What should I expect during my first appointment?

Your first appointment will be an initial assessment where we'll discuss your concerns, history, and goals. This helps us understand your unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan. The session typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes paperwork completion, discussion of confidentiality, and addressing any questions you may have.

How long does therapy typically last?

The duration of therapy varies based on individual needs, goals, and the complexity of issues being addressed. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions), while others may need longer-term support. We regularly review progress together and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Our goal is to provide the right amount of support for your specific situation.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your mental health benefits and coverage before your first appointment. Our administrative team can also help verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs you might expect. For clients without insurance coverage, we offer sliding scale fees based on financial need.

Is everything I share confidential?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. Information shared during therapy is protected by law and professional ethics. There are limited exceptions where we're legally required to break confidentiality: if there's risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults, or if required by court order. We'll discuss these limitations in detail during your first session.

Do you offer telehealth services?

Yes, we offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services for clients who prefer virtual sessions or are unable to attend in-person appointments. Telehealth provides the same quality of care and can be particularly convenient for those with busy schedules, transportation challenges, or health concerns. We can discuss whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs during our initial consultation.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Consider seeking therapy if you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, relationship difficulties, significant life changes, or if you're struggling with substance use. Other indicators include changes in sleep or appetite, decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—many people seek support for personal growth, stress management, or to improve their quality of life.

Accessibility Statement | RuthThomas LLC

Our Commitment to Accessibility

RuthThomas LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to ensure we provide equal access to all of our users.

We believe that mental health services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and we strive to make our website and services as inclusive as possible.

Conformance Status

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities, including:

Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
Hearing impairments
Motor/mobility impairments
Cognitive and learning disabilities
Seizure disorders

Accessibility Features

Our website includes the following accessibility features:

Navigation and Structure

Clear, consistent navigation throughout the site
Logical heading structure (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
Descriptive page titles
Skip navigation links to jump to main content
Breadcrumb navigation where applicable

Visual Design

Sufficient color contrast between text and backgrounds (minimum 4.5:1 ratio)
Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of functionality
Content is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes
Information is not conveyed by color alone

Multimedia

Alternative text (alt text) for all meaningful images
Decorative images marked appropriately
Video content includes captions (when applicable)

Forms and Interactive Elements

All form fields have descriptive labels
Error messages are clearly identified and include suggestions for correction
Focus indicators visible for keyboard navigation
Buttons and links have descriptive text

Keyboard Accessibility

All functionality available via keyboard
Logical tab order through interactive elements
No keyboard traps

Assistive Technologies

Our website is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies:

Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
Screen magnification software
Voice recognition software
Alternative input devices
Browser accessibility features

Physical Office Accessibility

Our Silver Spring, MD office is committed to providing accessible in-person services:

Wheelchair Accessible: Our office has wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities
Parking: Accessible parking is available near the entrance
Restrooms: ADA-compliant restrooms are available
Telehealth Option: We offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth services for those who cannot Visit our office

Communication Accessibility

We are committed to providing accessible communication:

ASL Interpreter: We can arrange for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for appointments with advance notice
Language Assistance: We can provide language interpretation services
Written Materials: Materials can be provided in large print or alternative formats upon request
Appointment Flexibility: Extra time can be scheduled for appointments if needed

Known Limitations

Despite our best efforts, some content on our website may not yet be fully accessible. We are aware of the following limitations and are working to address them:

Some third-party embedded content (e.g., booking widgets) may have accessibility limitations beyond our direct control
Older PDF documents may not be fully accessible and we are working to update them

We are actively working to improve these areas and welcome feedback about any accessibility barriers you encounter.

Browser and Device Recommendations

For the best experience, we recommend using:

The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
Modern browsers with JavaScript enabled
Screen resolution of at least 1024x768
Up-to-date assistive technology software

Our Ongoing Efforts

We are committed to continuous improvement and take the following measures to ensure accessibility:

Regular accessibility audits and testing
Staff training on accessibility best practices
Incorporating accessibility from the start of the design process
Testing with assistive technologies
Seeking feedback from users with disabilities
Staying current with accessibility standards and guidelines

Feedback and Contact Information

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website and services. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

RuthThomas LLC

Accessibility Coordinator

13421 Tamarack Road

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Phone: (301) 674-4122

Email: info@ruththomaswellness.com

When reporting an accessibility issue, please include:

The web page or content where you encountered the issue
A description of the problem
The assistive technology you are using (if applicable)
Your browser and operating system

We will make every effort to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days and to resolve issues as quickly as possible.