FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, we’ll help you identify those strengths and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who has a personal relationship with you, and someone who has a therapeutic relationship with you so that they may see your situation through an unbiased lens and avoid the influence of personal feelings. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does it treat the symptoms? Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for approximately one session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with a counselor, we would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, we could work with you individually. If only one of you wants marriage counseling, and the other does not, we can work with just one of you to teach effective communication and other skills that individually implemented can help to improve your marriage.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we do. We currently are in contract with the following companies:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• United Healthcare
• Christus Spohn Health Network
• Cigna
• Beacon
• Medicaid
  • Driscoll Health Plan 
  • Superior Health Plan
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
• Medicare (Billing soon spring of 2024)

Please call the office, or your plan directly, for more information on how your insurance works with mental health. It may differ from the medical part of your plan in copay or deductible. You may want to check with your health plan to see if you have mental health coverage and what your financial responsibility would be for counseling sessions. If you are particularly looking for couples/marriage counseling or family counseling you may ask that exact question of your insurance company because some plans do not include this coverage.

We also accept self-pay clients.