WHAT TO EXPECT
If you have never done counseling before the process can be kind of scary if you don’t know what to expect. The first step is to call. At that time we can briefly talk about what is going on in your life and if counseling or coaching is a good fit for you.
Then we schedule a time to meet at my office or by phone if we are doing tele-counseling or coaching. During the first session I generally like to understand a bit about your background, your family, relationships and current circumstances. We then discuss goals for counseling and begin identifying strategies to help you get there.
Most therapy is short term typically 6-8 sessions and is best suited to weekly meetings at first and then once you are on your way we schedule sessions farther out. Sometimes people come back for a “tune-up” as needed.
Some cases require long-term therapy and this is especially true if there is trauma or abuse or if there are issues that are deeply rooted in the family system.
Either way, whether short or long term, the bottom line is that if you need help working your way to a more balanced life then usually counseling is a good place to start. Of course, it is important to make sure that there is a good fit between the client and the therapist. I am invested in making sure that you feel comfortable being authentic and I promise to do the same. If for some reason the fit is not right then I will do my best to provide you with a referral that will match your needs.
I am honored to be in the counseling profession and it is my pleasure to embark on a journey of counseling or coaching with you!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
CALL TODAY: 231.642.5577. Calls are returned within 24 hours.
CLIENT INFORMATION (Please complete BEFORE your first appointment)
A link will be sent to you via email to setup your account information after we set-up an appointment by phone.Please fill out all of the client information on Therapy Appointment , PRIOR to our first appointment (takes 3-5 minutes).
Please read the information below. Please note: I only need the last signature page of the 2022 Joy Counseling Agreement to be returned to me at the time of your appointment or you can email or fax, in advance.
2022Consent to Release-JoyCounseling (Only complete this form if you want me to correspond with someone on your behalf or if the client is a minor)
RATES/PAYMENT/INSURANCE
Payment is expected at the time of service. The cost is $170 for the first session and $145 per additional session(s) hour (50 minutes). I prefer cash or checks made out to Joy Counseling. Credit cards and HSA (health savings accounts) are also accepted. Please note that my system does retain the your credit card for future use. I am happy to submit your payment to the insurance company directly on your behalf, if requested.
If I am paneled with the insurance company that you have then you will be responsible for payment until your deductible is met and then you are responsible for a co-payment/co-insurance, at the time of service. It is your responsibility to know your benefits and deductibles in advance of our session and you are responsible for payment, if the insurance company does not pay. Insurance is submitted and billed at agreed upon rate, only if the counselor is under contract with carrier. Please note that I will balance bill your account once payment information is received from the insurance company. If a credit card is on file then I will bill the remaining balance or contact you for payment.
Current insurance carriers that I am contracted with are as follows: Priority Health, BCBS (My Choice, PPO Trust, Partnered, Traditional). BCBSM Mental Health. BCNA Connected CARE and BCN. Other insurance carriers may accept out-of-network providers and I am happy to submit payment on your behalf for reimbursement.
Tele-counseling: The place of service 02 will be added for insurance billing submission. Please confirm with your insurance company that Telecounseling/Telehealth services are covered under your plan, in advance of your appointment, if you plan to use your insurance.
All fees are billed to client at the end of the session and payment is expected in full. A 24 hour cancellation policy is in effect and payment is expected in full without notice. I may bill your credit card for a no show as well.
Let’s Get Started!