Frequently Asked Questions

 


"Professional counseling is the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systemic interventions and strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology" (American Counseling Association).

Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. A professional counselor can assist you to identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional imbalance, to improve communication and coping skills, to strengthen self-esteem, and to promote behavior change and optimal mental health.

Together, you and your counselor will set goals, work towards achieving them, and assess how well you are actually meeting them. Counseling can help you maximize your potential and make positive changes in your life. Finally, remember that counseling may be hard work at times, but change and progress do happen. A professional counselor can provide the help and support to help you master the challenges of life.

 

For more information about who are professional counselors, click here: Licensed Counselors


If you are seeking growth in your personal and relational life, if you want to understand yourself better, need consultation about an important decision, or if you are feeling stuck, counseling can help. Also, through psychotherapy you can obtain assistance to address many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to:

  • mood, anxiety, and other psychological disorders

  • interpersonal, relational and/or family conflicts

  • adapting to life transitions, such as separation / divorce, career change, birth of a new baby, moving to a new community, going to college, etc.

  • physical, sexual, and emotional abuse

  • coping with physical illness

  • grief & loss

  • spiritual / existential anxiety / crisis of meaning

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Counseling and Psychotherapy Fees:

Individual Counseling Fees
Initial/Diagnostic Interview:

$150.00

 

Ongoing Individual Counseling or Consultation:

$120.00 x session

Ongoing counseling sessions are 45-50 minutes long, usually once-per-week, but they could be scheduled more or less frequently depending on your needs. Longer sessions (75-90 minutes @ $150.00) are available, but they might not be covered by your insurance plan.

 

Methods of Payment:


Payments are due in full at the time of service. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) are accepted. You can also send PayPal payments before your scheduled appointment to luis@journeycompanions.com

 

Health Insurance:


"Luis G. Cruz-Ortega, LMHC" is an in-network provider for various health insurance companies, such as United Healthcare, CIGNA, PacifiCare, AETNA, Beechstreet, Humana (LifeSynch), Multiplan, PHCS PPO (Private Healthcare Systems), APS Healthcare, and various EAP panels. Luis is also an out-of-network provider for BlueCross BlueShield of Florida.

 

If Luis is not an in-network provider for your insurance company and you would like to seek direct reimbursement for "out-of-network" psychotherapy services, Luis will provide a document with the information you will need to submit a claim for reimbursement. You'll need to contact your insurance company to verify your coverage for mental health service and inquire about how to submit your claim. Your insurance company will reimburse you directly.

 

Insurance companies only pay for "medically necessary" procedures, thus they will not accept a claim for services without a mental health diagnosis. Like any medical diagnosis, your mental health diagnosis and treatment will become a permanent part of your medical records. If you have concerns about your confidentiality or how this might affect you, please consult your counselor.

 

Luis maintains a commitment to your privacy and the strictest confidentiality. He adheres to the Codes of Ethics of the American Counseling Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors.

 

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There is typically no waiting period to receive services (usually 1-2 weeks). To make an appointment, please call (407) 536-7551. If you reach the voicemail, please, leave your contact information and the best time for a call back. Luis makes appointments directly with clients at this office. Calls during the week are usually returned within 48 hours. Calls on weekends or holidays are returned on the next business day.

 

For more information, please call 407-536-7551 or email Luis@JourneyCompanions.com

 

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Luis G. C. Ortega, LMHC, NCC

Counseling & Psychotherapy

2170 W. State Road 434, Suite 214

Longwood, FL 32779

(407) 536-7551

 

© 2011