Is counseling useful?
The answer is YES. However, there are some variables that can affect outcomes.
These include:
Goodness of fit - it is important that client and counselor feel there is a good fit between the client's needs or problems and the therapist's style of problem solving. At the end of initial session, time is spent discussing if there seems to be a good fit between the therapist and client. If the fit is not right, a referral can be made to another provider who may be better suited for the client's needs.
Level of motivation - Lets face it. We all have had the experience of setting new year's resolutions only to break them within a couple of days or weeks. Sometimes, after treatment starts, a client's motivation or desire to change may fluctuate. At Christian Psychological Services, we focus on monitoring and optimizing a client's motivation to change.
Consistency - Outcomes from therapy are often a cumulative effect; meaning that the desired result comes after several sessions or time spent working on a particular topic.
How long will counseling last?
Counseling or mental health treatment always begins with an initial evaluation. During this time, the therapsit will review the client's primary problem or concern, history, medical history, and prior counseling efforts. At the end of the session, a general plan with targeted goals and interventions are offered. Also discussed is if the therapist feels competent to help the identified problems and if there is a good fit between therapist and client. If it seems helpful to continue, therapy is typically structured for 8 sessions on a twice weekly, weekly, or bi-weekly basis. At the end of the eight sessions, the client and therapist review progress made towards the identified goals and determine if treatment is complete or if additional sessions would be beneficial. Treatment is discontinued when the client has either met his/her goals or it is apparent that little to no progress is being accomplished.
How will I know if my insurance will cover counseling?
Once you contact us and we determine that we can help, we'll collect some basic information from you including any health insurance information. With your permission, we'll contact your insurance provider to acquire pre-certification for services and determine the amount of a deductible or co-pay. We will then inform you of that amount and then set an appointment.
What is therapy like?
Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate unhealthy patterns and negative feelings
- Concrete strategies for enacting change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
- Confidentiality
Am I going to require medication?
For some, counseling is effective without the need for medication. Positive results often occur after the client has the chance to receive an objective perspective, identify the problem, and begin to work through a plan of action. Other times, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. If this is the case, a referral to a medical provider can be made if you do not have one already. Christian Psychological Services believes that sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being occurs with an integrative approach to wholeness.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.