Frequently asked questions
Do I need therapy?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Therapy is intended for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation through seeking therapy. Therapy provides long lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges life presents you. Clearing emotional blocks and removing negative influences from your life can help to move your life forward in the direction you have always wanted.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different goals for therapy it will be a different experience for each individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called "Informed Consent". Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give and update to someone on your healthcare team (i.e. your physician or attorney), but by law your therapist can not release this information without obtaining your written permission.
Do you accept insurance?
To determine if you have mental health coverage thourgh your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call the company. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them are:
What are accepted forms of payment?
We currently accept the follwing forms of payment for co-pays or private pay:
If I don't have insurance can I still see a therapist?
Yes you can! All of our PC therapists are able to see clients on a self pay or sliding scale payments. If you are experiencing financial difficulty we also have free services that are offered by masters level interns under the supervision of our licensed therapists.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. herapists can provide support, problem solving skills, and enhanced soping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of everyday life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective ona difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from thereapy include:
What is Distance Counseling?
Distance counseling takes place through online or via telephone. When using online services sessions can take place using video conferencing, IM chat, or email.
What will my first appointment look like?
Compassionate Counseling LLC does intakes differently than other counseling groups. We start with each client being seen for a screening appointment that allows us to match clients with one of our therapists. We use this short thirty minute appointment as an opportunity to discuss insurance coverage/ payment options and to complete paperwork. Whether someone uses insurance or not, we want to make sure they understand what their policy coverage is and what affordable payment options we can offer. We also get a good opportunity to orient our new clients on how they will be doing their appointments. If we are meeting in the office this is a really good opportunity to figure out parking and how to get into our building. Or if we are meeting virtually this allows us to make sure our video application is working or to help set it up. We want our clients to come in for sessions and know what to expect, not worry about paperwork, finances, or where to park or login.
What insurances do we accept?
-Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
What is mobile therapy?
The therapist visits the home of the individual who wishes to access counseling services. This form of therapy is used primarily to overcome obstacles that would prevent the individual from accessing services, such as physical mobility, child care, or transportation issues.
What is a pre-session consultation?
This is offered for individuals who are interested in finding out more about counseling, but are not yet sure it they are ready to commit to beginning sessions. It is a one-time meeting between the therapist and client used to explore options nd learn what to expect from counseling.