There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce, work transition or trauma. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a counselor can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in life.

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and his or her specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions, as well as develop some goals to work towards any identified concerns. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. During times of elevated crisis or stress, therapists will often provide additional support by offering more frequent appointments. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Since most of life happens outside of the therapy session, it is important to integrate what has been discussed into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy who achieve the greatest results are those willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards change, and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect from therapy:

• Compassion, respect, and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

As with many situations, the answer to this question depends on various factors: the severity and duration of the problem, motivation to change, emotional resources and support that are available, as well as other variables in the process. Sometimes issues can be dealt with in only a few sessions; however, the healing process often takes a bit longer. The good news is that research clearly shows that most people get better though the process of therapy.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.



However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What will my co-pay be?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Family Legacy will bill your insurance directly. Please click here to learn more about fees and what insurance plans are accepted. (LINK TO SECTION 4.2)