Frequently Asked Questions
When is counseling right for me?
The choice to come to counseling is highly personal, and can take real courage. Most often, we find clients come to counseling when faced with challenges: sometimes feeling weighed down by changes in social or family circumstances; and sometimes challenges come in the form of loss, compulsion and habits, anxieties or sadness.
In some cases, feelings become overwhelming; in other cases, it becomes hard to even name what the feeling is. When these troubles affect your experience of life – with family, friends, at work or school, or simply your peace of mind – then counseling is an option that can help you find solutions.
What can I expect?
You have a right to a compassionate, knowledgeable, qualified psychotherapy staff committed to maintaining professional ethical standards. We work to provide a safe, comfortable and authentic environment. Here you can address the issues that matter most to you, gain insight about solutions, become empowered, improve relationships and learn better ways to cope with old problems.
Will therapy work for me?
Research shows that therapy works to provide relief from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and other common complaints. Therapy has also been shown to as a means for achieving personal growth and discovery. Evidence suggests that key to success is developing a healthy, ethical and safe therapeutic relationship with a qualified individual trained in assisting others to find their own answers and solutions is a path to change.
How long will it take?
For some, change can be seen in a limited number of sessions, perhaps fewer than eight. For others, a longer-term effort is necessary to identify and resolve issues that may have taken years to form. In all cases, the question of length of service is an appropriate conversation to have with your therapist.
What is the cost?
Main Street Counseling Group offers a sliding fee scale based on family size and income for individual and family therapy. We have affordable rates for our group classes. In addition, some of our therapists participate on managed care panels and accept some insurance plans.
If we are not a provider on your insurance plan, we are still considered an out-of-network provider. In that event, therapy services may be covered in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan.
Please check your coverage carefully by asking your insurance provider’s representative the following questions:
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many outpatient sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
In addition, victims of crime may qualify for a state-funded program that provides counseling for victims of rape, incest and other traumatizing crimes. There is no charge to the clients for these programs and assistance can be provided in applying for it. Please contact us to determine the fee that will apply to you.
Do You Have Questions?
Please call us at (805) 798-0405, or contact us via this site to learn more about how we can work together to help you generate stability and success in your life and important relationships.