Resources
Links
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
FAQs
Do I really need therapy?
This is an individual decision. Everyone experiences struggles in his or her life, but if these struggles are hindering or negatively affecting one’s life then psychotherapy may be an appropriate option. Sometimes having an unbiased mental health specialist offering extra support and guidance can allow an individual a safe place to open up. Therapy can offer a better insight into handling struggles and an opportunity to learn constructive coping tools.
What can I expect from my first counseling session?
If time allows, you can expect the first session to cover client registration, financial assessment (for requests on the sliding scale only), client rights, practice orientation, and informed consent for treatment. In addition to the therapist collecting the client's personal history and the history of the problem, it is also a time for the client to ask the therapist relevant questions. Furthermore, we will only check the clients’ identification and health insurance cards. Please bring your ID or driver's license and health insurance cards to the first session.
Do you accept private insurance, Medicaid, or employee assistance program (EAP) payments?
We accept most health insurance plans, including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, BlueCross BlueShield, Magellan, Integris, Insure Oklahoma, HealthChoice, Aetna, Oklahoma Health Network, Global Health, and select employee assistance programs. Payment in full is due at the time of service, payable by cash, Cash App, Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal. Please note that non-cash payments incur a service charge. Please inquire about other health insurance plans that are accepted and the fees.
Do I file claims for my counseling with my insurance company?
Full payment is due at the time of service. We will provide you with a detailed receipt in order for you to file with your health insurance carrier.
What if I can't afford counseling?
If you are unable to afford our counseling fees and cannot participate in our sliding scale program, we have community resources to which we can refer you and your family. We cannot endorse the practices or services of these resources, but we empower you and your family to make healthy decisions and to explore what is in your best interests and needs.
What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, Licensed Clinician Social Worker (LCSW), and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)?
A psychiatrist has an M.D. and specializes in prescribing psychotropics and monitoring psychiatric medications. Psychiatrists’ sessions tend to focus on the effects of medicines on your emotions, brain, and body. Sessions are usually shorter and less frequent, and they rarely provide counseling. A psychologist holds a PhD or PsyD in psychology and may specialize in areas such as psychological testing, teaching, research, and psychotherapy. Under the umbrella of Social Work, only Licensed Clinical Social Workers are qualified to provide psychotherapy. They hold an MSW and/or a doctorate (i.e., DSW or PhD) in addition to licensure, with a focus on psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral factors in psychotherapy. Additionally, Licensed Professional Counselors have established themselves as Master-level counselors within the Counseling field, and they may also hold doctoral degrees. Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors are governed by their specific boards.
How will therapy help me?
Therapy will allow you to understand yourself better, find resolution to a problematic issue, improve communication skills, and provide the opportunity to develop healthy coping skills to stressors and triggers in everyday life and relationships.
Is the information discussed during sessions kept confidential?
All communication between the client and psychotherapist is privileged & confidential and is protected by law. For information to be disclosed, the client must present a signed Consent to Release/Exchange Information form.. Only in rare and exceptional situations is confidentiality breached, such as when a client poses an imminent risk of harming themselves or another person, when a judge issues a subpoena, or when a client’s health insurance company requires information to process a claim.
How do I know if my insurance will pay for counseling?
Contact your health insurance company and ask about psychotherapy coverage (also known as counseling, mental or behavioral health coverage depending on your plan). Ask about the particular service your are needing, individual and/or family therapy. Don’t forget to ask about co-payments, premium met, percentage allowed and any out of pocket expenses that you may have before your insurance company makes a payment.
Do you offer a sliding scale, if so, what are the qualifications?
Yes. You will need to complete the required paperwork to evaluate your financial capabilities. For more information, please contact our office.
Typically, a session lasts 45-50 minutes, unless more time is needed to address a complex problem or gather the history of the problem or intervention (as in the initial assessment). Couples counseling may run longer than individual sessions, as longer sessions typically incur higher costs. Other factors that may impact the length of the session may include the number of clients participating in the session, the problem(s) being addressed, and health insurance and EAP allowances,
How long does a counseling session last?
How often are counseling sessions?
There is no one answer because therapy I not a one-size fits all. The frequency of sessions is assessed and discussed by you and your therapist to determine what is best for you. However, most clients see their therapist weekly, with the frequency tapering off as the client’s functioning improves.