Q&A

Q: Why should I see a counselor?
A: Generally speaking, I believe that people are both strong and capable of deciding what is best for their own lives. From time to time however, we find ourselves in situations where we just can’t seem to figure out what to do next. The solution is beyond us. We may seek out insights from our friends or trusted others; sometimes that helps. There are other times when lifes’ circumstances are too demanding. That is where a trained counselor can enter the picture. If or when you choose to engage with a counselor is up to you.

Q: How long is a session?
A: Typically, a private session is 50 minutes long based on clock hours. Depending on the particular type of treatment, I also conduct Group Therapy. If appropriate, those sessions are 60 minutes long.

Q: How long can I expect to remain in counseling?
A: Although we are all the same; all human, we are also very different. There is no “one size fits all” answer to the question therefore there is no pre-established duration. Therapy is a process. It depends on you and many other factors. I am open to that conversation in person.

Q: How can I benefit from counseling?
A: Everyone is different so the results will be different. I have seen many lives changed, some dramatically. I have also seen people withdraw from the process with smaller results than they expected. The road to healthy living is different for everyone. Admittedly, the “heavy lifting” can come easier  for some people or be more than others can do or expected at this time. I respect the process and where others are at this stage in their lives. The door is always open.

Q: Will my insurance pay for counseling or therapy?
A: As stated in my Consent for Therapy document: “If you have a health insurance policy, it will usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment. You are responsible for knowing your coverage and for letting me know if/when your coverage changes. It is sometimes difficult to determine exactly how much mental health coverage is available. Some Managed Health Care plans such as HMOs or PPO’s can require advance authorization.  Without that authorization, they may refuse to provide reimbursement for mental health services or do so at a different level.” Some insurance plans have high deductibles and can require them to be reached before any services are paid for by insurance. Please consult your provider Subscriber Services for specifics.

Q: What about fees?
A: It is best to call me to discuss fees and payments. Based on the particular service rendered and other influencing factors, fees differ. From time to time I do reassess my fee schedule.

Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: I accept cash, checks and money orders for service reimbursement. I can also process debit cards and most commercially recognized credit cards.

Q: What Insurances do you accept? 
A: At this time, I accept: Beacon, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna, Empire Plan, Fidelis, Highmark, Independent Health, Independent Health-MediSource, Molina, United Health Care (Commercial Plans only). Preauthorizations may be required depending on your plan and I will accept other insurances as I am admitted to their panels.

I DO NOT accept any type of Medicare plan.

I DO NOT accept straight or plain Medicaid.

Q: What is the best kind of Counseling?
A: There is no “best answer” to that question. There are many different schools of thought or counseling theories but counseling is really about process and therapeutic relationship. One theoretic approach may be more effective for you than with another person. Certain disciplines have demonstrated to be more effective in certain situations than others. You may find a particular counselor’s personality to be a better match with you and your needs than another. There are also Individual or Group options for certain treatments that can be very beneficial.

Q: Will the counselor tell me what to do?
A: No. I am a firm believer in “Self-Determination”. You decide what you will or won’t do for the next choice in your life. You decide what is best for you. Any good therapist will support, discuss and encourage. I am also a realist and will bring to the table those questions and answers that may be difficult to hear. My role is to create a healthy, safe and trusting environment so that with support, you might make the best choices for your life.

Q: Do you specialize?
A: I do not advertise as a specialist. The areas in which I offer counseling can be found under the “Services” Tab and on my Home Page. Sometimes, engaging a conversation with me and describing your need can best answer that question. I do not counsel children (under age 18), couples experiencing marital difficulties or those struggling with addictions.

Q: In today’s Age of Technology, is the Internet, phone or Skype/ FaceTime an option?
A: There are some considerations. Providers who use Skype/FaceTime and electronic (long distance technologies) retain records of conversations and calls. Although the counselor is ethically bound, he or she may have only a certain amount of control over what happens to the information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), mandates that mental health professionals protect client privacy and data. Internet providers collect transmitted information as well. Until technology changes, there is no guarantee that these types of conversations are completely private or safe. Government use of Internet records can also compound the issue. Face-to-face in-person encounters eliminate this type of risk. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of any therapeutic encounter and it is best to evaluate this choice should you choose to engage.

Q: What can I do now?
A: If and when you are ready to make an appointment you will find my phone number and email on the Contact page. If you are not ready, be patient. Maybe now is just not the time. The bigger question to ask yourself might be; “What should I be learning right now?” Remember; therapy, like life, is a process. Unless you are at peace with your decision there is no pressure to do anything. As a reminder, the door is always open.