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Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy really for me?
Asking for help can be scary -- it makes us feel vulnerable -- especially if we have been able to navigate difficult situations in the past. Asking for help, however, requires a lot of strength and self-awareness and is something to be admired rather than looked down on. Life comes with challenges, however, and there is nothing wrong with seeking extra support to get through those transitions and changes. By asking for help and seeking therapy you are taking the first step towards change, which is accepting the struggles life as put in your path and making a commitment to making healthy life changes to tackle those challenges. Therapy can help assist people through a range of issues such as transitional life stages (unemployment, divorce, moving, etc.), low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship or family issues. Overall, people who are taking the step to seek assistance towards whatever their goals are, are ready to make healthy changes in their lives.
What is therapy like?
All people are different and therefore each person has unique goals and experiences a unique process for therapy. Generally, therapy begins by discussing your primary concerns, current events, and personal history; as you move through the process, we discuss and problem solve obstacles to your goals together and review successes and progress.
The therapeutic process varies for each person as far as the journey itself; therapy can be a short-term process for quick life transitions, or a long-term process to tackle difficult patterns and more integrated issues. In order to move through the process it requires you to be an active participant in order to help you achieve your goals. It may be recommended as part of the process for you to do additional work outside of therapy to support your growth including reading, journaling, and tracking the behaviors you have targeted to change. Change can be uncomfortable -- this is normal. In order to break habits and impart change we will work together through any discomfort to achieve your goals.
What is an "LPC"?
LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor; LPCs are sometimes also referred to as licensed clinical professional counselors or licensed mental health counselors. LPCs are trained to provide psychotherapy to help clients with an array of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues in a variety of healthcare settings. LPCs can work with families, individuals, groups, and couples. An LPC must hold at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field. Then they must sit for a national professional credentialing & licensing exam and complete a minimum of two years of supervised clinical experience with a state licensed LPC-Supervisor in order to work in community health agencies, hospitals, and private practice independently. In general, LPCs do not conduct psychological assessments/testing and they cannot prescribe medication.
For more information on South Carolina State Licensing for Counselors click HERE.
Do you accept insurance?
I currently am an "out-of-network provider" and am not accepting insurance. My clients pay me directly for services out-of-pocket. While, I do not take insurance at this time, I can provide an invoice or Superbill with codes for you to submit for potential reimbursement or to count towards your deductible. I also am able to accept forms of payment from FSA and HSA accounts.
Insurance companies require a diagnosis for reimbursement. With that knowledge, some people choose not to file for coverage in order to prevent a diagnosis being added to their medical records.
In general, to determine if you have coverage through your current insurance provider, the first step is to call your local representative and inquire about "in-network" providers in your area. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you ask your local representative questions. Some helpful questions you can ask Include:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is my coverage amount per therapy session for an in-network provider?
- Will I have an out of pocket copay for an in-network provider?
- Do I have coverage for an out-of-network provider, and, if so, how much coverage do I have?
- Can I submit bills from out-of-network providers to count towards my deductible or for reimbursement?
- Do I need to obtain a referral from my primary care physician in order to use my mental health coverage?
- Is "telehealth" or "telemedicine" covered under my insurance for in-network/out-of-network providers? (I recommend this should you wish to pursue video/phone sessions during COVID)
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Please find detailed information on Good Faith Estimates and payments for services on my BLOG.
For additional questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.
I'm on medication, do I really need therapy too?
There is lots of evidence to support that often the best course of treatment for certain mental health and emotional issues is a combination of both therapy and medication. Long-term solutions to these issues cannot typically be "solved" solely by medication as this often will just treat a symptom rather than the root of the problem. Research into this question notes that often times people achieve the most sustainable and successful growth by using an integrative approach with a combination of treatment strategies. Ultimately, I would recommend asking your psychiatrist or medical provider what is best for you regarding a combination of therapy and medication management if you have lingering hesitation regarding the therapeutic process.
What can I expect at my first session?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment to complete intake forms. This helps me to review the primary reason(s) you are seeking therapy and how I can begin to help you through the process. I will meet with you between 1 hour and 1 hour and 10 minutes for our first session. You will be asked questions to clarify your current situation and past history. Then we will discuss treatment options and begin to outline goals for future sessions.