FAQ:
What type of counselor is the best for me ? What types of problems do counselors help me solve?
For reliable information, go to: www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-health
How does the counseling process work?
Susan may help you find relief and healing step-by-step, day-by-day.
1) Free Consultation: During this initial meeting, three questions are asked by the counselor to help you begin to focus:
- What brings you to seek a counselor at this time?
- What do you hope to achieve in counseling?
- How will you know when you have achieved your goal(s)?
You will probably have questions that the counselor will answer. You will discuss frequency of sessions, fees, confidentiality, and other topics. If you decide to do counseling, you will fill out some registration forms. You will set the date of your first session.
2) Assessment: As the therapy sessions begin, the counselor will ask questions that help her assess your needs. The more complete your answers, the better the counselor can develop your treatment plan.
3) Treatment plan: You and the counselor will discuss the problem that brought you to counseling to determine overall treatment goals. At any time you may ask to review and/or revise your treatment plan.
4) Treatment: Regular sessions will focus on your needs and treatment goals. The counselor generally uses a cognitive and insight-based approach to counseling among other methods that she feels will help you. You are able to discuss freely what you believe is helping.
5) Termination of services: when you decide that your treatment goals have been achieved, ask the counselor for a final session to review your progress and discuss post-counseling plans. You may resume treatment as other situations or problems arise by simply calling for an appointment.
How do you pay for counseling services?
Susan strives to provide services to people in pain. The important thing is that you get the help that you need; therefore, she does not screen clients according to their ability to pay. Susan utilizes a cash-based, sliding fee scale to help make counseling easily affordable. She will help you arrive at a fee during the free consultation once you decide to enter counseling.
Susan does not bill insurance companies; therefore, she does not share information about diagnosis and treatment with insurance companies. Information is released only to you and/or as stated in a disclosure statement that you will receive as the therapy begins.
What are some risks and benefits of counseling?
The benefits of counseling include: a licensed counselor may help you manage mental health needs and life problems so that you can better enjoy life and your relationships. You may be surprised how working with a trained counselor may quickly help you to resolve difficulties that have brought you pain for a long time.
Some risks of counseling are: your time and expense may not yield the results for which you had hoped. You may experience greater emotional distress as you discuss painful events and relationships.
How will I know if the counselor and I will work well together?
As you get to know your counselor, you should feel some sense of peace or relief that the counselor understands you and your problems. You should feel safe and respected. If there is any hesitation or question about how you felt when talking with the counselor, you may want to discuss your reservations and/or interview other counselors before making your choice of therapist. Do continue to seek help, however.
Do you prescribe medication should I need it?
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Susan can diagnose and treat mental illness and/or provide counseling for mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. She is not licensed to prescribe medication; however, she can discuss possible medical needs with your family physician at your request. Susan may encourage you to seek services from a psychiatrist.
How available will you be to me once counseling has begun?
You and the counselor will develop a crisis plan in the event that any mental health emergency occurs during treatment. You will identify support persons that can assist, designated hospital emergency rooms, or when to call 9-1-1 should you feel extreme stress or feel in danger.
The counselor will return phone calls as soon as possible within one business day after your message is received. The counselor utilizes cell-phone voice-mail which relies upon phone company technology for timely retrieval of messages.
What is “faith-based” counseling and how can it help me?
Faith-based counseling strives to integrate your emotional and religious life into your healing process. When a person explores the significance of beliefs and how they impact a situation, he/she is empowered to use strength from God make desired changes. The counselor can assist you in this renewal and healing process.
