FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You Ask — We Answer

WHAT IS COUNSELING/THERAPY?

The terms 'counseling' and 'therapy' are used interchangeably. It is a collaborative process that involves you and a trained professional to create goals that support making the desired changes you want in your life. This process can take the forms of some combination of individual, couple, and/or family therapy -- depending on the goal. Everyone's experience of counseling will be different. Depending on your specific needs, counseling can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Your therapist will be someone who will support you, listen carefully, model a health and positive relationship experience, provide you with appropriate input, and follow ethical guidelines. The relationship with your therapist is a confidential one and focuses not only on the content of what you talk about, but also the process. The therapeutic process--how you share your feelings and experiences--is considered to be just as important as the specific issues or concerns you share in therapy.

DO I NEED COUNSELING?

Life can at times be challenging, overwhelming even, and despite all of the other hardships you have faced, sometimes you might need a little extra help. It is not always easy to ask for help, but it is something to be respected as it takes strength and vulnerability to reach out and ask. You are already on the path to a deeper self-awareness. Therapy can provide the tools and support you need to make the changes you seek, and to help overcome the challenges you face.

IS COUNSELING CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes. One of the key components to successful counseling is confidentiality between the client and therapist. A high degree of trust is needed as there is often highly sensitive information that is not discussed elsewhere other than the therapy room. You should expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. There may be times you wish for your therapist to share information or give an update to someone other than you (e.g., your physician, attorney, social worker, teacher, etc.), buy by law your therapist cannot release any information without obtaining your written permission (i.e., a release of information).

If you are a minor, you also have a limited right to privacy because your parents may have access to your records. However, if your therapist believes sharing this information will be harmful to you, confidentiality will be maintained to the limits of the law.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

Any maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults (including physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect).
Any serious harm you intend to inflict on yourself or another.
Any information that is ordered or directed by Court Order to conform to state or federal law, rules or regulations.
Any information requested by the licensing board as is pertinent to a disciplinary proceeding involving a provider.

HOW CAN COUNSELING HELP ME?

There are a number of ways in which therapy can be beneficial. Here are some common reasons why people seek out therapy:

Attain a better understanding of themselves, their goals and values
Develop skills for improving relationships
Find resolution to the issues or concerns that led to seek therapy
Learn new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Manage anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improve communications and listening skills
Change old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discover new ways to solve problems with family, friends, or relationships
Improve self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

WHAT WILL MY FIRST SESSION BE LIKE?

You and your therapist will go over the intake paperwork filled out beforehand, and clarify and respond to any questions you may have. Then you'll be asked what is bringing you to therapy, questions about your history (e.g., family, social, education, health, etc.), what you hope to get out of therapy, and then discuss a plan moving forward.

HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST?

The cost will vary depending on if you are planning to use insurance or not. We do do fee for service or direct payment. Debit, credit card and HSA are all accepted. There is a discount for day-of-sercive payments. A receipt or superbill can be provided if you want to recoup the cost from your insurance if I am out-of-network.

If you want to use insurance, it is best to contact your insurance carrier before starting therapy. Here are some helpful questions you can ask them:

What’s my deductible for in-network mental health benefits?
How much is my co-pay/co-insurance for mental health services?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover per year?
What is the policy year (i.e., Jan 1 – Dec 31)?
Does my policy cover 60 minute sessions? If so, how many?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician (i.e., pre-authorization)?
Is telehealth covered in my policy?

Note: Any cost not covered by your insurance is your responsibility.

NO SURPRISES ACT & GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has instituted regulations to protect patients from surprise medical bills. More details on the No Surprises Act can be found at https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises. The No Surprises Act protects patients with insurance through an employer, individual health plan, or Health Insurance Marketplace from balance billing for designated services. Details of these balance billing protections can be found in this CMS Disclosure (PDF). Patients with no insurance will be provided a good-faith estimate for pre-scheduled appointments.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Call us to schedule your initial visit at 715-255-1117 or click on Patient Portal to get started. We are excited to hear from you!