What is counseling?
The counselor directs the client in obtaining a deeper understanding of their emotions and behaviors and assists them in interpersonal relationships. The goal of counseling is to have the individual feel healthier and happier.
What is counseling like?
Because we strive to meet your individual needs, counseling will be a different experience for different people. At your first appointment, background information will be attained and together, you and your counselor will work to establish your counseling goals.
The counselors strive to assist individuals, couples and families in feeling better as soon as possible. Due to their years of experience, they provide a variety of techniques, practices, and resources that provide healing.
Will what I say to my counselor be kept confidential?
Communication between the counselor and client are privileged. Information regarding client services will not be released to any party or agency without explicit written approval from the client. There are, however, several special circumstances which are exceptions to the rules regarding confidentiality.
- If fees are reimbursed by a third party (such as an insurance company), certain details of treatment must be released to adequately process the claim.
- If a client reveals information that indicates a clear danger of injury to himself/herself or to others, the counselor will need to contact appropriate authorities or family members.
- By Ohio Law, counselors have a legal responsibility to notify appropriate social agencies of the suspicion or knowledge of physical or sexual abuse or neglect of a child, disabled personal or an elderly person.
How often will I meet with my counselor?
The frequency of appointments is based on your treatment goals.
So you may get all the appointment time we have allotted to you, it is important you arrive on time. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please call us – preferably 24 hours – in advance.
Can I request to switch counselors?
Absolutely! Our goal at Van Wert Counseling offices is to help you and sometimes that may mean talking to a different counselor on staff. Please let us know if you would like to meet with another counselor.
Do you file insurance for me?
If you want to use your insurance, you will need to contact your insurance company and let them know you are seeing an out of network provider for outpatient mental health counseling. We will provide you with a “superbill” which contains all the required information for the insurance company. You submit this superbill directly to your company and the reimbursement check will go to you, not to us.
Many insurances may limit the number of sessions you receive, which may not be sufficient, based on your treatment goals.
What is the cost of counseling sessions?
Sessions are billed at the rate of $120.00/hour and are charged in 15 minutes increments. For example, if you meet with your counselor for 1.5 hours, the cost will be $180.00.
Like anyone who works independently, the fees cover many items such as office staff wages, office space, utilities, website costs, office supplies, continuing education and malpractice insurance.
Most counselors on staff average 20 – 25 hours of direct counseling time each week. The rest of the week is spent studying, doing necessary administrative paperwork and keeping up on new techniques by attending seminars and conferences, and meeting with peers. We do not get paid for these other responsibilities necessary to maintain our license.