Frequently Asked Questions

Topics

Portal Problem

Counseling Info

Practical Details

Insurance & Costs

Office V. Telehealth

The Right Person for the Right Solution

Snags, Glitches, Complications

Psychiatry and Medication

Intensives

  • If it has been a few months since your last appointment, your client portal access may become inactive. Please understand this has nothing to do with your status as a client, and we welcome you to schedule another appointment. Rather, this is a function of our client portal system. Please contact the front desk at 704-752-8414 or email, and they can quickly reactivate your portal account.

  • You can expect a well-trained and highly compassionate clinician who will listen to you, ask challenging questions, and guide you towards the goals you wish to achieve. We also encourage you to ask your therapist more about their process during your initial session.

  • Your first session is all about getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. Your therapist will review your intake paperwork, explain important policies and what to expect from the therapy process, and begin exploring your goals for treatment. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what brings you to therapy, and start building a strong, supportive connection.

  • Most therapists recommend starting with weekly or biweekly sessions to build consistency and momentum in the therapeutic process. Over time, the frequency may shift depending on your goals and progress. Your therapist will work with you to find a rhythm that supports your needs and fits your life.

  • Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—how long it takes depends on your goals, the challenges you’re facing, and the effort you’re able to put into the process. Some clients notice shifts within a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support. Your therapist will regularly check in with you about your progress and adjust the approach as needed to help you move forward.

  • It’s completely normal to wonder that—many people do. Whether you’re going through a tough season or facing long-standing struggles, therapy can offer support, perspective, and tools to help you navigate it well. You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to seek help. If something is impacting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, it’s worth exploring with a therapist.

  • Therapy and counseling are very similar and often overlap. Both involve working with a trained professional to explore your feelings, challenges, and goals. Generally, “counseling” is used for short-term support focused on specific issues, while “therapy” can be longer-term and more in-depth. But many professionals use the terms interchangeably, and the important thing is finding someone who meets your needs.

  • Therapy has helped many people find relief, growth, and new ways to cope—but it isn’t a quick fix, and sometimes it takes time to find the right approach or therapist for you. If you ever feel therapy isn’t helping, it’s important to share that with your therapist so you can adjust the plan together or explore different strategies. Your healing journey is unique, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

  • Yes. For every child and young adolescent, we schedule a parent session before meeting the child. The reason for this session is for the therapist to get a broad understanding of the behaviors and/or emotions that are causing you to seek counseling for your child, discuss goals you might have, as well as gather a snapshot of the family and school life of your child. This is also a great time to ask the therapist any questions you may have about the counseling process.

  • Most of our counselors offer evening appointments, but specific evenings vary depending on the clinician. At present, we do not offer weekend appointments.

  • You have up to 24 business hours before the appointment to cancel an appointment without a cancellation fee. If you cancel within 24 business hours before the appointment, you are subject to a fee.

  • Absolutely. Your privacy is very important to us. All information you share in therapy is kept confidential and protected by professional ethical guidelines and laws. There are only rare exceptions, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, where confidentiality must be broken to keep you safe. Your therapist will always explain these limits clearly.

  • Our fee information can be found here.

  • All of our counselors are in-network with many major insurance providers, including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and MedCost. Some of our counselors are on other insurance panels as well. Visit our Fees + Insurance page to learn more.

  • Unfortunately, we do not.

  • Yes! All our clinicians are licensed to provide telehealth services in North Carolina, and several are also licensed in South Carolina. If you’re unsure whether your preferred therapist offers remote sessions in your state, please reach out to them directly—or contact our administrative team. We’re happy to help you find the best fit.

  • It depends on your needs and preferences. For some clients, especially kids and teens, in-person sessions can be more effective for building focus and connection. Others find telehealth more convenient and equally impactful. We recommend talking with your therapist to decide what’s best for your specific situation.

  • Both in-person and virtual therapy have unique benefits. In-person sessions can provide a more immersive experience and may help some clients, especially kids and teens, stay focused. Virtual therapy offers convenience and flexibility, making it easier to fit counseling into a busy schedule or for those who live farther away. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. We encourage you to discuss this with your therapist to find what feels right for you.

  • A good fit often comes down to how safe, heard, and supported you feel in the therapy room. It’s also important that your therapist has experience working with the concerns you’re bringing in. Trust your instincts—if you feel comfortable opening up and there’s a sense of connection, that’s a strong sign you’re in the right place.

  • Different concerns often respond best to specific types of therapy. For example:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety, depression, and OCD.

    • Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR or Somatic Experiencing can help with PTSD and complex trauma.

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is often used for emotion regulation and borderline personality disorder.

    • Family or couples therapy can improve communication and relationships.

    Your therapist will work with you to identify the best approach based on your unique situation and goals.

  • The best professional depends on your needs. Therapists (like counselors or social workers) provide talk therapy and support for a wide range of emotional and life challenges. Psychologists can offer therapy and may also conduct psychological testing. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and treat complex mental health conditions. If you’re unsure, your primary care provider or therapist can help guide you to the right fit.

  • Feeling safe and supported is essential in therapy. If you’re not feeling comfortable, it’s okay to bring that up with your therapist—they’ll want to help you process that or support you in finding someone who may be a better fit. We’re here to help you get the care that feels right for you, even if that means making a change.

  • It’s common to worry about judgment, but seeking therapy is a brave and positive step toward taking care of your mental health. Many people find that those who truly care about them are supportive of their decision. Remember, therapy is a personal journey focused on your well-being, and prioritizing yourself is something to be proud of.

  • Your privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities. Information you share in therapy is protected by strict ethical and legal standards. In most cases, your treatment will not affect your job or future opportunities. If you have specific concerns about confidentiality or disclosure, please talk with your therapist—they can explain how your information is protected and help address any worries you have.

  • No—taking medication is always your choice. Our therapists do not prescribe medication, but we can collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist if that becomes part of your treatment plan. While some clients find medication helpful, many benefit from therapy alone. We’ll work with you to explore what feels right for your needs and goals.

  • Therapy involves working with a mental health professional through talk sessions to explore feelings, behaviors, and coping strategies. Psychiatric medication, prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor, involves using medicine to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions. Some people find that a combination of both therapy and medication works best, but your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs.

  • Not at this time.

  • We do not offer these services at this time. However, we are happy to make referrals for other practices we trust who do offer those services.


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