FAQs

Not at all. Asking for help is a sign of insight and strength. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have strengths that you’ve used to manage difficult times before, and for whatever reason, they just might not be working right now. Perhaps what you’re going through right now is an entirely new experience that feels overwhelming- this can make it difficult to access the strengths and coping skills you likely already have. In your work together, your therapist will help you identify what those strengths and skills are, how to build off of them, and how to use them in your current situation to achieve your highest level of potential.

Medication may be an option for you, and one that you and your therapist can explore together, but medication alone cannot solve all issues. Medication works by treating symptoms; your work with your therapist is designed to explore the root cause of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be an effective tool to help manage symptoms and improve overall wellbeing, however, when medication is used, it is typically just one of the many tools that are needed and it is often most effective when used in conjunction with therapy.

Because each person comes to therapy for a different reason and with different goals in mind, the process and experience will be different for everyone. Your therapist will tailor the approach used in each session to your specific needs.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy may take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

Couple’s counseling can transform your relationship from “just surviving” to thriving. If you and your partner are both ready and willing to commit to a process of exploration, communication and growth, coming to counseling together is a great place to start. It may be beneficial for each partner to have their own therapist to see individually throughout this process as well. Every couple is different and it is important to talk to your therapist openly about what will work best for you. If you decide to see a therapist both as a couple and as individuals, it is recommended that the therapist providing the couple’s work is not the same therapist working with either individual partner, so as to prevent potential trust issues.

You should expect to learn more about yourself, your needs, and how to care for those needs.
You should expect to be honest with yourself and your therapist.
You should expect to challenge yourself, to be open to new ideas, and to try new strategies for coping with the stress in your life.
You should expect to be challenged in a safe, supportive environment.
But most importantly, you can expect to be listened to with compassion and empathy, and the highest level of respect for your privacy, your story, and your needs.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• United Health Care
• Midlands Choice
• Private Pay

If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use your insurance, we offer private pay rates as follows:

Intake session: $180.00
60 minute session: $160.00

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance, or who are not using insurance, an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 563-845-2675.