Frequently asked questions

&

Information About counseling


FAQs

 

How do I know if I need counseling?

If you have been dealing with the same problem for a long time, tried to get better on your own and nothing seems to change, a therapist can provide you the support and resources to get unstuck.


How often will we need to meet?

I generally meet with clients weekly. After a month or two, we can talk about changing frequency as needed.


Is there something wrong with me?

No. I believe that people are not “broken” and need to be “fixed”, but may be stuck, struggling or unskilled at particular behaviors. I use a strengths-based perspective, which means I focus on what’s right with you, rather than what’s wrong and build on that to move through any challenges you may be currently facing. You are more than your worry, moodiness, grief, or sadness.

 

How do I know if you are a good fit for me?

You don’t! That’s why I offer a free 30-minute session to see if we’re a good fit and to assess if I can help you. If I don’t think I can, or if you don’t think we would work well together, I will work to find you someone who can help.

 

Will my doctor know about my therapy?

Only if you want your doctor to know.

 

Do you take my insurance?

I accept:

  • United Healthcare 

  • Oscar Health

  • Oxford

  • Aetna

  • Cigna

If you chose to use insurance, we will need to determine a diagnosis, which will be submitted to your insurance company and be entered into your medical records.

If you are out of network, I am able to generate a superbill, which you can provide to your insurance company if you would like. 

If you chose to not use insurance, we can offer more flexible plans and approaches. We can discuss all of this during a free 30 minute consultation.

 

Do you prescribe medications for anxiety?

No. However, I work with several effective psychiatrists who would be happy to meet with you and explore how medications might help or not.

 

Will I ever feel “OK”?

Yes. In fact, you will feel more than OK – you can thrive. You don’t have to suffer with panic, misery, angst, strain, or fear. I will work with you to reduce anxiety and depression while working on building a life you want. If I can’t do it, I’ll make sure you find someone who can. You’ve anguished enough, it’s time to live your life.


What is mindfulness?

Simply put, mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, without judgement. While simple, it is powerful and has the ability to pull us out of apprehension or unease about the future or regret and melancholy about the past, into the ever present now. Now is the only time we can grow and heal. By connecting with the present, we connect with our fundamental ability to transition, shift, and change for the better.

 

Will what I say be shared with anyone?

In short, no. By law, I am unable to share anything you say to me as a client, unless you threaten to harm yourself or others. What you say, stays between us.

 

Will I ever be able to get rid of my anxiety?

The only people without anxiety are fictional or no longer living. What we label “anxiety” has a function to protect us from harm. If we had no distress or concern about anything there would be nothing preventing us from touching a hot stove or walking into traffic – things that can hurt us. However, we can substantially reduce your stress and get rid of unhelpful angst that is preventing you from living a full life. That is very possible and highly likely - to live a life where consternation, agitation and panic do not rule your life.

 

How much are your services? Are there payment plan options?

It depends. Let’s setup a 30-minute session to see if we are a good fit and I will work with you to make sure cost isn’t an issue for you to get some relief.

 

Do you do couples therapy?

Generally no, but I will work with couples in some cases.

 

Where are sessions conducted?

I offer secure, HIPPA-compliant telemental health counseling via Zoom. Telehealth is as effective as in-person therapy, and I am fully trained in providing remote therapy. Because I do not currently pay for an office space, I charge less than similar high-quality therapeutic services. Telehealth also reduces cost and time associated with travel.

 

How long will I need to be in therapy?

Depending on your goals and progress, between 6-14 sessions. As new issues arise, you may want to continue your work. This will be discussed during consultation and throughout our work together.

Contact Me.

mflanagan@whitepinetherapy.com

(470) 659-6276