“Is counseling right for me?”
There are many reasons why people choose to enter counseling. Sometimes it’s to deal with long standing problems or issues; other times, it’s in response to a major or unexpected life change. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, a “safe” place to explore life’s issues and challenges. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in enhancing his/her life; who is interested in “growing through” what he/she is “going through”. If you are interested in getting the most out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self awareness and working towards change in your life…then counseling may well be for you!
“I can usually handle problems on my own; do I REALLY need counseling?”
There is nothing wrong with seeking extra help when faced with many of life’s challenges. Often, working with a trained professional assists one to “see” what he/she is not aware of otherwise; we all have things that we don’t know that we don’t know, and once revealed, can make all the difference to us in our lives. By seeking counseling, you are taking responsibility for improving/enhancing your situation…and your life. You recognize you may need a “helping hand”; that is truly to be respected and admired.
“But I take medication…isn’t that enough?”
Research demonstrates that the long term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they can cause cannot be solved by medication alone. Though in some cases a combination of therapy and medication is the most appropriate plan; working with your Primary Care Physician can determine what may be best for you. Rather than simply treating the symptom, though, therapy addresses the underlying cause of the distress and the thinking and behavior patterns which can block one’s progress. Growth, health and a true sense of well being most often calls for an integrative approach, thus, medication is often not enough in and of itself.
“Is counseling confidential?”
Generally, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. Information is not disclosed without prior written consent from the client. HOWEVER, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. They include: 1) Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse; counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately; 2) If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person or another’s property, the counselor must notify police; and 3) If a client intends to harm him/herself; the counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his/her safety; if the client does not cooperate, additional measures may be called for.
“Do you accept insurance & how does it work?”
The first thing you should do is contact your insurance carrier to see if you have a policy which includes mental health coverage. Please check carefully, as it is the client’s responsibility to ascertain whether or not he/she has coverage. Payment for services remain the responsibility of the client, though we will bill your insurance company for services rendered, should you have such mental health coverage. Questions to ask your carrier are: 1) What are my mental health benefits? 2) What is the coverage amount per therapy session? 3) How many therapy sessions does my plan cover? 4) How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider? 5) Is prior authorization required? 6) Is approval required from my primary care physician?
“How long does it take to get an appointment and when do you take appointments?”
Almost always, a first appointment can be scheduled within a week of contact by the requesting new client. Days and hours are by appointment only, allowing greater flexibility for my client’s needs.
