FAQs
How long will it take before my problems get better?
The length of time an individual is in counseling varies greatly, depending on the nature of the problem you wish to focus on, the frequency/consistency that you come to counseling, and your participation both in and out of session. As your therapist, I will establish with you a regular schedule based on your specific need. A person may come to counseling once or twice or may choose to continue counseling until they have met their goals for life improvement.
Keep in mind that most emotional and/or relationship problems have evolved over several years, and it is unrealistic to expect them to be solved quickly. In most cases, sessions are scheduled weekly and then spaced farther apart as your goals begin to be met.
The length of counseling or therapy cannot usually be determined ahead of time, but the decision to continue or not will ultimately always be yours. We will periodically discuss your progress to determine how many sessions might be needed.
Some clients will engage in therapy for a period of time and then take a break from therapy knowing they can return at any point in time for “booster” sessions or if difficulties arise.
What will happen in my first therapy session?
The purpose of the first session is to evaluate your situation and make recommendations about the best course of action to help you reach your goals. If you are seeking help for a child, we will typically meet with you during the first session and have you bring your child to the next meeting. If you are seeking help for an adolescent, often times we will talk with you and your child during the first session. This may be done together or separately.
What are my payment options if you don’t accept my insurance?
File with your insurance as out-of-network
If we don’t accept your insurance you may submit a superbill/invoice to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company directly to ask them about their mental health reimbursement policy for out-of-network therapists.
Private Pay
Please discuss with your therapist the rates for both the initial session and sessions thereafter. Methods of payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Checks and Cash. Please be aware that Drug and Alcohol Evaluations must be paid with credit/debit cards or cash; checks are not accepted.
Reduced Rates
Reduced rates are available for the initial session and ongoing therapy to help only those individuals that need financial assistance. This is handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need the rate of therapy reduced please discuss this with your therapist. Rate reductions do not apply to Drug & Alcohol Evaluations or Psychiatry Services, however, we can arrange payments if necessary. Final documentation for evaluations is not released and prescriptions are not called into a pharmacy until payment is made in full.
Will my insurance company pay for therapy?
Most insurance policies have mental health coverage; some require preauthorization to access those benefits. Many insurance companies do cover our services or cover a percentage; however, since coverage varies widely from policy to policy, we recommend that you review your benefits to determine your expected cost.
If we are considered to be an out-of-network provider by your insurance company, meaning we currently do not accept your insurance, please direct questions about reimbursement amounts and timeliness to your insurance company.
Individuals that have flex spending accounts may also utilize those resources to cover counseling costs.
Please know all insurance companies require a diagnosis for treatment. If you have any questions about the diagnosis used please discuss this with your therapist.
