Colleen Brenner
Psychologist
Colleen BrennerPhD
PhD, Indiana University, 2006
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and most major plans
Meet Colleen
I received a BA in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. I went on to receive my Ph.D. in Psychology at Indiana University, Bloomington. I completed my clinical internship at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto, California, then completed my postdoctoral work at Indiana University, Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). I have over 20 years of experience in the field of clinical psychology.
I enjoy the rich lived experiences and wider perspectives of older adults.
Q&A with Colleen
Getting to know Colleen
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
I enjoy the rich lived experiences and wider perspectives of older adults. Experiences shape our world views and perspectives, and older adults tend to have more life experiences to draw from and put into context. Older adults also tend to have some wonderful stories to share!
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Online therapy is a great way to connect with people who are far away from mental health services or have difficulty traveling to an in-person appointment. It is also great for those with mobility issues, or those who would just feel more comfortable discussing their life in the privacy of their own home.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
I approach therapy sessions with open curiosity. YOU are the expert on you, and I’m here to listen, to remind you of your strengths and to provide tools that will help you work through difficulties.
I typically work from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, where you will set goals and we’ll collaborate to work toward those goals each week. Since therapy is typically only one hour per week, it’s very helpful for clients to complete tasks in between therapy sessions. But don’t worry – I won’t bog you down with “homework”!
What inspired you to become a therapist?
Getting older myself has inspired me to shift my career toward therapy. I started my career as a researcher in academia, with several grants and research publications to my name. However, over the years as I’ve noticed that a life’s worth of experiences has changed my perspective, my patience, and my ideas of success. Thus, my interests have shifted more toward the personal connection with clients and making a difference on an individual level.
What is your advice for someone starting therapy for the first time?
My advice to someone starting therapy for the first time is to go at your own pace. Yes, therapy is meant to help you try new approaches and break old patterns, but none of that needs to be done immediately. Take your time and go at the pace that feels comfortable for you.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I wish people knew that therapy isn’t what it looks like on TV. I am not here to give you advice, tell you what to do, or judge you. YOU set the agenda and the pace of therapy. I’m here to be a helpful guide, but ultimately this is your journey.
My advice to someone starting therapy for the first time is to go at your own pace.
I love to travel and lived in Canada for 7 years. I like to work out, walk my dogs and spend time with my family.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Choose a topic. Can’t find your answer? Call our care team at 1-800-567-LIFE.
About Total Life
Who is the service for?
Our service is tailored for seniors looking to navigate the challenges of aging and aiming to make their golden years, golden.
What is the core purpose of your teletherapy service?
Our core purpose is to help as many seniors as possible access the mental health care they need, irrespective of their insurance coverage. We believe everyone deserves quality mental health care.
How is your service tailored to seniors?
Our platform is easy to use, with straightforward steps to connect you with a therapist. Additionally, our care team is always ready to assist you from start to finish.
How can teletherapy help me feel like the best version of myself?
Teletherapy provides a supportive environment to explore and address concerns, helping you work through challenges and promoting mental well-being.
How is your service different from conventional therapy?
Unlike conventional therapy, we provide access to therapy through Original Medicare coverage. Our care team facilitates a smooth process from the initial call all the way through ongoing care.
Insurance & coverage
Are your teletherapy services covered by Original Medicare?
Yes, our services are accessible through Original Medicare coverage, making mental health care more accessible for seniors.
Do you accept insurance plans other than Original Medicare?
Yes, we accept select Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Please contact our care team to verify if your specific plan is accepted.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment can be made through various methods including Original Medicare coverage. Our care team can provide more detailed information based on your specific situation.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can have?
Original Medicare has an uncapped session limit; the number of sessions will be determined based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
What is a Superbill and how can it benefit me?
A Superbill is an itemized form that details the services you have received from us. It provides all the information needed to submit a claim to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
If I have out-of-network benefits, how does the reimbursement process work?
If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit the Superbill we provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement rate and process depend on your plan.
How do I obtain a Superbill for my sessions?
After each session, we can provide you with a Superbill. Our care team will assist you in generating a Superbill for your records.
Therapists & sessions
How experienced are your providers in working with older adults?
Our providers are hired specifically for their experience with older adults. They are trained and equipped to understand and address the unique mental health needs of seniors.
Can I choose my therapist?
We make every effort to match you with a therapist who has the right experience and expertise for your needs. If you have a preference, we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?
It’s important to have a good rapport with your therapist. If for any reason you wish to change therapists, just let us know and we’ll facilitate a switch.
How is progress measured in teletherapy?
Progress is measured through regular reviews and discussions between you and your therapist, ensuring that the therapy is effective and meeting your needs.
Getting started
How quickly can I start with my therapy sessions?
Our care team is dedicated to facilitating a quick and easy process from your first phone call to setting up a therapy session on the same call.
How do I schedule a teletherapy session?
Scheduling a session is simple. Just give us a call at 1-800-567-LIFE and our care team will assist you in setting up a session on the first call itself.
Do I need any special equipment for teletherapy?
All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Phone-only sessions are also available.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We have a flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy. Just contact our care team and they will assist you with the necessary changes.