FAQ

From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Licensed clinical social workers offer the caring, expert assistance that we often need during these stressful times. A counselor can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. Clinical social workers offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress.

“Good indicators of when you should seek counseling are when you’re having difficulties at work [or home], your ability to concentrate is diminished or when your level of pain becomes uncomfortable,” says Dr. Gail Robinson, past president of the American Counseling Association. “However, you don’t want to wait until the pain becomes unbearable or you’re at the end of your rope.”

“If someone is questioning if they should go into counseling that is probably the best indicator that they should,” says Dr. William King, a mental health counselor in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana. “You should trust your instincts.”

Licensed clinical social workers work with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Licensed clinical social workers help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths. A clinical social worker will encourage your personal growth and development in ways that foster your interest and welfare.

Many insurance plans cover mental health services by a licensed clinical social worker. If you do not have health insurance, or if your coverage does not include mental health care or the services of a licensed clinical social worker, some clinical social workers will work with clients on a sliding-fee scale or will offer a payment plan.

Ideally, counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for becomes more manageable or is resolved. However, some insurance companies and managed care plans may limit the number of sessions for which they pay. You should check with your health plan to find out more about any limitations in your coverage. During the first few counseling sessions it is also a good idea to discuss with your counselor the length of treatment that may be needed to achieve your goals.

All members of the National Association of Social Workers subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be disclosed such as a court case. Whenever possible, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed.

24 hours. A no-show fee is $75 and a late cancel fee is $50.

Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted.

To learn more about EMDR Therapy, click here for more information from the EMDR Institute, or click here for more information from the EMDR International Association.

What began as a necessary option during the COVID-19 response, Telehealth is limited to circumstances only in which in-person visits are not an option (during a health crisis or in the case of illness, for example). Ongoing Telehealth sessions on a regular basis are not available through this practice, however referrals to online therapy can be given upon request.