How can Therapy Help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is Therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
I've made the decision to begin therapy. What do I do now and what can I expect?
You may call, text, or email! When you reach out, your therapist will discuss what services you are looking for, whether they are able to meet your needs, schedule availability, and payment options. Next, your therapist will schedule an initial assessment. Typically, the assessment will consist of talking about your needs, goals for therapy, symptoms, diagnosis, and complete any additional screening tools. After which, you will schedule with your therapist your additional sessions based upon your need and availability.
Before the assessment, your therapist will provide to you several forms that need to be completed. The consent forms, intake form, good faith estimate (if applicable), and a credit card authorization form. They will also need photos of the front/back of your insurance card (if applicable), and a front copy of your photo ID. Please provide the completed material 24 hours before your assessment. They will also provide the HIPAA Privacy Notice for your reference.
Prior to your assessment, please call your insurance company and ask the necessary questions. (Please see the FAQ "Do you take insurance?") below.
What if I don't have insurance?
Healing Haus Counseling accepts self-paying clients. If paying out-of-pocket is difficult for you, speak with your therapist and arrangements will be made.
Service Rates:
$210 - Diagnostic Assessment (initial consultation)
$180 - Individual Psychotherapy (53+ minutes)
$135 - Individual Psychotherapy (38-52 minutes)
$90 - Individual Psychotherapy (16-37 minutes)
$210/hour – legal proceedings (preparation, travel time, and appearance)
Do you take insurance?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
The deductible must be paid in full (over time) prior to coverage by your insurance plan. If you have a deductible, you will pay out-of-pocket for your therapy assessment and sessions. We understand this may be a burden for some, and we are willing to set up a payment plan. We do NOT accept Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs). We accept the following insurance plans:
WEST VIRGINIA
- Aetna
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield plans (including Federal)
- United Healthcare
- Optum Health
- Aetna Better Health of WV (Medicaid)
- PEIA (allows 20 sessions per year)
- Medicare
VIRGINIA
- Anthem [pending]
Please note that we will put a credit card on file for you if copays apply. We also require a 24-hour cancellation notice if you can’t keep your session time. If less than 24 hours are provided, there is a $65 late cancellation charge. If you cancel two times providing less than 24 hours, you may be discharged from care.
If we do not take your insurance and you want to continue with scheduling an appointment, we can provide you with a Super Bill to provide to your insurance company. Healing Haus Counseling would be considered an out-of-network provider. Your insurance company may provide a percentage of reimbursement for your sessions.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.