Do you provide telehealth counseling services?
Yes. We use a secure and HIPAA-compliant web based platform to provide live, interactive audio/visual counseling sessions. These sessions follow the same basic format that an in-person session would, and they are billed in a similar manner. We prefer to have initial sessions in our office whenever possible, but we will work with your needs.
Is therapy right for me?
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes people who find help at Pathways have struggled with personal and emotional difficulties that they haven’t been able to resolve on their own. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, marital & relational issues, parenting, child & adolescent concerns, substance abuse, addictive behaviors, trauma, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions. During times of acute personal crisis; individuals, couples and families can turn to Pathways Counseling Center.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools you need to move beyond present challenges and circumstances.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress, trauma, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual's specific goals. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around 60 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People reach successful outcome in therapy when they are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards change, and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect during therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Faith Integration (if desired)
- Perspectives to reveal persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine the best option for yourself. It is well established that medication alone is not a long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause. Instead of just treating symptoms, therapy addresses the causes of our distress and problematic behavior patterns. You can best achieve sustained growth and progress with an integrative approach that includes both therapy and medication.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Pathways is a fee based professional counseling service. While our counselors are in-network with many insurance carriers, it is wise to contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. As a courtesy to our clients, we submit insurance claims for you. In the event that you do not possess insurance or have limited coverage, we will make every effort to accommodate your situation. For more details, go to our "Rates & Insurance" page.
Is therapy confidential?
The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality required by law: Exceptions include:
- Suspected abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.