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What are issues we address?Our counselors work with the following diagnoses: Mood Disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder; certain Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Compulsive Behavior/Substance Abuse. In addition, our clinicians work with managing anger and reactivity, relational struggles, grief, and trauma. There may be things not listed here, please call our office for specific inquiries. Demographics we work with include individuals, couples, and families from ages 10 years and older.
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Can counseling help with specific mental health conditions?Yes, counseling can be effective for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. When counseling does not appear to be effective, your counselor will discuss other treatment options either in lieu of, or in conjunction with therapy. This could include referrals for medication or higher levels of care.
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How do I know if counseling is working?Signs that counseling is working include feeling more in control of your emotions, improved relationships, better coping skills, or progress toward your goals. Changes may be gradual, so regular check-ins with your counselor can help assess progress. If you feel stuck, discuss it with your counselor to adjust the approach. Progress is never a linear process, so it is normal to experience ups and downs along the road.
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For couples therapy, when might counseling not be needed?If issues are minor, recent, or tied to a specific event, open communication or small changes might resolve them. If one partner is unwilling to participate, individual therapy might be a better starting point to explore your own feelings and options. If the relationship is unsafe (e.g., involves abuse), prioritize safety and consider individual support or resources like hotlines (e.g., National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233).
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What’s the difference between a counselor, therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?Counselor/Therapist: These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to professionals trained to provide talk therapy (e.g., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist [LMFT], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], or Licensed Clinical Social Worker [LCSW]). They hold at minimum a master’s degree and 2 or more years post-graduate supervised work. Psychologist: A professional with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, trained in therapy and psychological assessments. They may specialize in specific disorders or testing. Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medication. They may also provide therapy but generally focus on medication management.
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Is everything I say in counseling confidential?Yes, counseling is confidential, with rare exceptions. Counselors are bound by ethical and legal guidelines to protect your privacy. Exceptions may include situations where there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law (e.g., court orders or mandatory reporting of abuse). Your counselor will explain their confidentiality policy in the initial session.
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Will I have to talk about my past, and what if I don’t want to?You’re in control of what you share in counseling. Be honest with your counselor about your comfort level—they can adjust their approach to suit your needs. There are some issues which are more thoroughly addressed when exploring aspects of your past. In addition, many people experience more profound changes in their life when they understand why they struggle in certain areas. This often involves discussing past experiences. That said, there is never any obligation to process beyond your comfort level.
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How does billing work in couples or family therapy?The insurance for only one person will be billed, even though multiple people may attend the sessions. That said, all parties will need to complete their own paperwork prior to the first appointment.
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How long does counseling take to work?The length of counseling varies depending on your needs, goals, and the issues being addressed. Some people see improvements in a few sessions, while others may benefit from months or years of therapy. Short-term counseling (6–12 sessions) can help with specific issues, while long-term therapy may be better for complex or ongoing concerns. Your counselor will work with you to assess progress and adjust as needed. It’s also common, if you’ve developed a good rapport with your therapist, to see them intermittently throughout long periods of time, returning when you need a “tune up,” or for support during a new life stage or struggle. There is never any pressure to attend therapy longer than you feel is beneficial.
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How do I know if I need counseling for myself or a family member?If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, or anger, or if you’re struggling with relationships, work, or daily life, counseling can help. Other signs include difficulty coping with life changes, trauma, or feeling stuck. If your mental health is affecting your quality of life, counseling may be beneficial, even if you’re unsure of the exact issue. If you find that you and your family member avoid difficult discussions, argue frequently, feel distant, have trouble trusting, or are going through a major life transition, family/couples therapy can help.
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Is virtual therapy as effective as in person therapy?This depends greatly on the person, their issues, and age. For children below the age of 14, in person therapy tends to foster stronger rapport building and engaging sessions. For some adults, virtual therapy provides the flexibility to attend sessions more regularly, which often elicits better outcomes. A hybrid method can also be effective for those who wish to see their therapist in person occasionally but cannot commit to regular in person meetings.
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How much does counseling cost, and will insurance cover it?If you use insurance to cover the session, rates will be determined by your health plan. You can contact the member services number on the back of your member ID card to learn specific out of pocket costs. If you choose to pay out of pocket, the cost is $250 for an initial 60-minute session, and $200 per 60-minute follow-up. We also offer an income-based sliding scale. Please contact the office for more information.
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What can I expect during my first counseling session?Your first session is a chance for you and your counselor to get to know each other and establish trust. Your counselor will likely ask about your reasons for seeking therapy, your background, and your goals, as well as discuss expectations for therapy. It’s normal to feel nervous, but the session is designed to be a safe, non-judgmental space.
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Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better in counseling?Yes, it’s common to feel temporarily worse as you process difficult emotions or confront challenging issues. This is often part of the healing process, especially for trauma or deep-seated concerns. If you feel worse for an extended period, talk to your counselor to ensure the approach is right for you. The process is collaborative so your input is not only welcome, but crucial.
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