Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the advantage of seeing a therapist?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.”
Are counselors and therapists the same thing?
Yep! They are two names to describe a professional in mental health. We don’t prefer one over the other so call us by whichever one feels more comfortable to you.
What are the different types of mental health professionals?
A Therapist (Counselor) is typically a masters level professional, trained in mental health. They can be a Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Social Worker.
Psychologists are professionals with a PhD who can do all types of therapy, but generally specialize in testing and assessments.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication to treat a variety of mental health issues.
What do all the titles and acronyms of therapists mean?
There are two levels of therapists; Independent level and Associate level. Independent level therapists have been licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to practice counseling independently. Associate level therapists require supervision to practice counseling. Below are types of each.
Independent:
LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor.
LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Associate:
LAC – Licensed Associate Counselor.
LAMFT – Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker.
Should I consider medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals. We don’t prescribe medication but we can provide referrals as needed.
I’m a little nervous about the process. What can I expect?
It’s okay to be nervous. Counseling can be intimidating to those who have never been to counseling or have had bad experiences in the past. We understand that this is a very personal and vulnerable process. That’s why we make every effort to help you feel comfortable, even before you enter our office. Your first appointment will hopefully achieve the following goals:
- Help you feel comfortable and confident about the process
- Making sure your counselor is the right fit for you
- Identify your struggles and goals for treatment
- Ensuring your counselor understands you and what you need
- Knowing what the next few sessions will focus on
- Walking away knowing the focus and direction of therapy and feeling a little more hopeful
How long does therapy typically last?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. Each session is one hour long.
What are the benefits of paying cash over going through insurance?
- Many insurances today are moving toward high deductible plans, with out of pocket payments that can be as much as a cash pay session.
- Therapists are required to give you a diagnosis when going through insurance and it goes on their record.
- By using insurance, they have rights to all of your documentation, treatment focus, and details about sessions.
- Insurance can dictate the therapy process, including how long a session is, how many sessions you can have, and what issues can be covered.
- Insurance can be a distraction from the quality of care. With insurance, your therapist has to provide the treatment that your insurance will cover, which is not always what you really need. Focus can unfortunately be taken off the client to address issues with insurance, especially insurances not paying. With cash pay, all of this is out of the picture and the focus is 100% on you and your treatment.