Maija Slisco
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Maija SliscoMSW, LCSW
MSW, California State University, 2022
Call and we’ll let you know if Maija is taking new clients.
and most major plans
I enjoy working with older adults as they hold vast life experiences, incredible insights, and often tend to be more dedicated to therapy than many other age groups.
Q&A with Maija
Getting to know Maija
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
I enjoy working with older adults as they hold vast life experiences, incredible insights, and often tend to be more dedicated to therapy than many other age groups.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Not only has the efficacy of teletherapy been empirically supported via research, but I have also found that many people find it easier to share personal and intimate parts of themselves virtually as opposed to in person.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
I approach therapy from a culturally humble and inclusive integrated care model grounded in a trauma informed framework. This begins with building a therapeutic alliance through remaining curious and nonjudgmental. I do not view from a stance of good, bad, right, or wrong; rather I view in terms of constructive or destructive (e.g., behaviors, thoughts, situations) in relation to achieving the goals you seek.
I draw from CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, IFS, and am currently training in EMDR. Simply put, the goal is to identify where you are now, and where you want to be; from there we work together and determine what modalities and interventions will work best for you.
What inspired you to become a therapist?
Nearly 10 years ago I found myself working as an addiction counselor at a residential inpatient dual diagnosis treatment center. Witnessing firsthand the undoubtable importance of holding space with other human beings during some of the most challenging times of their lives, was both a profound experience and an honor. That was when I decided to become a psychotherapist.
What is your advice for someone starting therapy for the first time?
As someone who has lived experience, beginning therapy for the first time can be scary. Taking the first step even when we do not want to do so is exactly how the magic of changes begins. After that first step, the process of introspection and intentional actions begins, and our reality changes.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I wish everyone understood evidence based psychotherapeutic practices will result in achieving your desired outcomes if you are willing to participate in the process. I am so proud of each person that is courageous enough to begin.
As someone who has lived experience, beginning therapy for the first time can be scary.
A tidbit about me, I was born and raised in Alaska and loved mountaineering (hiking and ice climbing) when growing up. While I no longer find myself scaling mountains, I still enjoy spending time in nature with my family and Fur Babies. I look forward to learning more about you.
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.