programs, traveler’s insurances, Tricare and more). Check the directory to see who may take insurance.
How much does therapy cost?
Each provider takes different insurances, has different policies and fees for payment. Some services cost more than others, such as batteries of academic testing. The basic fee seen in Japan tends to have a median or 15,000 Japanese yen per session, with many providers providing a sliding scale above or down depending on the level and types or providers, and the needs of the client. Do not be afraid to ask. Or contact us for a recommendation.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Your privacy is protected to the extent of Japanese law. With very narrow exceptions involving immediate danger to life, injury or abuse of children or the elderly, nothing from your treatment would be revealed to anyone within the limits of Japanese law.
Can I be seen outside of Japan, be a member of JTA, or as a therapist, can I see clients outside of Japan?
Yes. The exception would be that a therapist practicing in other countries must be licensed in the countries of service, if they require licensure and use of legal titles in that country. For example, an American licensed in California may not practice in the state of Texas, but they may see clients in another location anywhere in the world that do not restrict licensure.