Q: WHAT IS AN INTRODUCTION SESSION?
The first session is scheduled as an Introduction Session and free of charge. The Introduction Session is a “meet and greet” to make sure you feel comfortable with me and to make sure that I would be the right counselor to help you.
The Introduction Session is also a time for you to talk about what brings you to counseling including your current situation / symptoms, how you are coping, any relevant background history, etc. to help me better understand your issues and discuss with you what kind of counseling may be helpful to you. I will also make sure that tele-health counseling will be an appropriate modality for you too.
If you feel comfortable with me and decide that you want to begin the counseling process, then you can schedule a Regular Session and complete the initial intake paperwork at that time, but there is no pressure or obligation.
Q: DO YOU ACCEPT MY INSURANCE?
I am an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and United Behavioral Health / Optum. If I am not in-network with your insurance company, I can provide to you a Statement for Insurance Reimbursement to file with your insurance company to see if your out-of-network claims are eligible for reimbursement.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR RATES FOR SESSIONS?
Regular Session (60 Minutes) = $115.00
Q: DO YOU OFFER A SLIDING SCALE FEE OR DISCOUNTED RATE SESSIONS?
I do not offer a sliding scale fee, but I do offer a limited number of discounted rate sessions each month. If you have financial concerns, please talk with me about this. If I cannot accommodate you, I will do my best to refer you to a person or organization that can.
Q: DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS?
No. Only medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants may prescribe medications. However, I can offer you a referral letter to a doctor for a medication or medical evaluation and can assist in this process.
Q: HOW LONG DOES COUNSELING TAKE? HOW MANY SESSIONS SHOULD I EXPECT TO ATTEND AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME?
Every person is unique and every person responds differently to counseling. Generally speaking, most people will begin to notice progress and/or symptom relief in approximately 6-12 sessions.
Ultimately it is up to you as to how long or how frequently you come for counseling sessions. Most people come weekly or every two weeks depending upon their situation.
Once they feel that their symptoms are better managed or they begin noticing improvements, they may decide to “check in” on a monthly basis for a period of time or until they feel comfortable.