Frequently Asked Questions

​

How do I know if I really need counseling?

Engaging in counseling is entirely voluntary and a personal decision, unless court-ordered. It is indicated for persons with mental health diagnoses, but also for persons who wish to improve their emotional wellness, grow their understanding of themselves, deal with the emotional stressors of life, and learn to manage their symptoms for a better life.

​

What is the difference between counseling, therapy, coaching...? 

 Mental health counseling and psychotherapy are similar; both use evidence-based interventions to address mental health diagnoses and concerns. Counseling tends to be shorter-term therapy, while psychotherapy generally addresses deeper and broader core issues and is usually longer-term. Both counselors and psychotherapists are licensed by the state and bound by law to protect confidentiality. Coaching is different. It focuses on achieving  goals in the present and future and does not address mental health issues. Coaches are not licensed.

​

Is counseling expensive? Is it covered by insurance?

Counseling services are provided by hospitals, schools, community agencies, and private practitioners in an array of modalities (on site, online, in individual or group sessions...) and fees vary. Some private practitioners accept medical insurance, some offer sliding-scale fees, others do not. Mind at Peace offers sliding-scale fees. We do not currently accept insurance; we provide invoices that clients can submit to their insurance companies for possible out-of-network benefits.

​

If I start counseling, does my employer need to know?

Unless ordered by your employer, no one needs to know you are in counseling if you do not want them to; your confidentiality is protected by law. If ordered by your employer, they have the right to know you are attending therapy but may not receive any other details. 

​

How many sessions are needed, and how frequently?

This varies from person to person and depends on their issues, objectives, and progress. With certain diagnoses, counseling can help maintain desirable behaviors and prevent relapse. Each client's presenting concerns, severity of symptoms, motivation, treatment engagement, and a host of other factors - including their own sense of timing and availability - will determine the length of treatment. In most cases, weekly sessions are adequate, but this can also be adapted to each person's needs.

​

I've had therapy before and it didn't really help. How will this be different?

The most important element of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship - the "fit" between client and counselor. Along with a counselor's experience and treatment modality, a relationship of trust, understanding, and unconditional support is fundamental. At Mind at Peace, your counselor meets clients where they are, and helps to motivate, guide, and support them to reach their therapeutic goals for emotional wellness.

​