Erika Phelan
Psychologist
Erika PhelanPsyD
PsyD, Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, 2009
Licensed in: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, 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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Meet Erika
Erika Phelan is a compassionate and adaptable therapist known for her decade of experience in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers before transitioning to private practice. She takes pride in working with older adults, valuing their strong faith and deep-rooted value systems, which she finds integral to their healing journey.
I worked in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for 10 years prior to working in private practice.
Q&A with Erika
Getting to know Erika
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
I worked in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for 10 years prior to working in private practice. There are many things I enjoyed about working with older adults, including their value system and their strong faith (which can be so helpful in their healing process). They also are an underserved population in mental health and many experience depression and anxiety.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Online therapy allows clients the convenience of having their sessions at home, and for older adults, this could be the deciding factor between whether they choose to have therapy or not.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
I personally come into the session with a warm demeanor and take the time to understand my client’s story in order to choose the right path for therapy. Throughout session, I check in with my client by using reflection (summarizing what he or she has said) to let my client know I am listening and to make sure I have understood what he or she is trying to tell me.
I utilize supportive therapy which makes my clients feel heard. I also utilize validation therapy with older adults which helps to validate their experience. For those who are open to it, I do like to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which has been shown to be very beneficial in addressing anxiety, depression, and even trauma. However, since everyone is different, I make sure that my client and I are on the same page when it comes to choosing the therapeutic approach that they feel the most comfortable with and that will also help address their concerns.
What inspired you to become a therapist?
My father passed when I was a teenager and after receiving grief therapy, and double majoring in psychology, I decided I wanted to help others the way I had been helped through a very difficult time.
What is your advice for someone starting therapy for the first time?
Therapy should feel like a safe place. It may take some time to become comfortable in opening up, especially when there is a past history of trauma, and that is normal, but sometimes it just means that you might need another therapist or psychologist. If this is the case, don’t give up on therapy. Therapy can help address all of the emotional distress you are going through.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
Therapy can be so healing. People also don’t need to wait until they are struggling before they seek therapy — anyone, at any stage of their life can be helped.
I have completed the MS 150 bike ride (150 mile bike ride from Houston to Austin) and other long distance bike rides. I also started tap dancing last year.
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.