What to expect on your first visit.

Your initial visit will involve a full assessment of your presenting concerns including identification of troubling emotions, your background including educational/vocational history, family relationships, relationship history and patterns in your life; identification of goals and intentions for counseling, prior experience with counseling, and an opportunity to clarify any questions you might have. This helps to get a clear picture of what has brought you to the point you are in your life today and to develop a plan for our work together.

Why counseling?

The feeling of being stuck is usually what brings most people to counseling. Sometimes people feel stuck in a relationship, a mood, or a destructive pattern of behavior. They may approach their “stuckness” or problems in the same ways, each time hoping for different results. What is necessary is a change in strategy. A new approach. Unblocking emotions will usually bring relief, clarity, awareness and a renewed energy to face life’s challenges.

What should I expect?

Counseling is a process of self-examination, emotional awareness, and growth. You may choose to make changes in your attitudes, perceptions, and behavior as you progress. There is no guarantee that counseling will “cure” you. Research has shown that counseling may contribute to productivity, enhanced self-respect, and improved communication in all kinds of relationships. Sometimes the process may be energizing, exhausting, or even painful. Emotional healing may become personally enriching, causing you to face conflict in relationships and learn new coping styles. We will do everything possible to provide a positive counseling experience for you.

How long does it last?

Counseling sessions themselves last approximately 45 minutes. Most sessions take place weekly, depending on your concerns. However, sessions may be scheduled more or less frequently. The number of sessions needed varies with each person and problem, which will be discussed during initial sessions. Counseling is a process that takes time, patience, and an open mind. As clinicians, we are committed to providing an experience that is as brief as possible & solution-focused on your goals.

How do I pay for sessions?

Payment is expected at the time of service. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, personal check or cash is accepted.

Do you accept insurance?

Generally, we don’t accept insurance as payment for therapy. In order to use your insurance, your counselor will have to give you a mental disorder diagnosis. This personal information then has to be shared with your insurance company and eventually submitted to an insurer’s database. This doesn’t feel right to us and we’re uncomfortable having personal information you share with your therapist go outside the office onto a computer database. This can impact other areas of your life that you may not be aware of.

For example, if you’re self-employed now or ever want to be, if you have a mental disorder diagnosis on your medical records, it can make getting health insurance prohibitively expensive. Having a mental disorder diagnosis on your records can also make life insurance unattainable or very expensive. Additionally, it can also be used in child adoption decisions or in child custody evaluations.

Your privacy is very important to us and once having to give a mental disorder diagnosis label through insurance, we can’t guarantee your privacy. We want to let you know the risks of using your insurance so you can make an informed decision.

However, if you feel you would still like to use your insurance, we completely understand. You can discuss with your counselor the diagnosis that would be shared with your insurance company so that you’re informed ahead of time and obtain a receipt that be used to submit to your insurance company towards your out of network mental health benefits.

**If you choose to file with your insurance company, be sure to call the number on your insurance card prior to your appointment to obtain authorization for your visit. Otherwise, your insurance company may deny your claim.**

What are my rights in counseling?

Click here to view a list of your rights as a client and our ethical obligations. Feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with your counselor.