Why Counseling?
Most people can benefit from counseling services at some point in their lives. Seeking professional assistance is a sign of good coping skills and intelligence, not a sign of weakness. The feeling of being stuck is usually what brings most people to counseling. Sometimes people feel stuck in a dissatisfying career, relationship, mood, thought pattern, or destructive patterns of behavior. People may approach their “stuckness” or problems in the same ways, each time hoping for different results. What is necessary is a change in strategy. A new approach. A counselor is able to offer an objective and caring perspective, utilizing your strengths, to help you move forward. Clarifying your strengths and values, identifying possibilities for your future and unblocking emotions will usually bring relief, clarity, awareness and a renewed energy to face life’s challenges.
What Should I Expect?
Counseling is a process of self-examination, clarification of values and beliefs, emotional awareness, and growth. You may choose to make changes in your attitudes, perceptions, and behavior as you progress. Research has shown that counseling may contribute to increased productivity, enhanced self-respect, and improved communication in all kinds of relationships. Sometimes the process may be energizing, exhausting, or even painful. Emotional healing may become personally enriching, causing you to face conflict in relationships and learn new coping styles. We will do everything possible to provide a positive counseling experience for you. On your first visit, your counselor will ask you many questions to find out what brings you to counseling, what you hope to gain from your visits, and information about your history. The initial session is a chance for you to get a feel for your counselor’s style and to make sure that it is a “good fit” for you.
How Long Does Counseling Last?
Counseling sessions themselves last approximately 45 minutes. Most sessions take place weekly, depending on your concerns. However, sessions may be scheduled more or less frequently. The number of sessions needed varies with each person and problem, which will be discussed during initial sessions. However, it is also important to do your own reflection and work in between sessions. Counseling is a process that takes courage, patience, and an open mind. As licensed therapists and certified career counselors, we are committed to providing an experience that is solution-focused on your goals.Do I needindividual or couples therapy? This question is difficult to answer without more specific information about your situation. Call and we can briefly discuss on the phone prior to making an appointment. Hour for hour of direct psychotherapy service can seem expensive. However, with psychotherapy you get more than an hour of direct contact – you get years of training and experience that inform my work with you. Also, I think about your concerns, take detailed notes and review them, and may have brief contact with you outside of our scheduled sessions. Think of psychotherapy as an investment in your well-being. Most of my clients report much higher satisfaction with their lives and relationships during and after psychotherapy.
How Do I Pay For Sessions?
Payment is expected at the time of service. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, personal check or cash is accepted. Career counseling services may be tax deductible as a “job search” expense if applicable. Ask your career counselor for a statement of services for your tax records.
Do You Accept Insurance?
In my private practice at 8401 N Kentucky Avenue , my services will be considered out of network for insurance purposes. You can request a statement of services that can be used to submit to your insurance company towards your out of network mental health benefits. You may also use your health savings account or flexible spending account to pay for sessions with your counselor.In order to use your insurance, you must qualify for a mental disorder diagnosis, which will become part of your medical record. Your privacy is very important to us. You can discuss with your counselor the diagnosis that would be shared with your insurance company and what it means so that you’re informed ahead of time. I am not on any insurance panels for a variety of reasons. First, involving insurance adds another “ party” to the interaction. Insurance companies have their own financial interests, which are not always the same interests as yours. Insurance companies may set limits to treatment, may want detailed information about progress, etc. Second, insurance will require a diagnosis of a mental health condition. Once that diagnosis is disclosed to the insurance company, it is beyond your or my control. If you want to change insurance companies, you may be declined for the diagnosis on your record. You may be denied life insurance due simply to the fact that you received psychotherapy.**If you choose to file with your insurance company, be sure to call the number on your insurance card prior to your appointment to obtain authorization for your visit and find out your out of network benefit details. Otherwise, your insurance company may deny your claim.** Yes, I accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards, debit cards, and medical spending account cards. I also accept personal checks and cash.
If you do want to use your insurance just let me know and I can see you through The Acacia Center where we take most insurances including medicaid and medicare.
Do You Offer a Free Consultation?
No, we do not at this time. Typically a free consultation is offered to give you summary of what you know to be your concern so that a package of services can be recommended to you. We prefer to start by letting you take the driver’s seat and determine for yourself with which services or goals you would like our assistance. You can expect to leave your first appointment with new knowledge about yourself and your first action step towards your goals.
Emergency Policy
In case of an emergency, you can call any of the following emergency numbers: 911, Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center, Inc Emergency Services 812-423-7791 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for assistance.