FAQs for Anxiety, Depression and Grief Counseling in Columbia, MO

How long do counseling sessions typically last?

Sessions last about 50 minutes. During your session we will do a check-in and set an agenda. At the end of the session, we will do a wrap-up and have time to set some goals.

What happens during the first counseling session?

During the session we will do an assessment together. This is a time for me to learn about you and where you want to work during future sessions. It is a great time to ask questions about how counseling works and learn more about how we will work together.

How do I know if I (or my family member) really need counseling?

Feeling irritable, down or depressed, easily angered, resentful, on edge, and frustrated is your mind and body telling you things are not right. You may have even stopped doing things you used to do. You are probably tired of feeling this way and you want it to change. Starting counseling now will allow you to work on the causes of these feelings sooner rather than later.

How often will I need to come to counseling?

It is more effective to come to counseling weekly. I will help you find a recurring weekly appointment. Research shows that coming to counseling weekly and really working together for a period of time is more effective than every two weeks.

How long will I need to come to counseling?

Of course, it depends. However, most people start out making a dedication to come to counseling for a few months and then re-evaluate if they need to continue. You will decide when you feel like you are healed and want to leave therapy.

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions cost $125.

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

I am out of network with insurance companies. I can provide you a Superbill and you can send it to your insurance carrier. It is best to call your insurance and see if they will consider charges for out of network counseling. A Superbill will tell your insurance when you came to counseling and what kind of session it was.

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?

It is best for you to contact your insurance company directly and ask them how they cover Out of Network services (OON). Always ask what documentation you will need to provide. Remember that when you submit charges for payment, your insurance may request your Health Record in order to justify the service was provided and it was medically necessary.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

I have early evening appointments on Tuesday and Thursday. I do not have any weekend appointments.

Where do sessions take place?

In-person: My office is conveniently located at 2012 Cherry Hill Dr., Suite 102a, Columbia, MO 65203. Convenient off-street parking is just behind the building and provides easy access to the elevator.

In my Video Office: appointments are provided via a convenient telehealth link. Click to read the Telehealth FAQs. Using online counseling can help you avoid the hassle of travel and the time it takes to make the trip. I can be more flexible with scheduling so you get an appointment that fits your schedule better. I enjoy providing online therapy in Missouri, because it allows anyone in a rural area to access the services they need.

Do you do telehealth and virtual appointments?

Yes! Telehealth and virtual appointments allow you to access counseling from your home or other location using your existing phone or computer. You may need to download an App in order to use a tablet or a cell phone. After you download the App, you are set to go and will join the session with one click. Please see the Telehealth FAQ page.

Who do you work with?

I work with most adults. I especially enjoy working with men, seniors (older adults), and caregivers of seniors and disabled persons. Some of the many individuals who work with me are men going through life transitions, persons who have lost a loved one, caregivers or people living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and/or Parkinson’s Disease in the early stage of their disease.

What if counseling isn't working?

I want you to succeed and become the person you want to be. You may feel like you are not making progress or it isn’t a good fit, that happens sometimes. We can talk about changing how we work together or whether another counselor might be a better fit. If you decide you would like to work with another counselor, I can help refer you. You may even make the decision to stop therapy at this time, just let me know and we can talk about when your last session will be.