Frequently Asked Questions
about Psychotherapy
What is counseling and psychotherapy?
Counseling and psychotherapy are both collaborative processes between you and a trained, licensed, or certified professional who is dedicated to helping you navigate challenges in your life. While there are some distinctions between the two, both involve talking through the issues that are affecting you in a safe, supportive environment.
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based approaches, all designed to maximize your strengths, identify and work toward specific goals, and help you develop a healthier self-perception. Through counseling or psychotherapy, you’ll explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be causing difficulties, while gaining tools and strategies to create meaningful, positive change in your life.
You are always encouraged to discuss with your therapist the specific approach they use and how it can best support your individual needs.
When should you seek psychotherapy or counseling services?
At some point in life, most people benefit from support beyond what friends or loved ones can provide. Professional counseling or psychotherapy can help when challenges start to feel overwhelming or interfere with daily life. Some signs it may be time to seek help include:
Work, school, or other responsibilities feel unbearable or overwhelming.
You find yourself withdrawing or isolating from others.
Concentration and focus have become difficult.
Activities and hobbies you once enjoyed no longer bring pleasure.
You avoid responsibilities through alcohol, drugs, excessive screen time, or other distractions.
Sleep problems or constant fatigue interfere with daily life.
Appetite changes or irregular eating patterns occur frequently.
You feel sad, anxious, or irritable more days than not.
Relationships feel unsatisfying or strained.
You have recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
You engage in behaviors that may be harmful to yourself or others.
It’s important to remember that many problems can be addressed effectively with a relatively short course of therapy, and waiting until you are completely overwhelmed is unnecessary. Seeking professional help early allows you to regain control, build coping skills, and prevent difficulties from escalating.
What kind of problems can a therapist or counselor help me with?
Our therapists and counselors work with individuals, families, and teens to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Common issues include:
Anxiety, stress, and excessive worry
Depression, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness
Family, marital, and relationship difficulties
Adjusting to life transitions
Grief and loss, including the death of a loved one
Career changes or job-related stress
Social and emotional challenges related to disability or illness
Parenting difficulties and support for raising children
Coping with neurodevelopmental or cognitive challenges, such as autism spectrum diagnoses
Substance use or addiction
Trauma, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other traumatic experiences
Eating disorders and related concerns
Our approach is tailored to each individual, helping clients build coping skills, improve relationships, and develop strategies for lasting emotional well-being.
Does going to THERAPY mean that I am sick or there is something wrong with me?
Absolutely not. Many challenges people face—stress, relationship struggles, grief, or life transitions—are common and normal, even if they feel difficult to manage. Just as someone might work with a personal trainer to improve physical health or fitness, working with a counselor or therapist is a practical, effective way to gain support, develop skills, and overcome obstacles in your life.
How long does psychoTHERAPY take?
The length of counseling or psychotherapy varies depending on the nature of the concerns and your personal goals. For most issues, therapy typically ranges from four to twenty sessions, with eight to twelve sessions being most common.
Sessions are usually one hour each week or every other week, and your therapist will work with you at a pace that feels comfortable while supporting your progress. Some insurance plans may limit the number of covered sessions, so it’s helpful to check with your insurance company and our office staff if you have questions about coverage or payment.
Will my health insurance cover counseling?
The length of counseling or psychotherapy varies depending on the nature of the concerns and your personal goals. For most issues, therapy typically ranges from four to twenty sessions, with eight to twelve sessions being most common.
Sessions are usually one hour each week or every other week, and your therapist will work with you at a pace that feels comfortable while supporting your progress. Some insurance plans may limit the number of covered sessions, so it’s helpful to check with your insurance company and our office staff if you have questions about coverage or payment.
How much does it cost?
Coverage for counseling or psychotherapy varies depending on your insurance plan. Many plans cover a portion of sessions, though some may have limits on the number of visits.
Our office is happy to assist you in understanding your coverage and answer questions about payment. We recommend checking with your insurance company as well to confirm benefits for outpatient mental health services at our clinic.
Is everything I say private?
Yes. At Marriage & Family Health Services, protecting your confidentiality is a top priority. All of our licensed and certified professionals follow strict ethical and legal standards to ensure your information remains private.
Your sessions are confidential within the client/counselor relationship, and any disclosure of information requires your written, informed consent and is limited to a specific purpose and time. The only exceptions are situations where there is a clear and imminent danger to you or others, or when legal requirements mandate disclosure, such as in a court case.
Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you in your first session, so you fully understand how your privacy is protected.