CHARLOTTESVILLE COUNSELING SERVICES
Questions you might have before your first appointment
FAQs
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking therapy is an individual choice. People get counseling for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, other times to address more acute problems or in response to unexpected changes such as a divorce or a work transition. Many seek the advice of counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can address depression, anxiety, family conflict, stress management, and low self esteem. Therapy is appropriate for anyone interested in evolving as an individual, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards positive change.
What is counseling like?
Every therapy session is unique based on each individual and his or her specific goals. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts about fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
During a session, you can expect warmth, respect, and kindness from your therapist. You open up and share at your own pace and comfort level. Your therapist will guide and support you in emotional understanding, healing and growth.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Insurance coverage is dependent on the your policy's behavioral health coverage. You will need to call your insurance company or check your insurance documents to determine this coverage. In-network benefits apply if your therapist is in network with your insurance company. Otherwise, out-of-network benefits apply. Pam is in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, MHNet and Optima/Coventry, and will file out-of-network claims for other insurance companies. Generally out-of-network benefits are in effect after a patient's deductible has been met, but this varies from policy to policy. If you have any questions about how this works, please just ask.
How do fees work?
Generally, you pay for services the day of your appointment. Pam accepts check and cash.