Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

The best and simplest way is to reach out to us using our online contact form on this website! You will be asked pertinent information that helps us match you with a clinician, verify insurance needs, and set you up with next steps in the fastest way possible. Because the demand for mental health services is at a record high, our response times are taking a little longer as we work to understand, accommodate, refer, and support each new inquiry. In some circumstances, you may also be able to schedule a brief consultation, up to 15-minutes, with one of our counselors, to learn more about your fit together, prior to scheduling an appointment.

Do you take my insurance?

This can depend on a few factors! For up-to-date information on the insurance we take review our Fees & Insurance page. If you do not see your insurance listed, call, or check your insurance policy to see if they cover out of network providers. You may qualify for reimbursement with the submission of superbills, which we can provide automatically each month. You may also choose to opt out of insurance.

What is your cancellation policy?

Scheduling an appointment involves the reservation of time specifically for you. Cancellations or missed appointments with under 48-hours notice are charged the full session fee. We prioritize holding space for each client with their therapist. When you aren’t at your appointment and have not provided 48-hours notice, other clients who also need an appointment that week miss out on the opportunity to be seen. Under 48-hours, you are responsible for the full-fee of the session and your card on file will be charged. Most insurance companies will not cover a cancellation fee or missed appointment. Become familiar with this policy so you can make the most of your scheduling preferences and have information about your choices. A pattern of cancellations or missed appointments may delay or terminate services. For clients under the care of Medicaid, we follow their policies.

Can I make an appointment for someone else, such as my child, my parent, my partner, or friend?

We deeply value advocacy and support on behalf of others in navigating the system of mental health. We also deeply value autonomy, consent, and personal timing. Ultimately, the choice to engage in therapy (when, how, with whom, and why) is up to the person who will be the client. For any individual 14 and older, we do not make appointments without the direct, expressed interest of the participant. For appointments with couples and relationships, it is helpful for us to hear from all participants. We reserve time for consultations with our clinicians only for those who will be participating in therapy.

How long does counseling last?

Clinical sessions are typically 50-minutes long. Sessions are scheduled at a frequency of weekly or every-other-week appointments, dependent on both clinical necessity and client preference. Sessions at a monthly frequency are for maintenance of progress. Most clients begin to experience the effects of progress between 6-12 sessions. It is common for therapy to last between 3-12 months, respective of many factors. Clients can choose to pursue therapy longer and work on additional goals. Counseling concludes when goals are reached, other treatment options become more favorable for progress, and a client can always decide when they want to terminate their therapy sessions. There may be times when the clinician also makes this decision.

Do you provide any of the following: parental or placement evaluations; expert, witness or forensic testimony; prescription or medication management, diagnosis or formal evaluation for autism or ADHD?

No we do not. These are not within the scope of the services we provide. We do not participate in court and legal proceedings as this is distinctly separate from therapeutic goals and treatment. We do not have prescribers on staff nor do we provide medication management. We value the support that medication can provide and can collaborate with client’s prescribers. We can provide referrals for prescribers and consult with a client’s care team for continuity of services. We refer out to specialists for clients seeking a formal diagnoses related to autism and ADHD.

How do your clinicians take care of themselves to do this work well, responsibly, and sustainably?

The most important tool a therapist brings to sessions is themselves. Our team is supported and accountable to take time off, do activities that supply restoration and joy, and create the work/life balance that brings them life.

Our therapists are not available 24/7, so that they have time to recover and recharge, bringing their best selves to therapy sessions.

How does this practice understand the impact white supremacy has had in the industry of therapy?

Learn about our ever-evolving social justice stance about having a transformative practice with anti-oppressive priorities.

Ofrecen sesiones de terapia en Español?

Tenemos algunas terapeutas que ofrecen sesiones en español. Nuestra coordinadora también habla español y es bicultural. Ella está disponible para asistir con preguntas administrativas, papeleo, y planificación de sus sesiones.

How much do services cost?

Cost is determined by the type of service, the length of service, the experience of the clinician, and can be impacted by contracted insurance rates. If you are using insurance, you will want to verify your benefits, understand your coverage, and confirm your copay. As a courtesy, we can also reach out to obtain coverage verification with companies we are paneled with. For detailed information visit our Fees & Insurance page. For organizations, non-profits, and businesses interested in workplace wellbeing packages, please reach out for a personalized quote.

Is couples counseling covered by insurance?

Typically couples counseling and relational enrichment is not covered by insurance. If your situation meets medical necessity, requiring a diagnosis of one or more individuals that will be part of your medical file, you may qualify for family counseling, a covered service with many carriers.

Are in-person sessions available? Is telehealth (video) an option?

Appointments are needed to have a session with a counselor. We have a variety of options for locations: 1) telehealth are online video sessions 2) in-person sessions at either of our two physical locations 3) the occassional phone session 4) walk-and-talk sessions which require an additional consent. Though masks are no longer required, we have them available on-site and please let us know if you prefer sessions with all participants wearing masks.

What can I expect sessions to be like?

While each counselor has their own approach, personality, and specialty, you can expect them to be professional and authentic with you in your therapeutic journey. All our counselors practice with a trauma-informed, strengths-based, culturally affirming presence and value your experience.

In the first session, your therapist will orient you to the counseling process, go over your initial paperwork, discuss confidentiality, and answer any logistical questions. Then your therapist will begin to hear more about your and your story. They may ask you questions about different aspects of your life as part of a comprehensive assessment. It is ok if you need more time to share some things and you can let them know that. Together you’ll build goals and create a plan for how therapy can support you in the changes you want to work towards.

In ongoing sessions, you and your therapist will continue to get to know one another to build upon your strengths, growth areas, and next steps. Your counselor will work with you to personalize the sessions around your goals, using strategies and interventions that are grounded in a therapeutic model. For example, sessions may explore emotions, work on skill development, invite deeper awareness, support trauma, or process life transitions. The clinician is not providing answers or advice but rather they serve as a resource to help you process, grow, and transform into your most free and authentic self.

Many of our counselors are able to schedule a 15-min consultation with you to connect and see if working together could be a match. If that would be helpful, you can inquire with the practice if that option is available.

How do therapists work with other professionals?

We value collaboration with other providers for the benefit of client/patient care. It is standard professional practice to consult with other mental health providers that a client is seeing so that treatment goals and planning are not in conflict.

We utilize written consents signed by clients that give permission for collaboration and the exchange of information with other members of the client’s support and treatment team.

We typically consult and collaborate with prescribers, other counselors, case managers, social workers, schools, and medical professionals when necessary.

We do not typically consult and collaborate with courts or representatives to the court, legal evaluators, divorce or custody attorneys, employers, or unauthorized extended family members.

What are the letters behind a counselor’s name?

These are credentials that provide details into the education and training of that therapist. Here are some standard credentials to help you understand the field. Additional credentials may be listed based on specialty, additional degrees, and certifications.

LPC – licensed professional counselor.

LCSW – licensed clinical social worker.

LMFT – licensed marriage and family therapist. This is a clinician with additional training in systems and relationships.

Registered Associate – This is a board-certified clinician working towards the completion of their licensing hours. They remain under additional supervision until fully licensed.

Intern – This is a graduate student. They are enrolled in a specialized mental health program, pursuing graduation. They will go on to become a Registered Associate then licensed clinician.

Are counseling sessions confidential?

Counseling sessions are protected with confidentiality but there are some exceptions due to specific laws, standards of care, and reporting. Here are some of the rare scenarios when confidentiality may be broken:

When a client poses an imminent danger to themselves or others.
When there is suspected child, elder, or dependent abuse.
When the therapist receives a qualifying court order mandating participation.
When the therapist is required to participate in a federal, state, or board investigation.
When it is necessary to obtain payment or provide necessary professional services for treatment.
When facilitating client care across multiple providers during emergency crisis interventions.

You can also direct your therapist to share or exchange information on your behalf for referrals, case consultation, and collaboration of care. Written consent is required and available in your client portal. These permissions can also be revoked at any time.

Contact the practice or speak with your counselor to go over details and questions you may have.

Is the practice and are the clinicians LGBTQIA+ affirming?

We are an actively affirming practice made up of LGBTQ+ clinicians and allies. We provide services that are informed by activism, advocacy, and on-going training. We hold ourselves accoutable to ALGBTIC counseling competencies and WPATH Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People. We have Oregon Health Authority’s approved Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services (CLSS) designation in support of our LGBTQIA+ community. We are able to write letters for surgery for ongoing, established clients. We are against and do not practice “conversion therapy.”

Ask a Question