R​e​newal Counseling and Consultation Services

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

1. How much will this cost?

Don't let the cost be a barrier to you getting the help you seek. I accept most commercial insurances and have a reasonable  private self pay rate if you choose not to use insurance benefits. My goal is that therapy is affordable and you can consistently participate in the experience.  If you choose to use your insurance, I bill for each session directly to your insurance provider. You are responsible for the office visit co-pay at each session and I accept cash, HSA/FSA cards and credit/debit cards as payment. If you have an insurance deductible, you are responsible for the full cost of the therapy session until your deductible amount is met.  It is your responsibility to be aware of what coverage benefits you have with your insurance company and what your financial responsibility will be for your sessions. I have limited access to insurance information and do not guarantee that my information is the most up to date or accurate. I ask that you verify your insurance coverage within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment. I provide a script to use with the insurance company to obtain the necessary information, in my onboarding paperwork. 

 

2. I've never had therapy before. How does this work? What should I expect?

Welcome to therapy and I appreciate you trusting me with your first experience! Please complete the Appointment Inquiry Form on our website to begin the onboarding process. We will send you a link to complete your onboarding paperwork.  Once  onboarding paperwork is completed you can request an appointment.  Onboarding paperwork  MUST be back to me BEFORE your  appointment can be approved. 

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Upon your first session, you can expect a 45-50 minute session of individual and goal directed therapy at a schedule that is convenient to you. This is a sample schedule for appointment frequency- 4-6 sessions of weekly or biweekly sessions, 6 sessions of  monthly sessions, 2 sessions of bimonthly sessions and then termination. This is a framework but know that your personal therapy journey may not follow this schedule.   The therapy experience is driven by your personal goals for recovery and wellness. My role as the therapist is to provide a different perspective and make suggestions to add tools to your existing toolbox of coping skills.  I walk your wellness journey beside you. I don't have answers to your concerns, nor do I tell you what to do. I listen carefully from an objective point of view and ask pointed and thoughtful questions to help you look at your concerns from a different perspective. I am respectful, nonjudgmental, and non-critical.  I create a space for you to feel heard, validated, and supported. 

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The first appointment is an opportunity  to gain insight into the contextual framework of the concerns bringing you to therapy. It's an opportunity for your to share your story, in a space where you are not judged or criticized for choices you've made. I obtain historical information about you to help me formulate a plan to best help you navigate through this space in your journey. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions to get to know me and determine if I will be a good fit for you. At the end of the first appointment, we will have an initial plan of action to tackle your personal roadblocks. 

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3. Where are you located and how do I contact you?

My office is located at:  10100 Ironbridge Rd, Chesterfield VA 23832. My office is directly on Ironbridge Rd, in between The Gates Law Office and the Dentist Office. It is a tan building with red shutters. Pull into the driveway and come to the back of the building. Enter through the door and my office is upstairs to the right.  Please note, unfortunately this building does not have  an elevator and my office is on the second floor.  I can be reached by phone at (804) 362-7860 or by email at renewalcounseling.rccs@gmail.com.  My office hours are available on my website, the client portal, and are updated regularly as my schedule changes.  Please note that I am seeing clients during the day, so I am able to return phone calls and emails during breaks or in the later evening when I finish with my final client.  Please allow up to 24 hours for a return call or email. Email is the BEST and quickest way to reach me. 

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4. How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Finding the right fit is what makes or breaks a therapy session. It is important that you ask me questions to determine if I'm the therapist for you.  The initial appointment is a space to  discuss your goals for therapy and we'll use that time to answer any questions you have about me, my practice, my experience, my therapeutic approach, etc; anything you want to know that will help you in your decision to find the appropriate companion for your wellness journey. After our first meeting if you decide that we are not a good fit, nothing is taken personally and I will happily provide you referrals so you can find a therapist to meet your needs and preferences.

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5. Who do you work with?

I provide counseling to individuals beginning at age 18 through older adults. I work with individuals, couples, and provide group therapy. I do not provide treatment to individuals who have been recently discharged (within the past 30 days) from a psychiatric facility, partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program. I do not provide services to individuals who are court ordered for treatment or require a child custody evaluation or custody recommendation. I also don’t provide treatment for eating disorders, substance use as a primary disorder, or sexual offenders.  I do not provide assessments for gender reassignment surgery, bariatric surgery, or service animals.  I also do not complete paperwork for FMLA or STD leave of absences from employment prior to 6 sessions of treatment.  Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy and counseling to individuals residing in Virginia (that includes telehealth). 

 

6. How are your handling sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Concerns about safety are real during this pandemic. I provide either in person appointments at my office or through telehealth. Check with your insurance as many plans are providing approval for telehealth appointments for extended periods of time due to the pandemic. If you choose to have in person appointments, all clients are  asked to wear a mask throughout your  appointment if you exhibiting any symptoms of residual illness. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the office. If you are feeling ill, please opt to cancel your appointment or choose the telehealth option.   

 

7. What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice of cancellation of your appointment.  If you are unable to attend your appointment, I would like to make your slot available to someone else who may be waiting to be seen.  My online portal makes it easy for you to cancel and reschedule your own appointments. If you do not cancel within 24 hours, I charge a late cancellation fee of half the cost of your appointment slot.  I understand emergencies do arise and can be flexible if you are not able to cancel within the 24-hour time frame as long as you have reached out to me prior to your scheduled appointment. Emergency situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you No Show/No Call for an appointment, you will be charged a full session fee for the missed appointment. 

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8. Do you prescribe medication?

I do not prescribe medication.  I do support the use of psychotropic medications to treat mental health diagnoses as an additional tool in your coping skills toolbox. Feel free to ask questions you have about medication or if you would like a referral to a recommended prescriber. 

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9. What if you say something that makes me mad or hurts my feelings? 

As with any relationship, there will be times that I may challenge your boundaries. It is my job to provide opportunities for gentle confrontation of some of the beliefs or thinking patterns that have you stuck. Therapy work is growth and growth can be uncomfortable at times.  There will be moments where you will feel defensive or you may have a sensitive reaction to something I observe, notice, or question. Please feel free to discuss what you are feeling with me. I am open to feedback about how I can adapt my approach so you feel comfortable and heard.  

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10. How do I know when I'm finished with therapy?

Therapy is a journey. I will be checking along the way to make sure we are still on a path to your recovery and that you feel you are making headway in the direction you want to go. As you grow stronger, I envision you and I meeting less frequently and the themes of our discussion changing from problem solving to discussing your successes. I will follow your lead as to if therapy continues to be a helpful avenue of support for you. Discharging you from services does not mean you cannot return if you have a need for continued support. 

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