Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions, if you have a question not on here please feel free to reach out for a free 15 min phone consultation by emailing me at Juanita@xrc.care
Individual Therapy
What can I expect during the first session?
The first session is a structured assessment where I get to know more about what brings you into counseling, what you are hoping to get from counseling, and what may or may not have worked in the past. We can discuss a plan and what type of therapy may be the best fit.
I'm nervous about talking to someone about personal things. How do I get started?
The great thing about counseling is that this is a space you create with your counselor in which you can be honest about the things you are carrying with a supportive trained professional. It’s okay to feel nervous, whatever the concerns are, you are invited to address them with me so we can work through any barriers and make sure if feels like a good fit for you.
How long will therapy take?
Each person has their own personal reasons for engaging in counseling services and so it’s important that your treatment plan is tailored to your own personal goals and needs. We can discuss a preliminary plan with the understanding that you are the expert on you and I have the training so together we can create a plan and revisit it to ensure we are moving in the direction you have identified. Some specific types of treatment have specific protocols that include a specific amount of sessions. We can discuss this if that is part of your treatment plan. A good faith estimate is available upon request.
Are the things discussed in counseling confidential?
It’s important to feel safe in session and to know what is discussed is confidential. Unless there is an immediate danger to yourself or someone else, the things discussed in the session are confidential. If you have any specific concerns or questions we can discuss this as I highly respect and value confidentiality.
How effective is virtual counseling?
Virtual counseling can be effective and has many advantages. It allows for you to be in the comfort of your own home, can provide more flexiblity for some and easier access. Give it a try and see if it’s a good fit for you!
Will counseling impact my security clearance?
It is extremely rare for simply engaging in counseling services to negatively impact your security clearance. See this information sheet for more information.
Couples Therapy
How can we prepare for starting couple's therapy?
Come in with an open mind. Have an idea of what you hope to get out of sessions. Don’t assume your relationship has to be at rock bottom in order to benefit from couple’s counseling. Recognize that counseling can help guide and give you tools but if the only place you work on the relationship is in the session, you will not see much change. Just like going to the gym once doesn’t change your whole body, you have to be consistent with following through on the plan you create. I can help you create that plan and help provide you with the tools to use between sessions to strengthen your relationship.
Do you provide pre-marital counseling?
Yes! Reach out to schedule a session to discuss how to start out your marriage on a solid foundation!
Does insurance cover marital therapy?
Check with your insurance company. Most companies that will cover the cost will require one person to be the primary client and for the couple’s sessions to help the primary client’s diagnosis and treatment plan. If there is no diagnosis, most insurance companies will not cover couples therapy and it will need to be covered out of pocket. Sessions are 50 minutes long if your insurance is covering the couple’s session.
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
I take Aetna, Cigna and Optum (including United Healthcare, Oscar, and Oxford.) If you have another insurance I do not currently take, I would be considered an “out of network” provider. I am also a certified out of network Tricare provider. You’ll want to call your insurance provider to see what your out-of-network benefits are for mental health counseling. At the end of each month, I can send you a summary of all of your payments (called a superbill) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Most clients who submit to their insurance company for reimbursement find that they’ll get 25%-90% of the fees back once they meet their out-of-network deductible. For a detailed explainer, click on this handout on steps to take to see how much your insurance may reimburse you for a session.
Consultation Services
Need supervision for your licensure?
I can provide consultation services for those seeking their LCSW. This includes the paperwork and weekly supervision. I can provide more information regarding my experience and how I can help you to grow as a clinician. Feel free to email me to schedule a 15-minute free call to see if it would be a good fit for you. If you decide to move forward, services are $100 per hour for individual consultation services. Sliding scale slots may be available, reach out and ask!
Already licensed but want to consult for other ideas and support?
It can help to get another perspective and support as your caseload continues to grow. Feel free to reach out to discuss how I may be able to help you to continue to grow as a clinician.