FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Most of us who come to counseling have at least a general idea of what is wrong and what we “should” be doing. Counseling is highly effective in helping determine what direction to go and to foster motivation to make changes.
Frequently sessions are about 53 minutes long, however if you are using insurance that insurance may dictate the use of a shorter duration session length.
If after an initial 10 minute phone consultation you are still somewhat unsure, give it a try for a few sessions. You and I can determine if we would be a good fit usually by the end of the first appointment.
There are instances when outpatient counseling services will not fit some people’s needs in part or in entirety. Early in the process, ideally within the first session, or two, if we determine a referral is necessary, we will discuss those options. Such instances may be referral for an assessment to rule out a medical condition impacting your mental health symptoms, referral for more intensive services, referral for family counseling, or referral for specific addictions treatment.
Number of sessions to achieve desired change can varry greatly from 8 to 28 or even more sessions. Some even find what they need in one or two sessions. About half of those attending counseling show improvement by the 8th session. Even scheduling an appointment is associated with more than 10% of people making some significant changes between the time they schedule and the time they meet me. It is your choice to participate in counseling. Though I might give you suggestions about how frequently we meet your wants and needs are critical in determining how frequently and for how many sessions we would meet. At times we might meet weekly, a couple times a month, monthly, or even one or two times a year.
If you have never been to counseling before you may not be sure what to expect. Or if you have been to counseling in the past that has been less than helpful you may be skeptical. My competency, expertise, and experience is something that if you and I use will result in most people seeing the beginnings of change by the end of the first session.
Being “uncomfortable” frequently comes along with change. And though at times discomfort can point to something we should avoid it often is about anxiety that is disproportional and exaggerated. More often than not those that you might see coming for counseling have taken the initiative to make changes to important areas of their lives and when we see one another working to improve there is a shared respect between those of us who are making such strides. As is true in all cases when we take a risk to grow some may see us and be judgemental of us, some may see us in a positive light, and many may just “see” us as other people.
No, it is not an inherent part of my work with people. At times people do have religious or spiritual beliefs that might enter into their counseling process. But in no way does the counseling process inherently include a “religious” component.
I have helped couples, families, and individual use, strengthen, and change their relationship with their faiths to improve their lives and connections with their faith and faith community. Though in our community that faith perspective is often “Christian” it is not the only faith perspective with which I work.
I have worked with very very “quiet” or reluctant folks over the years who are both younger and older. Sharing comes with a sense of safety, hope, and acceptance. And though I don’t “click” all the time with folks I see, parents are often surprised about their teenager’s positive response to counseling.
Most folks are curious about what their counselor “thinks” of them but might not venture to ask that question. Often we can tend to predict we are being thought of negatively or more negatively. You can always ask what I’m thinking. Counseling is collaborative and what I’m thinking about what you are sharing is something I will continuously check out with you to see if I am perceiving you accurately. It is essential for us to collaborate on the challenges you are facing. You are not your problems and in many cases you did not create them but you are the single greatest influencing force in the change you want to see in your life.
I’ve worked and work with oppressed or underrepresented populations and groups. Though I certainly have not experienced first hand the cultural and other forms of oppression directly, I have seen it and its effects on individuals, families, and communities. Everyone has a unique story and the diversity between stories can be significant. That diversity can be amplified by orientation, identity, ethnicity, socio-economic positioning and cultural discourses. Those facets of your story will be important for me to understand.
I do focus on and help folks make changes to cognitions (our thinking and how we talk to ourselves) and behaviors (our actions reflected in what we do or avoid doing). This is always inherent in my work with others. However, my approach is diverse and includes a variety of approaches and ways of interacting with those I help. Depending on where you are in your process of change different types of interventions may be more helpful or less helpful.
“Do I have coverage to help pay for counseling?”
Private Insurance
I participate with most private insurance companies. If your insurance coverage is through your employer or you purchased it through the market place, you likely have coverage for mental health counseling. If you are self employed or own your own business, the insurance coverage you purchased may not have mental health coverage. It is best to call the phone number on your insurance card and ask them if outpatient mental health counseling or psychotherapy is covered. Common service codes or CPT codes for such services are 90837 (individual session), 90834 (individual session), and 90847 (family session). Your insurance company’s representative should be able to tell you about copayments, co-insurances, or deductibles you would be responsible for at the time of service. During the process of scheduling, you and I will talk about whether or not you will be using insurance or be paying out of pocket. If you tell me you have coverage for services I will call your insurance, with your permission, to verify your benefits.
There are a few insurance with whom I do not participate. In those rarer cases there are a few options for us: you can choose to pay out of pocket, you can check if your insurance company has “out of network” coverage, or you could look for services elsewhere.
The day and time of day you would like to meet can often significantly limit my ability to see you.
Employees Assistance Programs "EAP"
I participate with a few EAPs that serve our local communities. You or your family member might be covered by an employer provided EAP. It is your responsibility to contact the EAP to explore those benefits which can save you some money and provide you with other services and resources. Additionally, you will often need to get an “authorization” for services from the EAP.
If I do not participate with your EAP you may always choose to contact your EAP as ask for a list of local providers that participated with that EAP. If you want to see me you can can also choose to not use your EAP and see me under your regular insurance coverage.