Is counseling right for me? What to expect…
People seek counseling for all sorts of reasons.
Some are looking for relief from current symptoms, others notice patterns in their relationships that make it difficult to form and maintain healthy connections and some look for support through a tough life transition.
Moving to a new location, transitioning jobs, shifting roles, relationships or responsibilities can lead to stress, and counseling can provide a supportive space to process through the changes.
How we are affected by our experiences and how we cope is different for everyone.
Counseling provides an opportunity to speak with someone confidentially that is trained to listen and help you create greater self-awareness to better understand yourself and the challenges you face.
How much do sessions cost?
My fee for individual therapy is currently $100 for a 50-minute session.
In addition, I offer a 15-minute no-fee first session so we can meet, you can tell me a little about what is going on for you, I can answer any questions, and we can see if we’re a good fit.
If you’re ready to get started, please connect with me using the Contact Me form on this site, email or call to set up a 15-minute phone consultation.
Do you have a sliding scale?
I believe that counseling should be accessible to everyone. So, I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee weekly appointments. If you would like to begin counseling but can’t afford to pay the regular rate, please contact me so we can chat.
Do you take insurance and how does that work?
I’m an out-of-network provider. That means that I don’t bill insurance companies.
However, I’m happy to provide monthly invoices (Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Health insurance plans and benefits vary; so please contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for out-of-network services.
Some helpful questions to ask:
• Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
• Is there a deductible I need to meet before I will begin to be reimbursed? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
• Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what’s the limit?
• Do I need written approval from my primary care physician for services to be covered?
• What is the reimbursement rate for an out-of-network provider? (You may be asked for the CPT code in order to verify the reimbursement rate; the CPT code for a 50-minute individual session is 90834).
* Please note that most insurance companies will require a diagnosis for reimbursement.
How is counseling different than talking with friends and family?
It’s important to surround yourself with family and friends that are supportive. Knowing you have a social network that you can rely on when dealing with everyday life is empowering.
However, the counseling relationship, unlike the reciprocity of other healthy friendships, is just for you.
Therapists are trained, bound to confidentiality, focused just on you, have clear boundaries, and offer objectivity.
What is counseling like?
My role as a counselor isn’t to give you advice, my opinion or tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. You are the expert on you! I view my role as a counselor as someone who guides you through the healing process.
Every counseling session is unique and individually tailored to each client and their specific goals.
During our first session, we’ll talk about about what brought you here, your personal history relevant to the current issue and I’ll answer any questions you may have as we get to know one another.
There are soooo many different approaches to counseling and therapy–it’s important to find a counselor who you feel comfortable working with and whose way of working seems right for you.
How long are the sessions, how often will we meet and how long will my counseling process take?
Sessions are typically once a week for 50 minutes.
Counseling can be a short-term process, focusing on a specific problem, longer term addressing issues that are more complex or as an on-going process of personal growth and development.
Your personal needs, your unique circumstances, your readiness to make changes and how often you attend counseling sessions will affect how long your process takes.
Ultimately, the frequency with which you attend sessions is up to you. The counseling process works best when it’s consistent. However, I understand that is not always possible and I’m happy to work with you to find a schedule that fits your needs.
How Do Sessions Work?
Our appointments will be conducted using live video through Doxy.me (at https://doxy.me/janeseelye ) a secure, HIPPA compliant videoconferencing platform. Please see the Online Counseling page for more information.
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