Better Mental Health.net
. . . Because You Can Get Better

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance?

How often should I come to counseling?

Are things things I can do at home?

Do I have to talk about my trauma or pain over and over?

Do you take insurance?

I am an in-network provider for Premera, Lifewise, and First Choice Health.   If you are insured through one of those companies, you may still have a deductible, co-insurance or co-pay.  Other insurance companies will usually reimburse for my services if you have coverage for out-of-network providers.  If I am out-of-network I will usually collect the session fee up front and provide a reciept that you can use to submit a claim.

How often should I come to counseling?

The typical pace that people like is to come in once per week. This balances out continuity in treatment with schedules and budgets.  There is no set requirement so we can talk about what works best for you.

Are there things I can do on my own?

Absolutely.  I commonly suggest various things for a person to work on as they battle their symptoms.  There is no magic bullet, there is no magic pill that will take all the pain away.  This means that the hour counseling will not balance the other days of the week you are away from the session.  Gaining self awareness, insight and tuning into your emotions all help you succeed in counseling and that takes working on your own too.

Do I have to talk about my trauma or pain over and over?

Most likely we'll have to talk about some of what has happened since I need to know in order to be helpful. However, often there are details that are not important.  When you talk about a traumatic experience and re-feel the associate emotions, they neurological pathways are strengthened.  We want to interrupt and change them so you stop having those thoughts and those feelings.  We will work together to balance the need to understand with your emotional experience.