FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Starting counseling often comes with questions, especially if it is your first time seeking support. This section provides answers to some of the most common questions about therapy, the counseling process, and what to expect when working with Shore Clinical Counseling. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out for more information.
Do You Accept Insurance? What Are Your Rates?
Shore Clinical Counseling accepts insurance and is an in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and United Healthcare.
Self-pay options are also available. All session fees and applicable copays are due at the time of service.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Consistency and active participation in counseling are important for meaningful progress. At the same time, Shore Clinical Counseling understands that unexpected conflicts can occasionally arise.
Clients are asked to provide at least 24 hours notice if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows the appointment time to be offered to another client who may be waiting for availability.
Missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to a fee equivalent to the cost of a full 60-minute session.
What Should I Expect At My First Appointment?
Your first appointment is a 60-minute assessment that provides an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counseling. During this session, your therapist will gather background information and personal history to better understand your experiences and begin identifying the direction of treatment.
You will also have time to discuss what you hope to gain from therapy so that individualized treatment goals can be established. The first session is also an opportunity to get to know your therapist, ask questions about the counseling process, and learn more about office policies.
Most importantly, the initial appointment helps determine whether the therapist feels like a good fit for you. Together, you and your therapist will begin building a trusting relationship that supports the counseling process.
Will Our Meetings Be Confidential?
For adult clients, the information shared during therapy is generally confidential and will not be released to others without your written consent. Protecting your privacy is an important part of the counseling process.
There are a few situations where confidentiality may be limited by law. These include circumstances where there is reason to believe a child, elderly person, or dependent adult is being abused or has been abused, if there is a threat of serious harm to yourself or another person, or if a subpoena or court order signed by a judge requires the release of information.
In any of these situations, only the minimum information necessary will be disclosed as required by law.
How Does Confidentiality For Minors Work?
For clients under the age of 18, parents or legal guardians may be legally entitled to certain information related to their child’s therapy. At the same time, building trust between the therapist and the adolescent is an important part of the counseling process.
For this reason, efforts are made to maintain a level of confidentiality for adolescents so they feel comfortable speaking openly during sessions. While the specific details shared by the adolescent are generally kept private, parents may receive updates regarding the goals being addressed in therapy and the overall progress being made.
Do You Offer Virtual Therapy Sessions?
While virtual therapy offers convenience and accessibility for some, I choose not to offer remote sessions in my practice. I believe in-person connection fosters a more authentic and meaningful therapeutic relationship, allowing for deeper attunement and engagement that ultimately leads to stronger outcomes for my clients.
Do You Work With Children?
Shore Clinical Counseling has over 25 years experience with children but is accepting clients ages 16 and up.
How Long Does A Therapy Session Last?
The initial intake is a 60 minute appointment. A typical therapy session generally runs from 45-60 minutes.