FAQ

+ Should I schedule a consultation first?

While some clients might prefer to skip the consultation and move right to the first appointment, a consultation gives us the opportunity to speak prior to your first session to briefly explore your presenting concerns, to determine if we may be a good fit and to answer any questions you may have about your counselor or the counseling process.

+ What can I expect in the first session?

The first session is really an opportunity for you to share, for us to explore what brought you to counseling, for the two of us to get to know each other and to discuss how we will proceed together. We can move at whatever pace feels comfortable and safe for you. We will also touch on the following: the consent paperwork you signed, goals and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

+ How often will we meet?

Some clients come weekly, some biweekly and some even monthly. It really depends upon what you are experiencing and the pace at which we plan to work. Typically it helps to meet more often in the beginning to develop a rapport. And as you begin to progress and accomplish your goals, we may decide to meet less often.

+ Can I bring loved ones into counseling--family, friends, partners?

You most definitely can! Typically this happens when meeting with a loved one will help you make even additional progress. It is something that we will discuss and prepare for before the loved one attends counseling.

+ Can I do this on my own instead of paying for counseling?

In many cases, the answer is yes. However, resolving some of the more complex issues is challenging on your own. It helps to have a mental health professional actively listen, provide feedback, and approach your health in a completely judgment free, confidential manner.

+ Will I have to take medication in addition to counseling?

Medication is certainly an option. We can provide a referral to a psychiatrist if it is something you desire. The easiest way to frame counseling/medication is that counseling can help you develop meaningful, sustainable change while medication can assist in treating some of your symptoms.

+ What can I do to get the most out of my counseling?

Your engagement and involvement in the counseling session is really important to your progress and growth. Furthermore, there are 168 hours in a week, and we may only meet for 1 of those 168 hours. That leaves a lot of time for you to do work outside of session. We will spend time exploring what you can do between sessions to progress more quickly.

+ How will I know I am making progress?

Over the course of the first 2-3 sessions, we will begin to explore your goals for counseling. We will do this intentionally so that we have clearly defined what you are hoping to get out of the therapeutic process. These goals will inform the treatment plan which serves as a roadmap for our work together. We will periodically refer back to this plan as a way to track our progress. It's important to know that this plan is a living document, so we can change it at any time.

+ Do you accept insurance?

After many years of experience with insurance panels, we’ve decided not to participate with insurance panels. We are considered out-of-network providers. However, we can provide you with a special type of receipt, called a superbill, so that you can seek reimbursement with your insurance company if you have out-of-network coverage. Many of our clients pay for services using their Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account.

+ What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment of the full fee is due at the time of your counseling appointment, and the card (i.e. Debit Card, Credit Card, HSA or FSA) on file will be charged unless you notify your counselor of another form of payment.