TLC seeks to address all your questions and concerns. For your convenience, below are the most common questions.

Q: What Is Counseling?
A: Counseling, also called psychotherapy or therapy, is the process of talking to a trained professional about a wide range of life challenges: emotional distress, anxiety, family difficulties, mood problems, grief and loss, or relationship problems. It can also be used to aid in personal growth and improve the ability to cope with stress and everyday problems.

Q: What Can I Expect?
A: Sometimes, counseling involves conversations about unpleasant issues or experiences. Some mental health challenges can be classified as a disorder while others are the result of life stressors.

I am unable to guarantee specific results regarding your therapeutic goals; however, it is my intention to empower you in your growth process and achieve the best possible results for you. Overall, the therapeutic process is most effective when clients are consistent and invested in their treatment.

Q: Is Counseling Confidential?
A: The information you share will be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent. By law, however, confidentiality is not guaranteed in the following cases:

• Life-threatening situations involving yourself or others
• A situation in which children, the elderly, or disabled persons are put at risk such as by sexual or physical abuse or neglect
• The therapist is ordered by a judge to disclose information
• You sign a “Release of Information” form to include another healthcare provider or family member in your treatment

Q: Do You Take Insurance?
A: Yes, TLC is a provider for most major insurance plans. I recommend that you contact your insurance company and inquire about your mental health benefits (or your "out-of-network" benefits if I am not a provider).

It is your responsibility to find out more about your plan and pay your portion designated by your insurance plan. We will also assist with filing claims throughout your treatment.

Also, many clients also use Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions to receive counseling services. EAP is a free and confidential workplace benefit that many employers provide for employees to receive brief counseling (usually 3-8 sessions) to address work-related and personal concerns. TLC accepts two EAP authorizations per year.

TLC accepts the following major insurance plans:

• Aetna
• BCBS/Anthem
• Cigna
• Humana
• Lyra Health

Please contact your human resources provider to find out how to access your EAP sessions. For self-pay and out-of-network options, inquire about our rates & superbills for partial reimbursement.

Q: What is the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) / No Surprises Act (NSA)
In compliance with the No Surprises Act that went into effect January 1, 2022, we are required to notify all healthcare consumers of your Federal rights and protections against “surprise billing”. If applicable, you will receive a separate form to review & sign. For the most updated information on this act please follow the link: <https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/policies-and-resources/overview-of-rules-fact-sheets>

Q: What If I Need Medications or I Am Already Prescribed Medications?
A: I do not prescribe medications, but I often consult with physicians who prescribe medications to my clients. Physical and psychological symptoms often interact and I may encourage you to seek medical consultation. While medication is not necessary for all issues, it may be recommended for psychological problems and, when appropriate, I will arrange a referral for psychiatric medication evaluation.

Q: How Long Can I Expect to Be in Counseling?
A: The length of counseling varies according to the nature, duration, intensity, and frequency of symptoms or problems. Many people are most familiar with the 'therapy hour' however, sessions are typically 50-minute sessions.

I typically recommend weekly sessions at least for the first several (4-6) sessions until you feel your initial concern/s have been assessed. At that time, clients may prefer to meet biweekly & then monthly check-ins to continue working toward personal growth goals for a few months, up to a year or more. Together, we can discuss what may be the best course of treatment for you.

Q: What If I Want to Stop Counseling?
A: You have the right to end counseling at any time. However, if you are unable to continue for any reason, I recommend a termination session to review other referrals/recommendations for your treatment.