Frequently Asked Questions

There are times when family and friends can be extremely helpful assisting us with our issues.  Oftentimes they can help us determine our best options or encourage us to keep the faith.  There are times, however, when those closest to us may not ask the right questions or provide the best guidance.  Professional counselors are trained to listen and to ask the right questions.  We do not make decisions for you; rather we help you sort out your options based on the values that are important to you.

No.  Most people would agree that realizing your need for professional counseling  and taking the steps to secure it is a sign of personal strength.  Ultimately, you have to decide.  We all need a support system.  The question is whether or not  your current support system is adequate in light of the issues you are currently facing.

No.  Seeking the assistance of a professional counselor does not means that you are mentally or emotionally unstable.  Rather, it means you need more support than your current support system can provide.  Adding a professional counselor to your support system can help you achieve and maintain a high level of mental and emotional stability in spite of the issues you face.

We value your confidentiality and strictly adhere to federal laws (HIPAA) concerning mental health and medical records.  We will  provide you a copy of the HIPAA laws when you present for your first counseling session.

Payment options can be confusing. The important thing to understand is that behavioral health insurance requires a behavioral health diagnosis based on the DSM-V, i.e. depression, anxiety or some other behavioral health disorder at levels that impact life quality.  If you go the behavioral health insurance route, be sure to confirm your coverage and know your deductible, copay, and/or number of annually authorized sessions your insurer will cover. The insurance verification form under “Client Forms” can assist with securing this information.

EAP or employee assistance programs (these programs also go by other names) don’t usually require a diagnosis and may be the better route. You can check into your employee benefits online or by contacting human resources at your job.

Self-pay is an agreement to receive services between you and your therapist; no third party is involved, as is the case with insurance and EAP.

It is not unusual for a person to feel some hesitancy to make that telephone call or to send that email to begin the process of counseling or therapy. However, if your relative or friend is of consent age, it is vitally important that they reach out for themselves. The best way to assist is to encourage her or him to make the call or to send the email. Counseling and psychotherapy works best when “owned” by the client or patient. Oftentimes hesitancy means our relative or friend is just not ready.  Keep the gentle encouragement going!

Please email the counselor with whom you are interested in working.  S/he welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about counseling fees and/or the possibility of using your insurance.  We will do all we can to make arrangements for you to receive the support you need, regardless of your ability to pay full fee.

Yes. Feeling “stuck” is a relatively common experience. Our counselors can assist you with working through your feelings and identifying the realities that lie behind your “stuck” feelings. Once doing so, our counselors can assist you with identifying your options to address your realities. They will not make decisions for you, rather, assist you with recognizing the possible advantages and disadvantages of any choices you are considering.

Religious leaders can be great resources.  This is especially true if they have the experience and training necessary to counsel you.  Most religious leaders, however, will let you know when your needs fall outside the scope of their training and skill set.  Many will then recommend you to a professional counselor.