WHY DON’T YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I don’t take insurance for several reasons. First, the care that is actually covered by insurance providers doesn’t always align with what is the best course of treatment for you as an individual. Also, in order to bill insurance, I would have to both give you a mental health diagnosis and share that with your insurance provider. And, a mental health diagnosis is not always appropriate, nor is it at all necessary to warrant needing to see a therapist or benefiting from counseling.
I am able to offer you what is called a “superbill” to submit to your insurance provider in order to potentially be reimbursed or partially reimbursed for services. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services. I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:
- Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
- Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
- Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED COUNSELING/THERAPY?
Everyone’s situation is different so I genuinely do not know if therapy is what you need. I can, however, help to give you insight on whether or not it may be helpful and a free 15-minute phone consultation will help us determine what is best for you. I always make sure that, if you are working with me, we are a good fit. This includes determining your needs.
COUNSELING VS. COACHING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Counseling, also called therapy, or even psychotherapy, can have some elements of coaching involved, but coaching cannot provide any elements of counseling.
Counseling tends to look inwards and utilizes an introspective approach to solving problems. Counseling often involves more clinical mental health struggles, such as depression or anxiety, but this can also be related to relationship struggles and many other concerns. It aims to alleviate symptoms, generate a more fulfilling life, and produce more stability. Therapists and counselors are trained in a variety of techniques or modalities. Counseling tends to be more open ended on start and end dates, and may involve providing periodic support for concerns over a larger period of time.
Coaching helps an individual to clarify goals, identify obstacles, and create a plan for achievement. Coaching tends to be more short-term but based on your specific goals. Coaching works to improve behaviors that are not serving your goals. Coaching can serve to encourage, motivate, and provide accountability.
COUNSELING VS. COACHING: HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE IS FOR ME?
A free 15-minute phone consultation will help us determine what is best for you. I will ask relevant questions and perform specific screening to determine your best needs. If it is determined that you will best benefit from counseling services and I am unable to meet your needs, I will help you find an appropriate provider.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
My services are offered primarily via telehealth. However, if you live in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, I am able to meet with you in person at a number of office locations. In our initial phone call, we will determine which is best for you.
WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?
Telehealth is a tool that has become widely used and accepted in modern medicine. Increasing use of telehealth is seen in a variety of forms of health treatment.
When working with me via telehealth, we will do live video conferencing through your computer, phone or tablet. I use a HIPAA compliant platform that is private and secure. And it is simple and convenient to use with no downloads or accounts needed.
There are many benefits to meeting in this way. First, you have the convenience of meeting with me from the location of your choice. Telehealth also overcomes barriers to care including distance, time, and access. It provides greater access to specialty providers, such as myself; I am licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina, and able to meet with individuals living in both states. Telehealth reduces geographic barriers by eliminating distance between patient and provider. This also means greater access for individuals with unreliable transportation or those in more rural areas.
I have been utilizing telehealth for many years and can promise that I will make you feel comfortable and forget that there is a screen in between us. I have also completed extensive training to continue to deliver the best care in this manner and keep it secure.