Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling
Who knew when you started googling “find a therapist near me” that you would find so many options, and be left with SO many questions? I am here to help!
What happens during the first counseling session?
The first session is an opportunity for us both to decide if we would like to work together. I will review your intake paperwork asking clarifying questions and giving you an opportunity to share more if you would like. We will narrow down what your goals are for seeking counseling and discuss a treatment plan together. If you feel comfortable and willing to put in the work, we will decide a schedule for meeting and move forward from there.
How do I know if I (or my child) really need counseling?
Do you or your child feel stuck with some strange symptom that no one can give you an answer for, and does the symptom cause you anxiety or distress? Is there a strong emotional response to a social interaction – be it going to school, work, or a family event – that is out of proportion of your (their) norm? Is your relationship stuck in a conflict cycle? Counseling helps get things unstuck.
How often will I need to come to counseling?
Best outcomes support weekly sessions until symptoms have been considerably reduced or eliminated. I encourage a commitment of 12 sessions with periodic assessments throughout to make sure that we are making progress. If no progress is being made, I will recommend a referral or change in treatment plan.
How long will I need to come to counseling?
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, I want you to think about these as an autoimmune disorder. Like these disorders, they flare and will burn themselves out and you will be in remission. Sometimes they flare back up. With that being said, having a therapist support you during the flares who will help you manage the symptoms, but also allow you to connect again should you have a flare, is a benefit to you.
How much do sessions cost?
Individual sessions are $150 for 50-minutes. Couples or Family sessions are $200 for 50-minute sessions. I also offer packages for those of you that would like to pre-pay. This provides a 20%. 8 sessions would total $960 instead of $1200; 10 session would total $1200 instead of $1500. For couples and families that discount would also apply. Please let me know if you would be interested in this discount.
I also offer EMDR intensives. A 2-hour block would be $300.00; a 4-hour block is $600.00.
Are sessions covered by my insurance?
I am not paneled with insurance companies but will provide you the documentation to seek out reimbursement. It is helpful to know what your insurance company will cover for out-of-network providers.
How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?
I provide – upon request – a SuperBill, which is a detailed invoice that has all of the information you will need to submit to your insurance. You will need to know the process that your insurance company requires concerning submitting your documents.
Unlike a regular receipt, a superbill contains the necessary medical coding that insurance companies require to process claims. This document bridges the gap between you and your insurance provider, potentially easing the financial burden of out-of-network therapy costs. A few questions to ask your insurance company: 1. What is my out-of-network deductible? 2. How much of that deductible has been met for this policy year? 3. What is my co-insurance? 4. How do I submit for reimbursement and how long do I have to do so for each visit?
Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?
I do provide evening hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I do not provide services on weekends.
Where do sessions take place?
Currently I work both in-person in northeast Florida and virtually in North Carolina with a secure, HIPAA compliant site that you access through your phone, computer or iPad. My office is 911 S. 8th Street, Suite C in Fernandina Beach.
Who do you work with?
I work with students 10 years old and up, as well as with adults of all ages, be it individuals, couples or families.
What if counseling isn't working?
I use assessments throughout our time together looking for measurable results. I also want you to tell me if the treatment plan is working. If you do not feel as though it is working, we will seek to find resolution by either changing the treatment plan or helping you find another therapist that can offer you the results you are looking for.
What counseling services do you offer?
I work with your story. Your story informs the treatment plan that I will suggest, as well as the outcome you are looking for. I work through a Christian worldview and use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help with anxiety, depression and OCD symptoms. I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address trauma symptoms. I use various play therapy tools when working with children and teens.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is very nuanced in that we are all created uniquely. The situation that brings you to therapy is distinct. If it is a relationship issue and restoration is the goal, that can take anywhere from 3 sessions to 36 depending upon what the breach was and the level of empathy that both parties have. A teen struggling with social anxiety may see me for 12 sessions and learn the skills to manage their symptoms and do monthly check-ins for a couple of months. They may not need to see me again, or until the next life challenge shows up and dysregulates them. I know it can feel like a big step to call a counselor, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.
Do you give homework?
This depends on what you are seeking. Are you looking to restore a relationship? We will practice strategies in session, and you will do them at home. If you are having panic attacks, I will ask you to journal or keep a log about what is happening when you are experiencing them. If we are doing EMDR together, I give one homework assignment. I ask that you be committed to the change you are seeking. Sometimes that commitment can feel like homework.
How does my cancellation policy work?
The platform I use to schedule your appointments will send out a reminder 24 hours before your appointment with the link. If you let me know then that you need to cancel, that opens that slot up for someone else. If you wait until the day of your appointment, that leaves me without the ability to help someone else. I ask that you communicate with me as soon as you can. The system will automatically charge you the full fee if I do not have a contact from you. I respect you so much and I know that you will communicate with me before this happens.
I’m ready to get started, what do I do next?
Click on the connect button and put in your information and I will contact you to schedule a quick 15-minute call to answer any further questions that you may have and then I will send you the patient portal information and we will get you scheduled.
