Frequently Asked Questions
How long does counseling take?
Counseling is used for many different situations, therefore it is difficult to predict exactly how long counseling takes. In your first few sessions your therapist will listen to your goals and make an assessment. Once that assessment is complete, your therapist should be able to give you an estimate about time frames and frequency of meetings. As problems unfold those estimates may need to be updated. This should be a topic you freely discuss with your therapist as you go along. On average, therapy lasts 8 to 12 sessions. The length of treatment depends on the problems being addressed, the motivation level of the client, the strength of rapport between client and therapist, and the frequency of meetings which can affect the pace at which we can work on problems. All of these things should be talked over with your therapist if you have concerns about the length of treatment.
What is counseling like?
Our offices are set up much like a living room. Your therapist will first want to learn about you and why you have decided to come for counseling. Most clients find the conversation flowing quite naturally once things get rolling. Where counseling goes from there very much depends on where you want it to go. We think of counseling as a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. Together as a team, you both decide where you want to go with it.
Will insurance cover the costs of counseling?
Many health insurance policies have some coverage for outpatient mental health but most expect you to pay some of the costs for counseling. To find out the details of your coverage, you should call your insurance carrier. They should be able to tell you exactly what they cover. If you are still unsure, you may want to call our office. One of our office staff can look into it further for you. It’s not always easy to get clear answers about coverage but we will do all we can to help you find out what you need to know.
How confidential is counseling?
All of our therapists are licensed and therefore are bound by a code of ethics that limits the disclosure of any information to any outside person or entity without your express written consent. The limits of confidentiality are detailed on a sheet you will receive at your first appointment. If you have questions about this issue, feel free to discuss it with your therapist at any time. Also, please see our Privacy Notice.