Bonita Cade
Psychologist
Bonita CadePhD
PhD, Iowa State University, 1981
Licensed in: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY · PSYPACT
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and most major plans
Meet Bonita
Bonita Cade is a seasoned therapist who brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for personal experience to her work with older adults. She believes the richness of a life well-lived fosters engaging, insightful, and never-boring therapy sessions.
The depth gained from experiencing so many personal and world events makes them (us) really interesting and fun.
Q&A with Bonita
Getting to know Bonita
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
The depth gained from experiencing so many personal and world events makes them (us) really interesting and fun. There is no boredom during therapy. Perspectives tend to be flexible because there have been so many unexpected turns and challenges in lives that have been lived for awhile. The seasoning is just richer.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Sometime doing all of things necessary to meet the requirements of "in person" sessions just become too bothersome as we get older. Too many unnecessary details to take care of. Online sessions are convenient. They allow real face- to- face time in "real time" and allow for the key elements for connection like eye contact and laughter.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
By listening and questioning for clarity. The clearer things become for me as an outsider , the clearer things become for my clients. Their insight and prospective grows because there is clarity in putting things into words for someone else.
I focus on listening and helping my clients to "reframe" their lived story. Then my clients are better able to decide how and what to alter to make their lives fit them better. They decide what aspects can be "changed" and how to live more fully with aspects that cannot be "changed". My clients learn the power of perspective and how to develop new skills for adapting to their and/or challenging their world. They increase their ability to decide which of those approaches as well as others might work better and lead to a better level of satisfaction.
What inspired you to become a therapist?
I have always been impressed by the strength people have to survive and thrive in a variety of situations. often people do not recognize their own resilience and strength. I like helping people discover how awesome they can be. I have always been in awe of how unique people are in how they see and deal with the world.
Everyone's story is both unique and rich in ways they cannot know until they tell it to a stranger. I like being that stranger because I hear with a different kind of respect and appreciation.
What is your advice for someone starting therapy for the first time?
Be honest about what is working during the session and what is not working for you in the session. The therapist works for you. The therapist is there to facilitate you so must speak up. If the process does not seem to be working for you, do not feel obligated to continue to work with that therapist. The client is the decision maker.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That provides an opportunity to better appreciate all you have learned about yourself and others, to date. You increase you sense of how you have changed and grown over time. It is a safe place to explore things about yourself and your reactions to others. You can try out different ideas and see how the fit. you can take chances and say things that you did not dare to voice or say out loud before. It is a time and place to explore you. It's safe.
Be honest about what is working during the session and what is not working for you in the session.
I have directed dinner mystery theaters as fundraisers which have been fun and successful. I have also directed community theater for the fun of it and done some acting and singing on stage. I am not particularly good, but I do have fun and have challenged others to do the same!
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.