FAQs
Do you accept insurance?
We currently accept Cigna, Aetna, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and United health insurance plans through Alma.
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
We understand everyone has unexpected changes to their schedules and will do our best to be accommodating within reason. With advance notice of at least 24 hours, we will attempt to reschedule your session within that week if possible. If notice is not provided in a timely manner, clients will be charged the full amount for missed and/or late cancelled sessions.
HOW MUCH WILL COUNSELING COST?
For counseling to be effective it does require a commitment of both time and finances. We can help to make this possible in a couple of ways. We are happy to offer a sliding scale as necessary based on a few different client factors as well as the availability of sliding scale. We are also able to take credit/debit cards as well as Health Savings Account cards.
HOW DOES IT WORK? WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IN SESSIONS?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Our goal is to tailor the therapeutic approach to your specific needs as an individual.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. Research does support that weekly sessions are the most effective at the onset of treatment in order to get the most therapeutic benefit and build up momentum towards your goals.
IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
Generally, the therapeutic relationship between the client and psychologist is confidential. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule (as required by law), including:
Any ongoing abuse of a minor, an elderly person, and/or anyone with a disability in the state of Florida must be reported. Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers are all mandated reporters and required to report this to appropriate authorities.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers are all mandated reporters and required to report this to the appropriate authorities.
If a client intends to harm themselves. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not work collaboratively with the therapist, it is possible additional measures may need to be taken including calling a loved one or 911 to ensure safety of the individual.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALKING TO A PROFESSIONAL OR MY BEST FRIEND OR FAMILY?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
What is a Registered Mental Health Counselor or Marriage & Family Therapy Intern?
After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, a counselor is required to work in the field as a Registered Intern for a while before they are eligible to be licensed in the state of Florida. A Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern is someone working towards becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), while a Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Intern is someone working towards becoming a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT).
Do you prescribe medications?
No, I do not. The mental health professionals who do prescribe medication have gone through extensive medical training, like Psychiatrists, other MDs, and Nurse Practitioners. I am happy to provide referrals as needed.
