Text/Call: 406-876-3931
I’ve never done counseling before; how do I start?
Contact us! Send an email, text us, call us. A member of our team will respond as quickly as possible to gather a little more information. Here’s what we usually ask for:
- What is your current insurance?---We want to make sure we accept it, as it can save you money to utilize your insurance. If we don’t accept your insurance, or you prefer not to use your insurance, we can discuss our rates.
- Do you prefer to meet in person, or would you like to do Telehealth? (video—we provide the HIPAA approved link; you just need access to a computer or smart phone).
- Preferred contact: email address and phone number
I’m very nervous. Is that normal?
YES! Most clients report being nervous about calling, emailing and coming to their first appointment. That is totally OKAY! It doesn’t make you weird, or a chicken. It’s a hard step, often not impulsive. We’ve heard some folks have taken months to make that phone call. That’s usually the hardest part. We do our best to make the experience from here on out not as stressful.
I am afraid that my job will find out.
Don’t be. But a typical concern. Your time and communication with us, is yours and protected. Your job doesn’t need to know, but you are protected. Counseling is treated as any medical appointment or procedure. It is private and confidential.
What do I say at my first appointment?
Don’t worry. That’s our job to help you. We won’t put you on the spot and expect you to know what to say or how to start. We will guide you and walk you through the process until you are comfortable enough to take over!
How do I know if my insurance covers counseling?
Ahh insurance. There is a number on the back of your card. If you call that number and get a live person (or we are hearing AI is getting pretty great) you can ask what your coverage is for counseling. Some people have total coverage (meaning insurance covers the entire appointment cost). Some people have partial coverage (insurance pays a portion, but you pay a co-payment or co-insurance amount). Some people have coverage, but not until they meet their deductible (we send insurance a bill, they send us back a report with an amount we are to charge you, which is then applied to your deductible. Once your deductible is met, insurance may cover all or a portion of your cost--you may havea co-pay but not the full amount).
What information about me do you share?
None. Your information is confidential. There are certain limits to confidentiality. In summary, those include if you are currently actively suicidal and an imminent threat to yourself (this is very different from having thoughts), you are actively homicidal and a dangerous threat to someone else, or if there is reported child or elder abuse. We do have to submit some information to your insurance company for billing, but this does not include anything about our sessions or what we discuss (it is usually your name, DOB, date of service, and a billable diagnostic code).
How often should I schedule therapy?
This is unique to every individual based on their needs, current stressors or situation, and schedule. We typically recommend weekly sessions, especially as you are are getting started. Sometimes people require more when working through a crisis (twice a week). Sometimes people start out with weekly sessions and as they gain skills and strengths, or based on their schedules, decide to meet every other week. Others get to a point in their therapeutic process where they want to check in monthly for maintenance.
How long do people go to therapy?
This is unique to every individual. We have clients who work through a current issue and may finish within months. Some clients attend therapy for years. It is up to you. Our goal is to have therapy be a valuable part of your life. This can apply to all areas of your life, not just the reason you started therapy. Some insurances have regulations on how many sessions you can do a year, while others have no regulations and allow as many sessions as deemed necessary.
What if I want to bring my spouse or partner?
Let us know. We can discuss options. Sometimes individual therapy leads to couple’s therapy. We can make it happen. Sometimes couple’s therapy leads to individual therapy. We will work with you and offer options.
If I choose Telehealth, do I have to be on video?
Technically yes. Some insurances require it. Although there are exceptions and sometimes a phone call (audio only) is acceptable, it just can’t be the norm when establishing the therapeutic relationship.
I’m in Law Enforcement, and I’ve been told I can’t discuss symptoms like anxiety or depression or PTSD because I could lose my job.
This is a very typical concern, sometimes the culture of some departments unfortunately but very archaic. You will not lose your job for being a human. It is better and safer, to address any concerns and issues you are having in a safe and protected therapeutic environment, then let them fester. Your job is intense, it is hard, it is valued; you are going to feel things. Check out our podcast with Sgt. Jeff Stovall of the Billings Police Department regarding mental health in law enforcement.
I don’t know what I want to discuss, but I’ve been told I need therapy.
We can help with that. You take the first step, contact us, get an appointment set up, and we will walk you through the rest. Sometimes the people closest to us see things we don’t. If someone you love or trust is recommending therapy, we can help figure it out.
I had a poor counseling experience and am hesitant to try it again.
We hear this, unfortunately and it is very disappointing, and we feel sorry that you went through that. We strive to be as honest, open and real with you as possible. We want to know what didn’t work for you, so we can be sure we are the right fit. We never want to repeat anything that didn’t work for you. Let us know that you experienced this so we can discuss it with you!
What if I can’t make it to my physical appointment? Can I call or do video instead of canceling?
Yes! Just let your therapist know ahead of your scheduled time to be sure they can accommodate that. We know life happens.