Frequently Asked Questions

What is counseling?

Counseling is a professional relationship where a trained counselor assists individuals, couples, families, or groups in exploring and resolving personal, social, emotional, or psychological issues. Through various therapeutic techniques and interventions, counselors aim to provide support, guidance, and practical solutions to help clients improve their well-being. Counseling addresses a wide range of challenges including mental health concerns, relationship issues, career difficulties, substance abuse, grief, and trauma. The primary goal is to help clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, enhance communication skills, and make positive changes in their lives, fostering personal growth and resilience.

How can counseling
help me?

Counseling can provide valuable support and guidance to help you navigate through various challenges and improve your overall well-being. By working with a trained counselor, you can gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, develop coping strategies to manage stress or difficult emotions, improve communication and interpersonal skills, and cultivate resilience to overcome obstacles. Whether you're struggling with mental health issues, relationship problems, career concerns, or other life challenges, counseling offers a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, set goals, and work towards positive changes in your life. With the support of a counselor, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, enhance your self-esteem, and build the skills needed to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

What is an LPC?

LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. It is a professional designation for individuals who have completed a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam. LPCs are trained to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them address a wide range of mental health and emotional issues. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and facilitate positive changes in their lives. LPCs adhere to ethical standards and state regulations to ensure the highest quality of care and confidentiality for their clients.

What are the differences between a counselor, therapist, phycologist, and psychiatrist?

Counselors typically hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field and provide guidance and support to individuals, couples, families, or groups dealing with various life challenges, utilizing techniques such as talk therapy to promote emotional well-being and personal growth. Therapists is a broad term encompassing various professionals who provide psychotherapy, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers, focusing on addressing mental health issues and improving overall mental well-being through different therapeutic approaches. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, conducting psychological assessments, and providing psychotherapy to help clients manage and overcome psychological issues using evidence-based techniques. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are able to prescribe medication to manage mental health conditions, in addition to providing psychotherapy, diagnosing mental illnesses, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers, often treating more severe or complex psychiatric disorders.

Do you provide in person services?

Yes! I provide in person as well as virtual.

Do I need insurance for treatment?

Our ability to accommodate your insurance coverage may vary depending on your insurance carrier; however, it's important to note that the majority of our services operate on a self-pay basis. If you require additional information or support, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We are here to assist you further.

Do you require a credit card on file?

Certainly. In order to secure your appointment, we kindly request that you provide a credit card to be held on file. Your card will be charged on the day of your scheduled appointment. Alternatively, you have the option to make a partial or full payment at the time of booking your appointment. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

First/Initial Session

Your first session will be an initial assessment to discuss your history and need for treatment. Anything and everything that you can tell your counselor is valuable information and will provide you with the best course of treatment. You’ll get to ask questions about how counseling will work, review office policies, privacy and confidentiality, and see whether or not you click with your counselor.

It is recommended that you meet with your counselor 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship should continue. If referrals are necessary, your counselor will provide you with some.

Typical Sessions

The duration of sessions varies depending on your counselor and the topics you wish to address, ranging from 30 minutes, 45 minutes, to 60 minutes. Generally, we commence with weekly sessions lasting 45-60 minutes, adjusting to bi-weekly sessions as progress is made. For established clients seeking periodic check-ins and requiring less intensive treatment, 30-minute sessions are available. We tailor the session length to best meet your needs and support your journey towards wellness.

Cancellation / No Show Policy

Your counselors set appointments for you and are held exclusively for you!

If you are more than 10 minutes late to your appointment and/or cancel your appointment without 24-hours notice, you will be charged a $50 fee.
Furthermore, if you do not show to 3 appointments, you will be immediately discharged from services.

After Hours

While our practice operates within specified hours and counselors are not obligated to be available after hours to attend to phone calls or emails, we understand the importance of addressing emergencies promptly. If you find yourself in a crisis situation, we urge you to contact your counselor directly. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and we appreciate being informed so we can assist you appropriately. In the event of a crisis, please seek immediate assistance by visiting the nearest emergency room, contacting emergency services at 911, or reaching out to the following resources for support:

Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988

Crisis Policies

As we operate within designated hours and do not provide round-the-clock services, we do not offer crisis stabilization. However, during your initial sessions, you and your counselor will collaboratively develop a safety plan tailored to your needs. This plan will encompass identifying triggers, implementing coping strategies, establishing emergency contacts, and accessing available resources. In the event of a crisis occurring during a counseling session, our counselors are trained to promptly assess the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure your safety, which may involve initiating a 1013 procedure if necessary. If you find yourself in a crisis outside of our sessions, experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, we strongly encourage you to seek immediate assistance by visiting the nearest emergency room or contacting emergency services at 911. Your safety is our utmost priority, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need during challenging times.

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law enacted in 1996 to safeguard individuals' protected health information (PHI). HIPAA establishes standards and regulations to ensure the privacy, security, and confidentiality of PHI held by healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It grants patients certain rights over their health information, such as the right to access and request amendments to their records. HIPAA also mandates that covered entities implement safeguards to protect PHI from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse, including encryption, access controls, and employee training. Violations of HIPAA can result in significant fines and penalties, emphasizing the importance of compliance with its requirements to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings.

Out of State requests

Regrettably, our counselors are currently exclusively credentialed to practice within the state of Georgia. Consequently, if you relocate out of state or travel to a different state, our counselors are unable to continue providing services to you. However, should your move be permanent, our counselors are committed to offering assistance and resources to facilitate a smoother transition. We understand the challenges associated with relocation and are dedicated to supporting you during this process.