Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is culture, and how did you pick your specializations?

A: Culture is the shared set of beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that define a group of people. It's the unique way a community communicates, thinks, and interacts. Culture isn't just about where you're from; it also includes your profession, your family traditions, and any other groups you belong to. 

My goal is to be well-versed in the cultures that shape my clients' lives, either through my own lived experience or my extensive professional and academic study. For example, my own experience with neurodiversity gives me a personal understanding of those challenges. Similarly, my background in the Army and in corporate America allows me to connect with clients who have experienced military or corporate culture. This approach ensures that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all model; it's tailored to your unique context and lived experience. If I am not a good fit, I will work hard to find you a good referral who is an expert in that field.

Q: What populations do you serve?

A: I provide counseling services to adolescents and adults. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate a wide range of life challenges.

For assessments, including those for ADHD and Autism, I work with adolescents and adults. This ensures that the evaluation and resulting recommendations are tailored to the unique needs of these age groups.

Q: What is the difference between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, a Therapist, and a Coach?

A: Psychologist: A professional with a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D.,) in psychology. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders using a variety of therapeutic techniques, talk therapy being their primary modality. They are often uniquely qualified to provide psychological assessments. They do not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, often in a medical model but not always. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and provide talk therapy, although their primary focus is often medication management.

Therapist/Counselor: A general term for a mental health professional who holds a master’s degree and is licensed to provide counseling. This can include Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). They use talk therapy to help clients work through life challenges and mental health concerns.

Coach: A professional who helps clients set goals, improve performance, and overcome obstacles in specific areas of life (e.g., career, relationships, wellness). They typically do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

Q: Do you offer in-person therapy?

A: Yes! I have an office in Bellevue to meet with my clients in person, on certain days of the week. I primarily offer services virtually to provide you with the convenience and flexibility of receiving care from the comfort of your own space. While we have found that virtual sessions are just as effective and allow us to connect with clients wherever they are, in-person sessions have their benefits in building rapport and helping with structure.

Q: Where can you practice?
A: Dr. Ranasinghe is licensed to provide therapy in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CN, MI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

Q: What do I need to prepare for teletherapy?
A: To ensure a smooth and productive teletherapy session, you'll need to prepare a few things:

A Private and Quiet Space: Find a location where you won't be interrupted and feel comfortable speaking freely. This could be a spare room, your patio, or even a quiet corner of your home. Your safety is a primary concern for me. Please do not log into a session while driving.

Reliable Technology: Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone). Using a bigger screen can help with sharing information and improve non-verbal cues. Using headphones can also improve audio quality and maintain privacy.

Q: Why is there a fee for late cancellations or no-shows?

A: We understand that life happens, and sometimes you need to cancel an appointment; There are no fees for timely cancellations . We have a late cancellation policy (within 24-hour window of the session) to ensure that we can continue to provide dedicated and timely care to all our clients. When a session is missed, it not only impacts our schedule but also takes away an appointment slot from another client who may be on a waiting list. We highly encourage you to have your appointment reminders turned on so you can easily keep track of our scheduled sessions together.

Q: What is the turnaround time between scheduling and seeing you?

A: We are committed to making the process of starting therapy as smooth and quick as possible. Once we have received your completed new client forms, you can often be scheduled for your first session as soon as the very next day, depending on availability. We want to be there for you when you are ready to begin this journey.

Q: How do you determine the cost of therapy?

A: The cost of therapy is determined by several factors, including the therapist's level of education, specialized training, and years of experience. Our fees reflect the value of the expertise and the support we provide. We are committed to offering high-quality care that is both effective and accessible. During your initial consultation, we can discuss our fee structure and reimbursement options to find a solution that works for you.

Q: Do you offer reduced-cost therapy?

A: Providing compassionate and accessible care is incredibly important to us. While we do not have a standard reduced-cost program, there have been times when we have prorated my therapy fees for clients experiencing temporary financial hardships. We believe that everyone deserves support, and if you are facing a difficult situation, please feel free to discuss it with us. We can explore options and find a solution that helps you continue your important work.

Q: Something left unaddressed?
A: Please reach out, and we will try to get the answers to your questions