General Questions from New Clients:
I’ve never been to a mental health counselor before. What can I expect if I work with Stronger You Counseling?
First, congratulations on taking a major step towards your own wellness! If you’re new to seeing a mental health counselor, it’s normal to feel some worry about what it’s going to be like.
Your first session is what’s called an “Intake Assessment.” The information I gather during your intake will help me get a complete picture of you and your history. This helps me get an accurate understanding of you, your circumstances, and your stated goals. And, this process will give us a place to start from when it comes to deciding the right treatment methods for you, and how we can work together to support the changes you desire. This will give us the ability to make an official treatment plan that will guide our work together.
From time to time, in the following sessions, we’ll look at your progress and whether we need to change our approach to get better results.
Therapy will end either when you have met your treatment goals and have not identified other goals, or when either you or I decide that it is appropriate for therapy to stop. We will discuss the conclusion process together when that time comes.
While therapy does sometimes end suddenly, it’s more usual to phase it out by going longer between sessions. Once you have a few months of stability with your desired changes, monthly check-ins will be all that is needed.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are typically scheduled for an hour, but they run 45-50 minutes. The extra time allows a few minutes for me to complete documentation or finish up with any details of your case. It also gives me a little bit of time for a short break, if needed, before going on to my next session.
There are some exceptions, such as intake assessments, or couples/family therapy which may require between 1 and 1.5 hours. There are also times where shorter sessions may be best. We will discuss these exceptions in more detail whenever it looks like we need to try something different from a typical session.
During what hours can I schedule my online counseling sessions?
I typically have my schedule open on evenings and weekends to offer you as much flexibility as possible. This allows me to keep a regular routine and sleep schedule for myself and helps me maintain my own optimal physical and mental health.
However, if you need to schedule something outside of these “normal” hours, we can discuss the reasons for this and work something out, appointment by appointment. This is because I would have to go into the schedule and manually make the change for the custom appointment time we agree on.
How long will I need therapy?
That depends on the issues you want to work on and how long it takes to make the progress you desire. We’ll know more after your intake assessment has been done, but we will talk about it as we enter treatment planning, as well as during progress reviews.
We will be done whenever you are satisfied with how you are feeling and functioning. On average, therapy typically takes from 3 months to 2 years. Sometimes it may last only 3 sessions, or it could take 4 or more years. The length of time depends on your needs, not the calendar. However, sometimes insurance plans dictate how long therapy can last by limiting the number or kinds of sessions they will cover.
Are you supportive of LGBTQ+ clients?
Absolutely, just as I am supportive of straight and cis-gendered clients. My goal is to help you embrace who you really are and to support you in becoming the strongest and healthiest you possible. Whatever your sexual identity, I want you to be true to yourself, and to do it in a way that is responsible and respectful towards yourself and others.
I’m not Christian. Can you still be respectful of my spiritual or religious values in therapy?
Absolutely. Ethical counselors always respect the values and beliefs of their clients. It would always be wrong for me to impose my values and beliefs on anyone, but this is especially true for my clients. While my beliefs and values are shaped largely by Judeo-Christian culture, my job as a therapist is to seek to understand you and your beliefs and values, and then to support you in making healthy life choices that are consistent with the beliefs and values that you hold dear.
I’m agnostic or atheist, but I noticed you have a religious background. Are you going to try to convert me?
Absolutely not. I think it’s important for you to know the background I am coming from, but I will not try to influence your choice of beliefs or values. However, the fact that you are checking out counseling shows that you are looking for some positive change in your life. My job is to help you identify your choices, not to tell you what change you need to make.
While working with me, it is possible that you may decide on your own to change your religious values or beliefs, just like you may decide that you want to end a relationship, change careers, or change a bad habit. All through the counseling process, no matter what your beliefs are, I may poke at and challenge your values and beliefs to help you see them clearly. I will be there to support you in whatever changes you decide to make, or not make.
Do you offer Christian spiritual counseling services to those who want it?
Possibly. This is something we would need to discuss first, because my views might be different than those of your own pastor or religious tradition, and I don’t want to create more internal or external conflict for you.
Are you a licensed therapist?
Yes. I hold licensure as LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, in the state of Washington. To receive this license, I had to complete a master’s program that meets state requirements, document enough training in certain designated areas of study, pass a licensure exam, and complete a minimum of 3000 hours of supervised experience.
What do the letters after your name mean?
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) is the license I hold in the state of Washington. MS refers to my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.
M.Div refers to the Master of Divinity I received at a theological seminary.
Questions About How the Process Works at Stronger You Counseling:
How does online video counseling work?
You must have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has both audio and camera capabilities. A headset or earphones and a microphone can help make your session more private.
Before your session, a link will be sent to your email or phone. You’ll click on that link to check into my virtual waiting room. Once there, you’ll test the camera and audio settings, and then I will be notified that you are waiting.
When it is time, we will video chat for your session. My platform has interactive tools that we can use as needed. When your session is finished, we will “leave” the chatroom and your session is over.
What are the differences between remote sessions and in-person sessions?
The main differences between remote sessions and in-person sessions are not having to travel and you have more control over your environment. This makes remote sessions more accessible and convenient for you. However, technology sometimes fails and if the internet crashes for either of us, we would need to reschedule.
Is online counseling as effective as in-person sessions?
That depends on the issues being addressed. Online counseling is equally effective for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance use issues, and some forms of couples/family counseling.
Generally, online counseling is more effective for individual therapy than for family therapy, though the age of the client is also a factor. In some cases, online counseling may even be more effective because it takes out some of the barriers for people who can’t attend in-person sessions.
Remote sessions are not best for some issues or symptoms, such as suicidality. Research has shown that remote therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for many, but not all, issues.
How safe is online therapy?
Online therapy is at least as safe as traditional counseling in an office. I use a secure platform that was designed just for telehealth and is completely compliant with regulations such as HIPAA. However, your safety and privacy can be at risk at either end, if other people are present during your session.
I provide sessions from my private home office so, except for my cats, your privacy and information are completely safe at my end. You can manage safety at your end by making sure that you are alone in the room, and that you are using a headset or earbuds. You can also increase your privacy by having white noise in the background to make it more difficult for anyone to overhear what is being said. If no one else can hear the conversation or see your screen, online therapy should be safe.
Are my sessions confidential?
Your sessions are at least as private, at my end, as they would be if done in a traditional office setting. The same privacy laws are in place for remote therapy as for in-person sessions. When there are exceptions, they usually have to do with the safety of the self or others. This is spelled out in more detail in the consent paperwork which is part of your intake assessment.
I don’t have video capabilities. Can we do my sessions by phone?
No, not unless you are already an established online client. Even then, phone sessions are only a very temporary arrangement. A lot of therapy is the therapist observing the client for body language. This is not possible in a phone session. Also, I have a significant hearing impairment and, even with my hearing aids, I rely on lip-reading to help me understand what you are saying. That is impossible to do in a phone session.
Can I come to your office for sessions?
No, since I am set up as a home telebehavioral health practice, all sessions will need to be conducted remotely (online).
I don’t live in Washington state. Can I still work with you?
That depends. If you want your insurance to pay, we would have to verify whether that would be acceptable. And regardless, you would need to be somewhere in the state of Washington for your sessions, even if it is sitting in your car just across the state line.
Can you work with my other service providers?
I can communicate with your other service providers if I have a specific signed Release of Information form on file for you that specifies the type of information to be shared.
Can you prescribe medications?
No, I do not have the training or certification to prescribe medications. However, I can work with you to help you find someone who can prescribe medications if that is the best course of action.
Questions About Insurance & Payment at Stronger You Counseling:
Which insurance companies do you work with?
I currently work with many different insurances.
- AMBetter
- Regence
- Real Value
- Option
- Premera
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- Global
- Heritage
- Heritage Plus 1
- Heritage Prime
- Heritage Signature
- LifeWise Assurance Company
- LifeWise Health Plan of Washington Preferred
- WA LifeWise Primary
- LifeWise
- LifeWise Assurance
- Aetna
- Anthem and their affiliates
- Anthem MainHealth
- Empire
- HealthyBlue BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC
- Unicare
- PPO plans
- Other insurances may be billable as out of network
However, I have active applications to other insurers being processed, so I expect more to be added in the future.
My website will be updated with new approvals as they come in.
My insurance company is on your list. Will it pay for my sessions with you?
Every insurance provider and plan is different. If we are listed in your provider network, that means that I am a covered provider.
However, you would likely still have a co-pay that is determined by your insurance plan. Once you commit to working with me and provide me with your insurance information, I will gladly run a verification check and tell you what your cost is expected to be.
It is also important to note that most insurance plans do not cover couples or family counseling, though sometimes some relationship therapy can be included in an individual’s treatment.
For example, your insurance may cover individual counseling, but not marriage or family counseling. It is also possible that your insurance may not cover certain diagnoses. Part of my initial work with you will be to determine reasonable diagnoses for your presenting issues.
We will discuss and agree on a working diagnosis to submit to your insurance. And, if your insurance won’t cover your diagnosis/issues, or if you don’t want the diagnosis on your medical record, I can work with you to establish a sliding fee cash payment.
Are video counseling (telehealth) sessions covered by my insurance?
Major insurance carriers typically cover telehealth, though some have some restrictions on telehealth. During the COVID-19 crisis, all insurance carriers have covered telehealth. We don’t know yet whether telehealth will be fully covered by all insurances once the pandemic is over.
However, I expect that telehealth is here to stay. I have been very clear with the insurance panels that my practice is solely telehealth. If for some reason your insurance does not cover video counseling, we will discuss your options.
My insurance company isn’t on your list, but I still want to work with you. What are my options?
We can check with your insurance to see if they would cover your counseling as an out-of-network benefit, and what your cost would be. Usually that means a higher copay for you. If your insurance won’t cover it, we could set you up as a private pay client, so you would pay the full cost of each session.
Do you take private pay clients?
Absolutely. We would set up your payment to be billed, after each session, to a credit/debit card.
I want to keep my insurance out of it. Can we do that?
Yes. We would set you up as a private pay client, so you would pay the full cost of each session out of your own pocket. We would do that by charging your credit/debit card after each session.
How much do sessions cost?
How much you pay will depend on several factors. With insurance you will pay whatever deductible and co-pay your insurance plan has designated, usually ranging between $15-$40 per session, and your insurance will pay the balance.
You will be responsible for whatever portion of the fee your insurance does not cover, even if that is a higher amount than what you are initially quoted based on insurance verification. We would collect the expected co-pay from you after the session, and then we would bill you for any remaining balance. If your insurance pays more than expected, we would credit your account.
How do I pay for my therapy sessions?
As part of your intake process, we will collect credit/debit card information which will be attached to your secure profile. Your card will be billed automatically after the end of your session.
I want to work with you, but I can’t afford it. Can you provide therapy for free?
My normal rate is $125 per session. In very rare circumstances I may be able to provide pro bono (free) therapy, but only after very careful and thorough evaluation and documentation. I do have a sliding fee scale that is based on household size and income. However, I would have to verify your income and the number of people being supported by that income. But with the deep discount offered by my sliding scale, I am confident we can work something out for you.
My question isn’t answered here. How can I contact you?
You’ll find instructions about how to contact me directly through the Contact page on my website, https://StrongerYouCounseling.com. I check messages at least once per day but am not always able to respond immediately. You can usually expect to receive an answer within 24 business hours.