Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling
Who should seek counseling?
Anyone. Everyone. We all struggle sometimes, A trained professional can help you process your experience. We work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems because we all deserve access to support without fear.
What can I expect from counseling?
Your initial visit is a chance for us to learn about one another and make sure working together is a good fit. You'll complete some forms online before the first meeting, or in the office when you arrive. We'll talk about what brings you in. We'll decide together when and for how long we will meet, will discuss your session fees and payment, and will determine together the goals of our sessions. Some common goals of counseling are reduction of emotional distress, increased tolerance for stress and discomfort in everyday life, enhanced relationships, increased goal-directed behavior, enhanced sense of self, and/or improved outlook and quality of life.
Many people come weekly for the first 6-8 weeks, than may decrease to every other week, then to monthly after some time. Sessions are usually once a week for 50-60 minutes. Usually we spend the session time talking about what's on your mind, about any homework assignments you had between sessions, and doing specific activities that are related to your counseling goals.
We will do our best to understand your concerns from your point of view. The direction of counseling is always up to you.
What qualifications do you have?
All of our counselors are qualified to provide services at varying levels. LPC's and LCSW's are independent practitioners that practice without supervision. LPC Associates and LMSW's have completed graduate degrees and are practicing under supervision. Student interns are still in graduate school and are at the highest level of supervision.
How much will it cost?
See all the details of our fees here.
Reduced rates may be available through Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.
Anyone. Everyone. We all struggle sometimes, A trained professional can help you process your experience. We work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems because we all deserve access to support without fear.
What can I expect from counseling?
Your initial visit is a chance for us to learn about one another and make sure working together is a good fit. You'll complete some forms online before the first meeting, or in the office when you arrive. We'll talk about what brings you in. We'll decide together when and for how long we will meet, will discuss your session fees and payment, and will determine together the goals of our sessions. Some common goals of counseling are reduction of emotional distress, increased tolerance for stress and discomfort in everyday life, enhanced relationships, increased goal-directed behavior, enhanced sense of self, and/or improved outlook and quality of life.
Many people come weekly for the first 6-8 weeks, than may decrease to every other week, then to monthly after some time. Sessions are usually once a week for 50-60 minutes. Usually we spend the session time talking about what's on your mind, about any homework assignments you had between sessions, and doing specific activities that are related to your counseling goals.
We will do our best to understand your concerns from your point of view. The direction of counseling is always up to you.
What qualifications do you have?
All of our counselors are qualified to provide services at varying levels. LPC's and LCSW's are independent practitioners that practice without supervision. LPC Associates and LMSW's have completed graduate degrees and are practicing under supervision. Student interns are still in graduate school and are at the highest level of supervision.
How much will it cost?
See all the details of our fees here.
Reduced rates may be available through Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.
Do you take insurance?
We have a strong working relationship with BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna.
Some questions to ask your insurance company about your coverage:
1. Do you have outpatient mental health benefits? (Sometimes called Behavioral Health.)
2. Do you have to meet a deductible before insurance will pay for sessions?
3. Do you have a copay and how much? (Copays are set amounts you pay at each visit.)
4. Do you have a coinsurance and how much? (Coinsurance is a percentage of the bill that you are responsible for. Usually you have either a copay OR coinsurance, not both.)
5. Is there a limit on the number of sessions?
6. Are there certain conditions or diagnoses that aren't covered?
7. Does your plan cover telehealth visits?
If you have a different insurance provider than listed above, you can submit an invoice for services, called a "superbill", to your insurer for possible reimbursement. We would be considered an out-of-network provider, so in that case you should ask your insurer whether they cover out-of-network services, and all of the above questions as well.
If you didn't find your answer, please don't hesitate to email us.
We have a strong working relationship with BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna.
Some questions to ask your insurance company about your coverage:
1. Do you have outpatient mental health benefits? (Sometimes called Behavioral Health.)
2. Do you have to meet a deductible before insurance will pay for sessions?
3. Do you have a copay and how much? (Copays are set amounts you pay at each visit.)
4. Do you have a coinsurance and how much? (Coinsurance is a percentage of the bill that you are responsible for. Usually you have either a copay OR coinsurance, not both.)
5. Is there a limit on the number of sessions?
6. Are there certain conditions or diagnoses that aren't covered?
7. Does your plan cover telehealth visits?
If you have a different insurance provider than listed above, you can submit an invoice for services, called a "superbill", to your insurer for possible reimbursement. We would be considered an out-of-network provider, so in that case you should ask your insurer whether they cover out-of-network services, and all of the above questions as well.
If you didn't find your answer, please don't hesitate to email us.