Frequently Asked Questions

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE OR MEDICAID?

As a single practitioner, I am unable to take insurance or medicaid. I can provide a superbill or invoice receipts to submit with a claim to your insurance company to request reimbursement. Check with your insurance carrier first on how reimbursement claims are handled. I can also take FSA Visa or MC debit cards.

WHEN IS FEE FOR SERVICES DUE?

Session fees are typically collected at the end of session or a credit or debit card can be kept on file for electronic billing through HIPPA compliant payment service, IVY Pay. Mandala Counseling accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Checks. I allow for a one time grace period for late cancel (24 hours prior to an appt) or a no show; however, any late cancel or no shows after that will be billed automatically to the card on file at the full session rate.

HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?

Mandala Counseling offers 60 minute sessions or 90 minute sessions. Sixty minutes is the most common. However, Ninety-minute sessions for couples and families are beneficial as more time is often needed to ensure everyone is heard. This is particularly helpful at the onset of couples and family sessions, or when couples or families' busy schedules prevent them from attending sessions on a more frequent basis.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF SESSIONS?

The goal of therapy is to help our clients lead autonomous lives. So the short answer is, it depends. There are so many things to consider, the contextual lives of each client, e.g. availability, goals, number of people attending, rapport and commitment to the introspective work that leads to effective change. The number of sessions can also depend on the magnitude of the problem and its impact on the individual, couple or family. We work together to determine what progress you are seeing and experiencing inside and outside the counselor's office. A typical example is in the beginning clients may want to come weekly anywhere from 6-8 weeks and then stretch out the time between sessions, e.g. bi-weekly or monthly, but the choice will always be up to the client.

DO YOU USE A SPECIFIC THEORETICAL APPROACH TO COUNSELING?

My approach to counseling is an integrative one rooted in attachment theory, but most importantly, contextual to the needs of the client. I take many things into consideration when working with my clients. I want to understand from their lens, how they experience the world and what experiences shaped that lens, e.g. family of origin experiences, any history of trauma or abuse, loss, our cultural background, etc., all of which affect our present thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Understanding these elements can provide insight into why we are the way we are while empowering us to feel a sense of control that can effect meaningful change.