|
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.
|
 |
|
|
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:
- anxiety, depression, and other
psychological
disorders
- interpersonal, relational and/or family conflicts
- physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse
- adapting to life transitions
- coping with physical illness
- the death of a loved one
- spiritual/existential anxiety
|
|
Counseling and Psychotherapy Fees:
Individual Counseling Fees
Initial/Diagnostic
Interview (60-75 minutes): $150.00 x session
Individual Counseling (45-50 minutes): $120.00 x
session
Couples or Family Counseling Fees
Couples or Family Counseling: $150.00 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 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.
How to Make an
Appointment:
There is typically no waiting period to receive
services (usually 1-2 weeks). To make an appointment, please call 407-252-6109. 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 407-252-6109.
Last revision: 01-28-2010
__________
* Adapted from the article
"Answer to common questions about professional counseling" from the American Counseling Association.
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2010 Luis G. C. Ortega, LMHC, NCC
|
