Questions & Answers
 Does counseling work?
In a recent study by Consumer Reports of four thousand people who used a therapist, 90 percent reported being able to manage their lives better. There are numerous other studies that have also shown the effectiveness of counseling for dealing with many of life’s problems, and our experience bears this out to be true as well. However, in some instances when a person is not willing to take responsibility for his/her behavior or do things differently, counseling is not likely to be helpful.
What can I expect from a counseling session?
While each therapist has her own approach to counseling, there is a general format you can expect when you come in. During the first session, we will be gathering as much information about the problem as possible, as well as finding out what you hope to get out of counseling. The remaining sessions will focus on helping you move in the direction of achieving your therapy goals.
How frequently do I need to come in to counseling?
This decision will be made between you and your counselor after some initial assessments. Most clients come in on a weekly basis.
How long will it take me to reach my therapy goals?
In counseling the results depend entirely on how much work you are willing to do. Your counselor will help to facilitate that process. Some people come in for a few months and others come in for a few years. It is not uncommon for people to maintain the relationship and return to counseling when other concerns arise in their lives.
Will my medical insurance cover therapy?
Insurance plans vary widely concerning coverage, so you should refer to the specifics of your particular plan. Some basic questions you might want to ask are:
- Is outpatient mental health a covered benefit?
- Does the plan pay for “out of network” or “non-plan” providers?
- Is there a deductible that needs to be met?
- Does your plan restrict the number of outpatient mental health sessions per year?
- Is preauthorization or a referral from your doctor required?
How does your sliding fee scale work?
You may qualify for a reduced fee based upon your income level and any extenuating circumstances.
What kinds of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, checks and credit or debit cards.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. All information is double-locked inside our office. We can only release information with your written permission.
What is the difference between a counselor and psychologist?
Both counselors and psychologists have been trained to listen to and to help people with their problems. The primary difference between the two lies in education and training. In general, a psychologist has received a doctoral level of training, while a counselor has received a master’s level of training.
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