Frequently asked questions
, ,2here are you located?
My office is at 4402 Lawrenceville Rd., Suite 205, Loganville, GA 30052. The office is located in downtown Loganville in the Logan Center Office Complex.
Do you offer Telemental Health Sessions?
Yes I do. We are changing many aspects of how we handle our daily activities. That is why I am offering Telemental Health for those who feel more comfortable in the safety/privacy of their own home. In person sessions are also available.
What are your rates?
The standard fee for the initial intake is $200.00 (60-90 minutes long) and each subsequent session is $125.00 (45 minutes) or $150 (60 minutes).
Do you accept insurance?
I am a provider with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Aetna and Magellan Insurance. If you choose to use insurance to pay for services, you will be subject to their “rules,” which typically include deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance amounts. I can assist you in determining your benefits and submitting claims on your behalf.
For clients who do not have coverage with these insurance companies, I am more than happy to provide you with an invoice for services which can be used to draw from an employer-provided health fund or to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company. To find out if your insurance company provides reimbursement for therapeutic services, you will need to contact your insurance company directly. Regardless of the outcome of the reimbursement claim, payment in full is due at the time of service.
What types of payments do you accept?
I accept cash, credit/debit cards, and money orders. Some clients also use their health savings plan accounts for payments.
How do I set up the initial appointment?
You may set up an appointment by calling me directly at 1-470-955-6081, or you can email me at cefears@journeybeginscounseling.com. If I do not answer the call, I may be with someone and unable to answer at that time. Please leave a confidential voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible. Another way to contact me is through the Contact Page on this website which allows you to create and send a message to me.
Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
Yes. I know things happen and you may not be able to keep an appointment, so I ask that you provide me with at least 24 hours’ notice. There will be a full session fee charge if this policy is not followed.
What Are Your Office Hours?
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays 9:30-6:30
Friday 9:30-5:30
Sunday 9:00-5:00
What type of clients do you see?
I work mainly with teens and adults on an individual basis. I do provide counseling for couples as well. I also provide groups that focus on substance use/abuse, anger management, and parenting skills.
Do I really need therapy? I have done okay so far by myself.
Life can be difficult even in the best of times, and I am glad you have been successful in handling the challenging situations you have faced. There is something to be said for seeking out extra support from time to time, if needed. Getting a different perspective, hearing another’s viewpoint, being challenged to go a little deeper shows a strength and desire to making a commitment to change your situation.
If you are coming back after some time for a ‘reboot on your overall mental and emotional wellness,’ then you know you are rewarded by how you apply yourself in sessions and the work you do on yourself in-between session.
What can I expect in the First Session?
After you have completed the necessary paperwork, the first session is about us sitting together and allowing the conversation to flow naturally. You can set the pace while you learn to feel safe and trust in me and the process. It can be hard at first to just let your guard down and chat but I am great listener. Between the two of us we can start to draw the BIG picture of where your life is today and discover where you want to go in life. Together we will develop goals to help you find the way to a peaceful and happy life.
After the first session, then what?
Following sessions can go deeper into your concerns and issues, especially as you become more comfortable in the therapeutic relationship. The sessions will be 50 minutes in duration, once per week at a time we agree on, although some sessions may be more or less frequent as needed. You are the captain of your own life, even if you do not feel like it right now. I will help you navigate through each session by making observations from what you are sharing with me. We can work on where you are at that particular moment or venture off on something you feel is more important. Therapy is about being able to identify dilemmas, search out the root causes, use coping skills and new behaviors/attitudes, and being OK to move forward in life, free from the burdens of yesterday.
How often do I go to counseling?
At the beginning everyone begins with weekly sessions. No two people are alike and your unique history, experiences, and goals will help to determine how we design your therapy plan. Therapy may be short term, lasting 6-8 sessions or longer therapy which can last as long as 6 months to years. When you feel you have accomplished your goals and feel content in your life you can leave therapy. Clients are always welcome to come back from time to time to work through a ‘current event. Life is a journey that has many twists and turns that need to be dealt with.
Why are you a therapist?
I often use the phrase “Been There, Done That – I don’t need to do it again!” I have taken a number of detours in my life’s journey that, even though they were not the smartest moves I ever made, they are a big reason I am who I am today.
My favorite Helen Keller quote is:
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of
trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
I cannot make anyone take a different path in their journey, but I can provide experience, strength, and hope along the way. Each step we take is a part of our learning process and I believe each life is the training ground for serenity, peace and fulfillment in the future. I look forward to working with you on your life’s journey.
Call me for a free consultations: 1-470-955-6081.
If you prefer email, please complete the contact form below.