Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have about Growth Counseling. If you still can't find the answers you're looking for, just Contact Us!
Therapy is an added cost. Is it worth it? Engaging in therapy involves a financial commitment, serving as an investment in self-awareness and the development of healthier thought patterns and behaviors. The capacity to think and act more effectively, cultivated through therapy, can significantly and positively influence various aspects of your life, including relationships, work, health, and even finances. Similar to investments made in education, career, home, and physical health, we firmly believe that allocating resources to therapy is a valuable investment in one's overall well-being and life success.
Do you accept insurance? For a complete list of accepted insurances and payment forms please visit our Insurance & Fees page. However, if you do not have insurance or would like to use your health insurance plan's out-of-network benefits, we can navigate this! I’m happy to work with you to provide itemized receipts for your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement for your out-of-network therapy benefits. You can use Your FSA/HSA/HRA Account: While you should always consult with your employer’s HR department to be sure, therapy is often eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) that you may have through your employer. So what this means is that you can set aside pre-tax dollars into your account to pay for eligible medical expenses (therapy being one) and then use that money to fund your therapy. I have a secure credit card system set up that accepts FSA and HSA cards so that my clients can use these accounts much like they would a debit card to pay for their therapy. Paying for treatment by using your pre-tax dollars is something that can help make therapy more accessible.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching? Therapists are healthcare providers, while coaches are not. While every state requires therapists to be licensed, no state regulates or licenses coaches. A coach is not a healthcare professional and cannot do work that infringes on a therapist’s legal scope of practice. Under the law, coaches cannot do any of the following: 1. Bill their services to health insurance companies 2. Offer the breadth of care and services provided by therapists 3. Diagnose or treat mental health conditions While coaching can work with issues such as identifying and reaching goals, boundary setting, dealing with and managing stress, etc, coaching cannot deal with issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. For issues such as these, you must see a Physician or Licensed Mental Health Professional. Although you as a client may have a diagnosis, such as PTSD or Anxiety, coaching is not intended as a treatment or cure for these conditions.
Do you offer in-person appointments? I only offer virtual appointments. Beneficial aspects of virtual therapy include: 1. Flexibility in scheduling 2. You use my services without living close by 3. Convenience, which results in fewer cancellations than in face-to-face settings 4. Saving time from commuting to and from appointments
What are the limitations of online therapy? 1. CONNECTIVITY The most predictable issues would be the poor quality of the connection or becoming disconnected altogether. In such instances, the frustration is compounded if you are having an important conversation with your therapist! The likely remedy would be that we could continue for the rest of the session by telephone. Because of sound quality, we may also elect at some points to have a phone conversation at the same time as the video conversation. By eliminating the audio that comes over the internet, we can improve the quality of the communication. 2. SECURITY There are many way to connect over video, I use a platform that uses encrypted video to protect your privacy. The video conferencing that I provide is HIPAA compliant. 3. AVAILABILITY FOR EMERGENCIES Video conferencing is not an ideal modality for emergencies and individuals who may need crisis support. While the technology of video conferencing may make it seem like I will be able to be more available, it should be agreed that if we anticipate needing to meet on an emergency basis, then online therapy is not an appropriate treatment modality for you.
What equipment will I need? You can connect with your laptop (as long as it has a built-in webcam and audio device, most do) or your mobile device. If you use your mobile device, it's recommended that you use a pair of earphones for better sound quality. If you have a desktop computer make sure it has a webcam and consider using compatible headphones for better sound quality.
How do I know if you're the right professional for me? Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. Therapy is only as effective as the relationship between therapist and client and because of this, I offer a complimentary 15-minute consult call to learn more about your individual situation and goals. Then, when we meet for your first session, ask yourself: “Can I see myself feeling safe and comfortable with this person? Does it seem like they *get* me?” It doesn’t matter how many degrees a therapist has hanging on the wall; if you don’t feel good about sitting in a room with that person, it may not be good therapy. So please book a complimentary consult call.
Is this therapy practice LGBTQIA friendly? Absolutely. Our therapy practice is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. We do not discriminate on any basis, and our therapists are trained to provide culturally competent and affirming care to members of the LGBTQIA community. Your unique identity is respected and celebrated here, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported in their journey toward well-being.
Good Faith Estimate Disclosure Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
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Submit the Form
Fill out the form so we can match you with a therapist who meets your needs.
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Schedule a Free Call
Someone will reach out to schedule a call so that you can meet and ask questions.
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Start Healing
If the therapist feels like the right fit, schedule an introductory session and let the healing begin!