Wellness Through Counseling
Positive change often begins with an open heart
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get started?
CLICK HERE to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Client Care Coordinators to learn more about you and to see if we are a good fit for your needs. During our call, we can address any questions you may have and help you get started.
2. Do you accept insurance?
We are out-of-network providers for all insurances, which means you will have to pay for sessions at the time of service. We would then send you a superbill with all the necessary information for your insurance company to process the claim and reimburse you. If you are unaware of your out-of-network benefits, we strongly suggest contacting your insurance company to find out so that you will know what to anticipate for reimbursement.
A few essential questions to ask:
1. Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, what is it?
2. Do I have a co-pay or coinsurance for out-of-network providers? If so, what is it/are they?
3. What is the "allowed amount" for CPT codes 90791 (psychiatric diagnostic evaluation), 90834 (psychotherapy 50 minutes), 90837 (psychotherapy 60 minutes), and 90847 (family/couples therapy 90 minutes)?
Reimbursify.com is also a helpful resource where you can pay $3.99 to have your out-of-network insurance claims handled for you!
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept debit cards, all major credit cards, and health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA). Payment is due at the time of service.
4. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will vary from client to client based on the goals you identify and the circumstances you are facing. In the first session, we will discuss your goals and determine the best treatment option for you. Your work with your therapist is unique to you. Research shows that by the 10th session, most people report feeling better. Some clients stop therapy after they begin to notice improvements in their symptoms. Some clients decide to continue therapy even after they are feeling better to dive into deeper and older issues and to prevent relapse in the future. The deeper and more transformative work takes more time, but clients also report longer-lasting change.
5. How often are sessions scheduled?
We typically meet with all new clients once a week for at least the first four to six weeks. Clients in crisis may need to meet twice a week; other clients may prefer to meet biweekly. The frequency of sessions is based on each situation and can be adjusted as appropriate.
6. How long do sessions last?
Typical individual sessions are 45-50 minutes long, while couples and family sessions are usually 80-90 minutes. However, these can vary based on the needs of the individual/couple/family.
7. If my child is receiving counseling, do I have to attend each session?
Parents/Guardians are required at the first session. This session is an opportunity to discuss presenting concerns and goals for therapy and answer any additional questions you may have. You may be included in the entire session, or you may be included for the first 15-20 minutes. During this session, your ongoing participation will be discussed. While parents are not typically included in every weekly appointment, WTC does strongly value parent involvement and will likely encourage at least monthly participation. Parents/Guardians will also be responsible for ensuring your child makes it to their scheduled appointments on time.
8. I’m interested in couples counseling, but my partner does not want to come. Can I come alone?
It is not uncommon for one partner to be ready for counseling before the other. Change can occur in the relationship even when only one partner chooses to seek counseling. Sometimes, the other partner will decide to come later.
9. What is your policy on confidentiality?
Without your written permission, we cannot release or discuss any identifiable information shared in counseling sessions. Exceptions to confidentiality are limited to those situations in which we suspect child abuse or if you report the intention to harm yourself or someone else. We may also have to release information in the event records are subpoenaed by a judge.
10. Does it mean I’m “crazy” if I seek counseling?
Many people seek counseling to get help dealing with a wide range of challenges. Some of these challenges include relationship issues, life stressors, career changes, developmental issues, mood disorders, and anxiety. Seeking counseling does not mean you are “crazy.”
11. What do all the letters after a therapist’s name mean?
At Wellness Through Counseling, our team includes clinicians with a variety of professional credentials. The letters you see after a therapist’s name reflect their education, training, and licensure level. All providers at our practice deliver ethical, evidence-based care and work within their professional scope.
Common credentials include:
-
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology or a related field): Advanced doctoral-level clinicians trained in assessment, diagnosis, and therapy.
-
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor): Fully licensed therapists working with individuals, couples, and families on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Licensure requires a master’s degree, passing a national exam, and completing 3,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours.
-
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker): Fully licensed social workers providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Licensure requires a master’s degree, passing a national exam, and completing 3,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours.
-
LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist): Fully licensed therapists specializing in couples and family therapy, as well as individual therapy. Licensure requires a master’s degree, passing a national exam, and completing 3,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours.
-
LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker): Therapists who have completed their graduate degree and are working toward full licensure. LMSWs practice under supervision and provide therapy and support services.
-
Resident in Counseling: Therapists who have completed their graduate degree and are working toward full licensure. They provide therapy under supervision.
-
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern: Graduate-level clinicians completing their final training requirements with a focus on couples and family systems. Interns provide services under close supervision by licensed clinicians.
All residents and interns receive regular supervision to ensure high-quality care. If you have questions about a provider’s credentials or would like help finding the best fit, our Client Care team is happy to assist.
Please note: As professional mental health providers we are required to uphold legal and ethical standards of care. One standard is to avoid personal and professional conflicts of interest, sometimes referred to as dual relationships.
This means that if you know any of our providers on a personal level, they will not be able to work with you. Also, therapists may not be able to work with multiple members of the same family, so we may recommend that you see a different therapist.
Please, click on the link below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation for us to learn more about you or your child and to see if we are a good fit for your needs.
During our call, we can address any questions you may have and help you get started.
We look forward to connecting with you soon!