Commonly asked Questions
How do I know when it's time to get help?
People consider seeing a therapist under the following circumstances:
- When the way they feel is affecting their sleep, appetite, job or relationships.
- When things are not getting better.
- When they can't find the answers to their problem.
How much does it counseling cost?
Our fees are in the mid-range for private practice psychotherapy in the Broward area. Individual counseling: $150.00 per session. It is our policy to disclose my fees during our first contact, before you make your first appointment.
Sessions are 50-55 minutes long. We will schedule regular sessions once or twice a week, at set times, depending on your needs.
Will my insurance pay for my sessions?
Our therapists accept limited insurance plans. The best way to find out if your insurance is accepted is to email rachel@gracecounselinginc.org with your insurance information. Be aware that using your insurance requires that therapists give a diagnosis which gets recorded in your insurance records. In addition, insurance companies will dictate frequency and length of treatment based upon financials instead of mental health needs.
What can I expect during the initial appointment?
When we meet for the first counseling appointment, I conduct an intake interview. This is the beginning of my information-gathering process. I will ask some factual questions (name, address, etc.), some questions about your physical health and about your family history. You will have ample opportunity to begin discussing why you decided to seek therapy, and we will begin to formulate some goals. This is also an opportunity for us to get a sense of what it's like for us to work together. If, at the end of the first session, we decide for any reason that your needs would be better served by someone else, I will do my best to provide more appropriate referrals.
How long will it take?
It is not possible to answer this question accurately, since the length of counseling treatment depends on your individual needs. After I learn more about the issues you want to work on, I might be able to provide you with some idea of how long we might be working together.
What about medications?
Only psychiatrists and other MDs are licensed to prescribe medication. I do, however, maintain a close working relationship with psychiatrists who are knowledgeable, ethical, and caring. I don't recommend that all my clients get on medication, but I have seen some very positive results for non-situational depression and/or anxiety. If at any point, during the counseling process, you or I feel that medications might be helpful, I would recommend that you make an appointment for an evaluation, however the final choice is always yours.