FAQ's
This is a list of questions and answers that are frequently asked during an initial counseling session. If you are new to counseling, we hope that these answers may help you understand what to expect so that your first session can be even more productive.
- What does “confidentiality” mean?
- How many sessions will I need to see you?
- Can you be a Facebook friend with me?
- What is Pastoral Counseling?
- Can we adjust the fee?
- Do we take “Access”?
- What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
- How long do you think I'll be in counseling---how long will this take?
- Does insurance cover testing?
- Do you work on weekends and/or evenings?
- How long does therapy usually last?
- What is faith-based counseling and what if I don’t want to bring this into therapy?
- How much personal detail do you write in your notes?
- Do you have an anger management group?
Responses to FAQ's
What does “confidentiality” mean?
Faith Counseling Center falls under the same confidentiality requirements as your other medical providers do. We adhere to the governments
HIPAA laws which sets out specific requirements for healthcare
professionals.
How many sessions will I need to see you?
The number of sessions varies with the therapist and the reasons you want to see a therapist. On average the number of sessions for clients ranges from 8-12.
Can you be a Facebook friend with me?
When establishing a therapeutic relationship as therapist and client, it is necessary to develop boundaries. The availability of a therapist to a client via Facebook provides an opportunity for the therapeutic boundaries to be compromised.
What is Pastoral Counseling?
Pastoral counseling involves the integration and interfacing of theology and psychology in a psychotherapeutic relationship. Individuals who are pastoral counselors are dually trained in theology (religious education) and modern psychological approaches in behavioral health. A pastoral counselor is respectful of all faith/spiritual traditions in the counseling process.
Can we adjust the fee?
Based on the information received from an individual, it is possible to reduce our fees. Each case is on an individual’s situation and the information shared regarding need. The exception would be when the client is using insurance for payment. Fees cannot be adjusted in combination of insurance use.
Do we take Access?
Faith Counseling Center does not accept AHCCCS for re-imbursement of services. Other organizations throughout the state accept AHCCCS and we can provide information to reach them.
Do you have an anger management group?
Yes, Faith Counseling Center does provide an anger management group that meets the requirements of the Arizona Court System for mandated
anger management education. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about the time, meeting place and fees to join.
How long do you think I'll be in counseling--how long will this take?
For each person who contacts the center, the length of the journey to the point of asking for help varies. The journey through counseling also varies. Some people may be seen for the average number of appointments as stated above, 8-12, but others may take longer to resolve and feel healthy again. Others come back after therapy to “tweak” a few areas.
Does insurance cover testing?
Often times an insurance company representative states that there is coverage for testing. It has been our experience testing costs are not covered by the majority of insurance policies, but assessment, sometimes confused with testing is covered. If you need testing, you will be advised to contact the insurance carrier and asked to obtain diagnosis codes, hours and amounts, that are authorized for testing.
Do you work on weekends and/or evenings?
We have several counselors that will work non-standard hours to help support their patients. Please contact us to determine if this will work for you.
How long does therapy usually last?
Each session is approximately an hour in length and the number of sessions is unique to each client.
What is faith-based counseling and what if I don't want to bring this into therapy?
At FCC faith-based counseling is one aspect of counseling that can be provided. Rooted in faith, respectful of the diversity of faithful expressions and responsive needs, we at FCC invite you to a therapeutic experience of the healing journey. Many therapists on staff are dually trained and educated in theology and psychology, but often are asked to not include “faith” in the counseling process. The staff at FCC respect all clients whether their journey includes a faith perspective or from a completely secular perspective and adjust to the clients wishes.
How much personal detail do you write in your notes?
The therapy notes are private notes that are reference points for the therapist’s sessions and would not be considered copious in nature. Therapists make notations because they are required, but are minimal to identify topics and areas to address.
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Faith Counseling Center offers both counseling and psychotherapy. While very similar in some aspects, they are also very different in
others. A counselor is working with you in an advisory role and often suggests ways for you to deal with a particular symptom or
problematic situation. Psychotherapy must be provided by a trained professional and tends to focus on a patients thought process rather
than a specific symptom. If you are interested in a more detailed response please refer to this topic on the
About.com website.