​How long is counseling?​
Most individual counseling sessions are 45-50 minutes sessions, once weekly.  Treatment plans are tailored depending on individual needs.​​

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​What can I expect from a counseling session? ​
It is normal and natural to feel nervous or anxious at your first counseling session. I understand it takes a lot of courage to come share your emotions and life experiences with someone you just met. I aim to make the counseling atmosphere comfortable and free from judgment. Depending on your needs, I will work with you to set goals, change behaviors, improve relationships, and make positive changes in your life.​

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Will my information be kept confidential?​

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with the nature of sensitive subject matter revealed. Therapists are required by law to abide by all HIPAA rules and regulations. These laws protect your privacy of information. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are exceptions:
1. Suspected child abuse, dependent adult abuse, or elder abuse. 
2. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.
3. If a client intends to harm themselves. Every effort will be made to ensure safety.

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​What is the cost?

Counseling for individuals is $135-160 per session. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards are accepted as payment options.

 

Is insurance accepted?

Insurance is not accepted, therapy services are self-pay. However, if clients have out-of-network benefits, they may be able to receive reimbursement for treatment from their insurance provider. Clients must contact to their insurance provider directly to inquire about benefits. 

 

What are the benefits of self-pay vs. using insurance?

When a claim is submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement for treatment, you are required to sign a release form in which you are giving your insurance company the right to ask for whatever documentation and information it deems necessary to determine the legitimacy of the claim. In order for insurance companies to pay for counseling services your therapist has to disclose your personal information to verify eligibility.  The therapist must provide your insurance company with paperwork documenting the nature of your issues for counseling. The reality is that insurance  companies require that mental health treatment be “medically necessary”. To be medically necessary,  treatment must address a mental disorder, using a mental health diagnosis.

 

Once you receive a mental health diagnosis it is important for you to know that all your permanent medical records will include this information.  This means that if you are asked the question on an employment application, if you have ever been treated for a mental illness, the answer would need to be “yes”.  Receiving a mental health diagnosis has implications for future health coverage and employment. 

 

With a self-pay, there is no requirement to release this information and it can be kept confidential. The exposure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) is minimized with the self-pay option.

 

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