What is counseling?

The word “counseling” is interchangeable with the word “therapy”.

• Counseling is a relationship in which a professionally trained person (therapist) helps you to better understand yourself and solve problems. Seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness. Many people find that professional assistance is a mature and positive step toward success.
• Counseling takes place in a private, secure, uninterrupted setting.
• Counseling is a collaborative process in which the therapist acts as a facilitator so that awareness and change can take place. One goal is for you to learn new skills to help you resolve your current problems and become more capable of solving new problems on your own in the future.
• Counseling involves talking about yourself, including your family and personal history as well as your thoughts and feelings.
• Counseling is also referred to as “therapy” or “outpatient mental health services”.
  

What to expect in the first session

After you have scheduled your first appointment, you may find yourself experiencing anxiety and wondering what you will talk about. This worrying is normal. Therapists are aware that meeting with a “stranger” to discuss personal concerns can be intimidating. Remember that your therapist is a trained professional who will work at establishing a comfortable and supportive environment for you. Your therapist will want to focus on you and may ask you a number of questions about yourself, your history and your current problems. An appointment “hour” is typically 50 minutes and is scheduled on a weekly basis to begin with. Your therapist will also discuss your insurance coverage and/or payment arrangements with you. If the therapist determines that you would benefit from additional services, this will be discussed with you and referral(s) made.

What is expected of you?

• To attend sessions and let your therapist know if you will need to cancel and/or reschedule an appointment.
• To talk openly and honestly about yourself.
• To complete tasks or homework assignments.
• To let your therapist know if you have questions about the counseling or feel that you are not making any progress.
• To let your therapist or the business office know if you are having difficulty paying your bill.

What is a Treatment Plan?

During the course of counseling, the therapist develops a written Treatment Plan which is a plan of action based on the principles, methods and theories of counseling. The Treatment Plan is aimed toward the prevention, treatment and resolution of problems and/or mental health disorders. The plan includes a descriptive statement of each problem and specifies goals, objectives and interventions. The purpose of a written Treatment Plan is to document the course of treatment, provide a structure for measuring progress, and allow for accountability. Client collaboration and cooperation is important for developing and complying with the Treatment Plan.

How is therapy paid for?

Depending on the type of education and experience of the provider, fees can range from $50 to $150 an hour. Many people have health insurance that includes some type of coverage for mental health services. You can discuss your coverage with your insurance company, human resource person at your place of employment, or with the therapist. Often, insurance covers a large portion of the fee other than a copayment. Managed care insurance plans require authorization for services, meaning you need to sign an Authorization for Treatment and Billing Services form in order for us to bill charges to your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, your insurance does not cover counseling, or you choose not to use your insurance, you are responsible for full payment. You may discuss payment arrangements and  collection practices with your therapist. Lakeview Counseling also accepts VISA  or Mastercard credit card payments. 

Understanding the different types of therapists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. after the name). They have completed medical school and a residency in psychiatry. They are able to write prescriptions and administer medication(s).

Psychologists have a Doctorate degree in psychology (PhD after the name) and are licensed to practice in their state. They have completed graduate school, including a doctoral program. They are able to provide a variety of forms of testing and therapy.

Social Workers have completed a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW, CSW, or ACSW after the name). They are licensed to practice in their state and have unique training in order to provide services for individual and family problems.

All of the therapists at Lakeview Counseling have completed the following education and training requirements:

• completion of a Master of Social Work degree or a PhD in Clinical Psychology
• completion of a minimum of 5 years postgraduate supervised clinical experience
• licensure as a “Certified Social Worker” or “Clinical Psychologist” with the State of Michigan
• membership in the National Association of Social Workers or American Psychological Association
• acceptance into the Academy of Certified Social Workers
• participation in continuing education activities

To file a complaint about a therapist, you can contact the State of Michigan, Department of Community Health, or the national association in which the therapist has membership.