Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about therapy, online counseling, and working with me as a mental health provider. If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
FAQ about Practical Counseling and Wellness solutions, PLLC
Do you provide in-person or online (virtual) therapy?
I provide both. I have an office in Conover, NC. I also see clients virtually throughout North Carolina.
What areas of North Carolina do you serve?
Any resident of North Carolina can take advantage of services offered through Practical Counseling and Wellness Solutions, PLLC. However, my office is in Conover, NC, so it might make more sense to engage in services with me if you live in Morganton, Hickory, Lenoir, Lincolnton, Statesville, Marion, Granite Falls, Valdese, Hudson, Black Mountain, or Conover. I am most familiar with the resources in those areas. However, I have clients who live all over the state.
Why does your website focus on Men?
While I work with both men and women, in my experience, men are often less likely to engage in therapy due to a number of reasons, such as stigma, lack of access, or embarrassment. I have designed my practice to feel safe and inviting to all men, regardless of sexual orientation, creed, religious views, etc.
What are your areas of expertise?
While I am competent to treat a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions, I tend to focus on addictions, relationship issues, men’s issues, compassion fatigue, work-related burnout, anger management, and depression/anxiety. If you have specific treatment goals that I haven’t listed, feel free to discuss with me during your free phone consultation.
Do you work with both men and women?
Yes. I specialize in men’s issues, but am happy to work with women.
What ages does Practical Counseling and Wellness Solutions, PLLC serve?
I work with clients age 16 and up. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian will need to complete your intake paperwork and be present at least initially for part of our first session.
I am part of the LGBTQ community. Am I welcome?
Of course you are. While I am not a member of the LGBTQ community, I do consider myself an ally. Please be advised though that I do not have any special training or experience when it comes to gender dysphoria. You may benefit more from seeing a therapist who does, if it is the gender dysphoria that has brought you into treatment.
Do your provide therapy for therapists?
Yes, therapists and counselors need their own therapist or counselor. In my view, it is an ethical mandate, as it is self-care. Therapists are human beings and thus susceptible to compassion fatigue, burnout, poor boundaries, mental illness, and ineffective work/life balance. The problem is that many therapists are wary of treating other therapists. fortunately, I am not. If you are looking for a safe space where you will be treated as an equal and where your clinical skills and training won’t be held against you, book a session with me. you won’t regret it.
Do you work with law enforcement, first responders, and veterans?
Yes I do. Mental illness and therapy tend to be heavily stigmatized in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and in the military. As these are industries dominated by men, I understand their hesitancy. As forward-thinking as we’d like to think our society is, behavioral health problems, especially drug and alcohol use, is still heavily stigmatized and wildly misunderstood.
Do you provide Christian Counseling or are otherwise religious in your approach?
While I grew up going to Church, I do not identify as Christian, or religious. Agnostic would be the best word describe my views on God and religion. Having said that, I do not encourage anyone to abandon their faith, and I am more than happy to work with clients who identify as religious.
Is online counseling secure and confidential?
Yes, I use HIPAA-compliant video interfaces. My electronic health record (EHR) is also secure and encrypts all information contained within it.
What do I need to participate in online counseling with you?
You will need a fast and secure internet connection, access to a computer or Smartphone, and privacy.
How much do sessions cost?
Session cost ranges from $100 to $200. I offer a sliding scale fee for clients who are self pay and who can demonstrate financial need. For self-pay clients, the initial intake is $150. A Standard 50 minute session in $125 and a 30 minute session is $100. For those who are insured, you are responsible for your co-pay if any. Please check with your insurance carrier to find out what that amount is. If you have a deductible, please note that it is your insurance company that sets the rate, not me.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept BCBS, UHC, UMR, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and Oscar.
Are you licensed and insured?
Does Practical Counseling and Wellness Solutions, PLLC have a late cancel or no-show policy?
Yes, you are required to notify me 48 hours before your session if you have to cancel. Failure to do so may result in a $99 fee charged to your credit card on file. You can cancel or reschedule via email, phone, or text. I enforce the no-show policy for two reasons. First, if a client fails to provide adequate notice, I don’t have enough time to give that time slot away to someone else who needs it. Second, I believe accountability is vital in therapy. Therapy is a sacred covenant between two people, and both parties should treat it as such.
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