Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy and Getting Started

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Therapy and Getting Started ➛

  • Therapy (psychotherapy, counseling) is a collaborative process with a trained professional to address emotional, behavioral, relationship, and life challenges. It can help you build coping skills, improve mood and relationships, process trauma, change unhelpful patterns, and set and reach personal goals. Therapy is a relational healing modality that has helped people from every walk of life, in every stage of life. Therapy has the power to make profound change in the lives of those who seek it.

  • We can happily accept clients anywhere in the state of Michigan. We work with adults, teens, and couples.

  • Consider therapy if you have persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or emptiness; difficulty functioning at work/school or in relationships; trouble managing stress, sleep, or concentration; traumatic experiences that continue to affect you; or if you want personal growth and preventative support. The most important indicator of your readiness to start therapy is your own curiosity and emotional landscape. If you feel an emotional pull towards therapy, or think it could benefit you, it’s worth it to explore! We offer a free 15 minute phone consultation during the scheduling process, so that you can feel confident starting your therapy journey.

  • It depends! Some problems respond in a few sessions (brief therapy), others take several months to years. Progress depends on goals, severity of concerns, frequency of sessions, and the therapeutic relationship.

  • There are so many things about the process you may want to know before starting therapy. You may want to ask if your potential therapist has worked with your concerns before, or someone with your identity or background. You may want to ask if their training aligns with your therapeutic goals. Your potential therapist has heard all these concerns before, and will do everything in their power to put your mind at ease.

  • The therapist will gather background information, discuss current concerns, and set initial goals. You’ll learn about therapy logistics (confidentiality, fees, scheduling). It’s also an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with the therapist. It typically takes 2-3 sessions to feel comfortable with your therapist, but the first session is a great place to start.

  • It’s common and okay. The therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of progress. If you feel uncomfortable or mismatched, discuss it with your therapist—many will adjust their approach. If that doesn’t help, consider finding another therapist. Trying a session or two with someone new is reasonable.

  • Weekly sessions are common, especially initially. Biweekly or monthly can work once progress is stable or for maintenance. Frequency is agreed with your therapist based on needs and resources.

Insurance and Payment

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Insurance and Payment ➛

  • We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and some HAP plans.

  • Before we start sessions, we will verify that we accept your insurance plan using the information on your insurance card.

  • Private cash pay is always available as an option. If your insurance offers out of network reimbursement, we can provide a superbill for you to submit for reimbursement.

  • It is your responsibility to be aware of your deductible and copay amounts. A typical copay tends to range between $20-$80. If you choose to utilize private cash pay, your cost may range from $150-$300 depending on the type of session, the session length, and the credentials and certifications of your therapist.

  • We accept payment by card. If you are using insurance, we will send your balance to your insurance company to receive their payment first. You are responsible for your portion of the bill upon receipt.