Many people have questions about the process of counseling. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Session Information

How long is a session?
Each individual session is typically 60 minutes. We will establish a schedule based on your specific needs. Anything shorter tends to leave you feeling like you didn’t get enough time, while anything longer tends to leave both parties a little exhausted. Of course, each individual is unique and we can set up a customized schedule if we both agree it will be beneficial. Group sessions are typically two hours long.

Do you have specific office hours?
While I prefer to schedule individual sessions during a standard Monday through Friday workweek, I am available for evening or weekend appointments should that become necessary, or there is a crisis requiring immediate attention.

What if I have to cancel my counseling session?
Everyone has unexpected scheduling conflicts. As long as you cancel our appointment at least 24 hours in advance, there is no charge. If you cancel less than the 24-hour grace period, there is a $50 fee.

Payment

Payment is expected upon completion of each session.

How much does a session cost?
One hour session for individuals, couples/family session is $140. Group sessions of 3 or more people are 2 hours in length, and are billed at $70 per person. Drug and Alcohol evaluations are $300. Intervention services differ depending upon your specific needs. Please call 720-250-6610 for pricing information. I am also available for telephone sessions and will bill at 15 minute intervals.

Will my insurance company pay for counseling?
Your insurance company MAY reimburse you for some portion of your psychotherapy. Please direct questions about reimbursement amounts and timeliness to your insurance company. I am not contracted with any insurer and you will pay me directly at the time services are rendered. I will provide a receipt that you may use to submit for reimbursements, but I cannot guarantee that you will receive payment back from your insurance company. Please note that I do not complete any insurance paperwork, and will not communicate directly with your insurance company.

If you are hoping to submit your receipts for therapy to your insurance company, it is important that you work with a Licensed Counselor in order for you to more easily obtain reimbursement.

Confidentiality

All of our conversations are completely confidential (except where mandated otherwise by law, as in the case of child abuse and/or elder abuse or imminent danger to yourself or others). Regulations about confidentiality will be fully explained to you prior to beginning our sessions together. You will be asked to sign paperwork acknowledging these regulations, as well as your rights and responsibilities as a client.

Do I have to answer questions that I don’t want to answer?
You are in charge of the pace and direction of your counseling sessions. I will never make you do anything you don’t want to do. I will support you any time you tell me that you are not ready to do something that I suggest. Of course, there will be times at which therapy will cause discomfort, as you are going to be talking about uncomfortable things. There is a difference between the discomfort of revealing previously unspoken truths to your therapist in a safe manner, and the pain of pushing yourself past your comfort zone.

What is an LPC?
The term LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. In order to obtain licensure, a counselor has to first pass the National Counseling Exam (NCE). Next the counselor has to perform 2000 hours of counseling services while under the direct supervision of another licensed professional.