What will we talk about in counseling?
The counseling process is largely driven by you and your needs and goals. You can talk about anything past, present or future that will help you meet your counseling goals. The therapist will pose questions and observations to help broaden perspectives or illustrate new ways of thinking and behaving.
How do I know that what I share in counseling will remain confidential?
Mental health practitioners are guided by ethical guidelines that enshrine the concept of confidentiality within our practices. A therapist who violates confidentiality can face reprimands from their state licensing board. There are some exceptions which will be outlined for you.
How long does each session last?
Typically an average counseling session lasts about 45-50 minutes with some lasting 60-90 minutes depending on your needs, insurance stipulations and therapist preferences.
How long can I expect to spend in counseling?
This is a tough question. Mental health needs are often difficult to predict into the future as circumstances and environments can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Some clients realize immediate benefits after only a few sessions while other clients may need weeks, months or even years to fully self-actualize. Length of time in counseling is best discussed together between client and therapist.
What is a Telehealth session like?
Put simply, a telehealth session is similar to a Zoom call (with audio and video), but with a lot more security to protect confidentiality. While Telehealth technology is available almost anywhere, most therapists can only see clients via Telehealth as long as the client is physically located in the state where the therapist is licensed.
How are counseling sessions paid for?
Mental Health benefits are now widely available through most major insurance carriers as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. However, each policy and plan is different and it's best to check with your carrier before beginning therapy. Not all therapists accept insurance, and some accept only certain policies and plans. Clients can also pay “out-of-pocket” or “self-pay”. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees.
Will I have “homework”?
Maybe. Some therapists are big users of the homework approach while others may not use homework at all. This is best asked during your initial session, if this is a concern.
Is my therapist available 24/7?
No. Like all other professions, therapists have – and require – downtime. Your therapist will explain when and how they are available and what to do in an emergency should they not be available, or if an emergency occurs after hours.
What do I call my therapist?
If your therapist does not address this during your first session, you can always ask. Some therapists may go by a first name basis, while others may prefer a title, or suffix.
What do all the “letters” after a therapist’s name mean?
There are several layers of mental health practitioners. The most common are:
The counseling process is largely driven by you and your needs and goals. You can talk about anything past, present or future that will help you meet your counseling goals. The therapist will pose questions and observations to help broaden perspectives or illustrate new ways of thinking and behaving.
How do I know that what I share in counseling will remain confidential?
Mental health practitioners are guided by ethical guidelines that enshrine the concept of confidentiality within our practices. A therapist who violates confidentiality can face reprimands from their state licensing board. There are some exceptions which will be outlined for you.
How long does each session last?
Typically an average counseling session lasts about 45-50 minutes with some lasting 60-90 minutes depending on your needs, insurance stipulations and therapist preferences.
How long can I expect to spend in counseling?
This is a tough question. Mental health needs are often difficult to predict into the future as circumstances and environments can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Some clients realize immediate benefits after only a few sessions while other clients may need weeks, months or even years to fully self-actualize. Length of time in counseling is best discussed together between client and therapist.
What is a Telehealth session like?
Put simply, a telehealth session is similar to a Zoom call (with audio and video), but with a lot more security to protect confidentiality. While Telehealth technology is available almost anywhere, most therapists can only see clients via Telehealth as long as the client is physically located in the state where the therapist is licensed.
How are counseling sessions paid for?
Mental Health benefits are now widely available through most major insurance carriers as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. However, each policy and plan is different and it's best to check with your carrier before beginning therapy. Not all therapists accept insurance, and some accept only certain policies and plans. Clients can also pay “out-of-pocket” or “self-pay”. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees.
Will I have “homework”?
Maybe. Some therapists are big users of the homework approach while others may not use homework at all. This is best asked during your initial session, if this is a concern.
Is my therapist available 24/7?
No. Like all other professions, therapists have – and require – downtime. Your therapist will explain when and how they are available and what to do in an emergency should they not be available, or if an emergency occurs after hours.
What do I call my therapist?
If your therapist does not address this during your first session, you can always ask. Some therapists may go by a first name basis, while others may prefer a title, or suffix.
What do all the “letters” after a therapist’s name mean?
There are several layers of mental health practitioners. The most common are:
- Ph.D. - Generally a licensed clinical psychologist. A psychologist has added years of education and will often specialize in more difficult mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar diagnoses, psychosis, etc.
- LPCC – The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, sometimes also known as LPC, CCMH, is a clinician having earned a masters degree in counseling, passed a national certification exam and is state-certified to practice mental health counseling. LPCC’s may offer a more generalized approach to treatment or may specialize in certain fields like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc.
- LMFT – The Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is similar to an LPCC, but with a focus on marriage and family (with children) issues. This clinician earned a masters degree in marriage and family therapy, passed a national exam certification and is state-certified to practice mental health counseling.
- LISW – The Licensed Independent Social Worker (sometimes known as LCSW) has earned a masters degree in social work, passed a national exam certification and is state-certified to provide therapy to clients covering a wide-range of issues.