Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy?
Therapy is a collaborative relationship between therapist and client to help the client identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional distress. Therapy can help improve communication and coping skills, strengthen self-esteem and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. In therapy, you will examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You will learn effective ways to deal with your problems and learn new skills to live a more fulfilling life.
What should I expect from my first session?
In your first session, you will meet with your therapist for an assessment. You will be asked what brings you to therapy, what symptoms you are experiencing, and what you wish to accomplish in therapy. Your therapist will take a personal history, which will include such things as your childhood, your relationships, your current living situation and your career. You will work with your therapist to create goals for therapy. You may also discuss the length of treatment, the methods to be employed, and patient confidentiality as well. You may also ask any questions you have at that time.
How long is each session? How often are the sessions?
A standard session is 50 minutes in length. You can make special arrangements with your counselor for a session that is shorter or longer based on your needs. That session may or may not be covered by your insurance company. Some clients choose to have weekly sessions but due to finances, many of our clients come every 2 weeks. You and your therapist can discuss the frequency of sessions when you meet for your first session.
What are the qualifications of the therapists?
All our clinicians have a master's degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy. They have undergone an internship and supervised practice. Our clinicians are Licensed Professional Counselors or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. In some cases, our therapists have an associate license, which is a therapist who has completed a master's degree but has not finished all their supervised practice hours. All our associate licensed therapists are under supervision by a fully licensed clinician.
How do I schedule an appointment? What if I was referred to a specific counselor?
Our counselors schedule their own appointments. You can leave a message at 770-753-0350 option 2 or click here to send us a message. If you were referred to a specific therapist, we will forward your message to that counselor, who will contact you about setting up an appointment.
How much do you charge for your services?
Our fees range from $110-$150, depending on the therapist’s experience and license. The payment methods we accept are VISA, Mastercard, Discover, debit cards, cash or check. If you have a Flex Spending card or Health Savings account, we can accept those forms of payments as well.
Do you take insurance?
Our counselors are not contracted with any insurance companies; however, we do file claims with many insurance companies if you have out-of-network mental health benefits. As a courtesy to you, we can check your out-of-network benefits prior to your initial appointment.
What if I can’t afford the full fee? Do you have a sliding fee scale or reduced fee?
If you can’t afford our full fee, you can request an Application for Reduced Fee. Our sliding scale is based on your annual salary and the number of dependents (including yourself). If we are filing insurance for reimbursement, you cannot qualify for a reduced fee. You can request an Application for Reduced Fee and return it to our office. You will be notified prior to your first appointment if you qualify for a reduced fee amount.
Is there a charge for additional people to be involved in therapy?
No, there is not a charge for additional people in the therapy session.
I know Paraclete is a faith-based practice. What if I don’t want to have faith as a part of my counseling?
If you do not wish to have religion or faith in your counseling, please notify your therapist during your first appointment. Since all our counselors are clinically trained, they can meet your counseling needs without religious beliefs being a part of your counseling. Our ethical duty is to meet you at your point of need and understanding. We respect the right of all people to hold to their own belief system and will not force our beliefs on any client.
What is Christian counseling?
A Christian counselor is a counselor who builds a therapeutic relationship with a client with the basis of that counseling built upon Scripture and Biblical principles. God has a process for taking you from a broken, hurting, dysfunctional state to a restored, functional place. Christian counseling allows a professional therapist to walk alongside you in this restoration process. The therapist may use spiritual exercises, prayer and other faith components that you and your counselor deem helpful to your healing work.
How long am I going to be in therapy?
Your counselor will perform an assessment in your first session. At that time, you and your counselor will discuss goals for your therapy. The length of therapy will be determined by how long it will take to accomplish your goals. Some people can complete their goals in a matter of weeks. Others have more complex goals and are in therapy for months.
How do I explain to my child what counseling is?
We encourage you to have an honest discussion with your child prior to bringing your child to counseling. Listen to your child’s concerns. Tell your child that you have found someone who is good at helping kids and families with the type of struggle he is having. Let him know that the counselor is on his side. You may also discuss with your child that coming to counseling is like seeing a medical doctor but focuses on feelings and behaviors not on the physical body. You can make counseling more pleasant by pairing it with a pleasant activity such as dinner out afterward or having time alone with a parent.
Can you prescribe medication?
No, our clinicians are master's level Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. A psychiatrist or primary care physician, a physician’s assistant or a certified nurse practitioner prescribes medication. We can refer you to a medical provider who can prescribe medication if your counselor feels that medication may be necessary.
What is the No Surprise Act?
When you seek services at Paraclete Counseling Center, you are seeking services at an out-of-network facility. Please click here for information on the No Surprise Act as it pertains to counseling services at our practice.