IS COUNSELING FOR HOPE AND HEALING OFFERING SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS?
Yes. Due to the need to observe social distancing, Counseling for Hope and Healing is offering counseling through phone and video conferencing. I use Google Hangouts Meet, a secure HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform. My computer is password protected and I conduct sessions from a private room with the door closed. To preserve your privacy you will also need to arrange for a private place to take the call and not share the link to the session with anyone.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call 404-697-2928 or go to the Appointments Page for detailed information. You may also schedule a free 15 minute consultation to determine if Counseling for Hope and Healing is right for you.
HOW SOON CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?
If you are flexible about the day and time, you can usually get an appointment within one week. Counseling for Hope and Healing is not an emergency facility. We work by appointment and usually cannot accommodate immediate or same-day service needs. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Once the emergency situation is addressed and stable, Counseling for Hope and Healing may be able to help with on-going counseling needs. To Make an Appointment, call 404-697-2928.
MY SPOUSE SAYS I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DRUGS/ALCOHOL. HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED HELP?
The website www.addictionsandrecovery.org has a wealth of information about drug and alcohol use, as well as some self-tests. Just go to www.addictionsandrecovery.org and click on Test Yourself. You could also see a counselor for assessment and recommendations. (Be aware that only a state certified Clinical Evaluator can do the evaluation required for DUI.)
DO YOU TAKE MEDICARE OR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS? WHAT ABOUT THE SENIOR DISCOUNT?
Counseling for Hope and Healing does not take Medicare or supplements. However, the senior discount is available for people age 65 and older. You do not need to apply in advance, you only need to bring ID with your date of birth and tell your therapist that you qualify for the Senior Discount. The Senior Discount fee is $75 per session, payable at the time of service.
DO YOU TAKE MEDICAID?
Counseling for Hope and Healing does not take Medicaid.
DO I HAVE TO USE MY INSURANCE?
No. Some people choose not to use their medical insurance benefits because of limits placed on services or confidentiality concerns. Most medical insurance and EAPs require release of dates of service and a mental health diagnosis. Some also require a treatment plan and/or progress report. If you choose the self-pay option, all treatment decisions are solely between you and your therapist and no information will be forwarded to your insurance/EAP.
CAN I USE MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Catherine Saffels, LPC, is an in-network provider for the following insurance plans:
She also is a provider for a number of EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) including:
If Cathi is not an in-network provider on your plan, your plan may have out of network benefits. Please check your mental health benefits, including deductible, copay, and if you need authorization, before scheduling your first appointment.
Check with your insurance company regarding your benefits for telehealth services. Many insurance companies are waiving deductibles and copays for telehealth services during the corona virus crisis. Some insurance plans will pay for video sessions, but not phone sessions. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out about your benefits.
- Aetna
- Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Beacon/Value Options
- Magellan Behavioral Health
She also is a provider for a number of EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) including:
- Aetna EAP
- Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield EAP
- Beacon EAP
- Chestnut Global Partners EAP
- Magellan EAP
- One Source EAP
- Value Options EAP
If Cathi is not an in-network provider on your plan, your plan may have out of network benefits. Please check your mental health benefits, including deductible, copay, and if you need authorization, before scheduling your first appointment.
Check with your insurance company regarding your benefits for telehealth services. Many insurance companies are waiving deductibles and copays for telehealth services during the corona virus crisis. Some insurance plans will pay for video sessions, but not phone sessions. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out about your benefits.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU TAKE?
Cash, check, and credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Payment is expected at the time of service. There is a $35 fee for returned checks.
WHAT IS YOUR FEE?
The fee for the initial session is $150. Subsequent sessions are $110 each. All fees are due at the time of service, (including deductible/co-pay/co-insurance, if using insurance.) A senior discount of $75 per session is available to persons over the age of 65.
HOW LONG WILL COUNSELING TAKE?
You and your counselor will work together to determine the goals of counseling and to assess progress. The counselor’s goal is for you to be able to function effectively without her help after sessions have terminated. Often insurance plans or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) will limit how many sessions are covered by those plans. If you need services beyond what your plan offers, your counselor will discuss options, including self-pay and referral to other resources.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO COME TO COUNSELING?
Usually it is recommended that you attend sessions once a week in the beginning in order to engage in the process and see progress as soon as possible. As you progress, you and your therapist will decide together when it is appropriate to come less frequently.
ARE THERE LIMITS TO WHAT A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR WILL KEEP CONFIDENTIAL?
Confidentiality is limited by the legal requirements to report when there is suspicion of abuse of a child, elderly, or disabled person, to get help when someone is about to hurt themselves or others, or when a judge orders release of information. In addition, the counselor will release or exchange information when you give written consent. This includes release of information to insurance/EAPs for billing purposes if you are using those benefits.
I AM A CHRISTIAN. WHY WOULD I NEED TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR?
If resources such as prayer, Bible study, and the encouragement of Christian friends aren’t making a difference, it may be helpful to see someone who has professional training. You may feel more comfortable talking with someone who is not a part of your family or church and is professionally committed to maintain confidentiality. This can be especially true when a couple is experiencing difficulty in their marriage and does not want other people involved and taking sides, or when the problem is so sensitive you are hesitant to talk openly about it with others.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A PSYCHIATRIST, A PSYCHOLOGIST, AND A COUNSELOR?
A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor who specializes in treating mental disorders. S/he can provide medical treatment, including prescribing medication. If you are actively suicidal, or struggle with severe, chronic mental illness, or if medications provided by your primary care physician are not helping, a psychiatrist may be able to help you. Often people will see a psychiatrist for medical treatment, along with another professional for counseling.
A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology. In addition to providing psychotherapy, psychologists are trained in educational and psychological testing. If you are required to have a “psychological evaluation,” you would need to see a psychologist.
Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers are professionals who have Masters degrees and are licensed by the state. All are trained to provide individual, couple, family, and group counseling.
Catherine Saffels, MDiv, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families at Counseling for Hope and Healing.
A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology. In addition to providing psychotherapy, psychologists are trained in educational and psychological testing. If you are required to have a “psychological evaluation,” you would need to see a psychologist.
Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers are professionals who have Masters degrees and are licensed by the state. All are trained to provide individual, couple, family, and group counseling.
Catherine Saffels, MDiv, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families at Counseling for Hope and Healing.
COULD COUNSELING HELP ME?
If you have experienced a difficult life event (for example, the death of someone close, loss of a job, divorce), or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, or you would like someone to talk to who can help you sort things out and make changes….Counseling can help in these and other circumstances. If you are wondering if you need counseling, call or click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to determine if Counseling for Hope and Healing is right for you.
