What can I expect in the counseling/therapy process?
When you first contact me by phone or email, you will either get me in person or leave a message and I will call you back. With our initial phone conversation, we will talk about your reason for seeking counseling. This brief phone conversation will be a time for you to see if you connect with me as the style of counselor for which you are looking. It's essential that you feel comfortable. If I'm not a fit for you, I'm happy to provide referrals for others you can check out as well.
If you decide to make an appointment, I will provide a link for you to sign up for your client portal with my therapy software, Theranest. You will be able to fill out and sign the paperwork on line. The less preferable option is to download forms from my form page and fill them out prior to coming in. It is important to have these forms completed before you come in for your first appointment so that I have a chance to look over your history, in order to correlate essentials from your background with your main reason for coming. If your background history is complex, we may need to cover some of it in our second session. We will discuss your goals and I may identify underlying issues that may be related to helping you achieve the goals you desire.
When you first contact me by phone or email, you will either get me in person or leave a message and I will call you back. With our initial phone conversation, we will talk about your reason for seeking counseling. This brief phone conversation will be a time for you to see if you connect with me as the style of counselor for which you are looking. It's essential that you feel comfortable. If I'm not a fit for you, I'm happy to provide referrals for others you can check out as well.
If you decide to make an appointment, I will provide a link for you to sign up for your client portal with my therapy software, Theranest. You will be able to fill out and sign the paperwork on line. The less preferable option is to download forms from my form page and fill them out prior to coming in. It is important to have these forms completed before you come in for your first appointment so that I have a chance to look over your history, in order to correlate essentials from your background with your main reason for coming. If your background history is complex, we may need to cover some of it in our second session. We will discuss your goals and I may identify underlying issues that may be related to helping you achieve the goals you desire.
Each therapy session is unique to the individual and caters to his or her specific goals. During a session it is customary to talk about concerns and primary issues in your life. Typically, a series of weekly sessions is scheduled initially, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Should individuals be going through particularly difficult challenges, they may request longer sessions or more than one session per week. Sometimes budget restrictions are best served by every other week sessions after initial treatment is established. Short-term therapy may focus on a specific issue or longer term therapy may address ongoing personal growth or more complex issues. At times you may be asked to take action steps outside of the sessions, such as practicing or keeping records of certain behaviors, or reading relevant books. What happens between sessions is critical so that you can process and integrate into your life the content of the sessions. The most effective therapy requires active participation on your part both during and between sessions.
What is the fee for a therapy session? Do you offer reduced fees?
My standard fee is $125 for a 50-60 minute session. I understand that for some, the fee is a road block to getting help. Because I don’t want finances to keep individuals or couples from getting the help they need, I reserve a percentage of slots in my schedule for “scholarships”. If you have significant financial hardship that would prevent you from getting therapy, I can afford to offer a predetermined number of weekly appointments at a reduced rate. For relational counseling, I often request that the couple take on line inventories -- the Gottman Relationship Check Up for couples, or Prepare/Enrich or Symbis for premarital preparation. There will be additional fees for these, that you will be required to pay to the inventory services.
My standard fee is $125 for a 50-60 minute session. I understand that for some, the fee is a road block to getting help. Because I don’t want finances to keep individuals or couples from getting the help they need, I reserve a percentage of slots in my schedule for “scholarships”. If you have significant financial hardship that would prevent you from getting therapy, I can afford to offer a predetermined number of weekly appointments at a reduced rate. For relational counseling, I often request that the couple take on line inventories -- the Gottman Relationship Check Up for couples, or Prepare/Enrich or Symbis for premarital preparation. There will be additional fees for these, that you will be required to pay to the inventory services.
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Do you accept insurance?
I am an approved provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Most insurances do not provide coverage for designated couple's therapy.
What types of payments do you accept?
If you desire to pay by credit card, I use an app called Ivy Pay that allows your credit card to be stored securely. At first appointment, I will have Ivy Pay send you a text and then you can put in your card information for subsequent appointments. You may also pay by cash or check. Checks are made out to Elaine Barron Counseling.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an approved provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Most insurances do not provide coverage for designated couple's therapy.
What types of payments do you accept?
If you desire to pay by credit card, I use an app called Ivy Pay that allows your credit card to be stored securely. At first appointment, I will have Ivy Pay send you a text and then you can put in your card information for subsequent appointments. You may also pay by cash or check. Checks are made out to Elaine Barron Counseling.
What is your cancellation policy?
I recognize that things come up and schedules change. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, as a courtesy please let me know at least 24 hours in advance so I can offer the appointment time to someone else. If you miss a scheduled appointment without providing 24 hour notice, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Grace will most likely be extended for true last minute emergencies.
I recognize that things come up and schedules change. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, as a courtesy please let me know at least 24 hours in advance so I can offer the appointment time to someone else. If you miss a scheduled appointment without providing 24 hour notice, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Grace will most likely be extended for true last minute emergencies.
When you say you provide Christian counseling, what does that mean?
I am undeniably a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, and because I have been so transformed by Him, my identity cannot be separated from my faith. As I have consistently spent time in the study and application of God's Word, many biblical passages have been absorbed into my life. I have found these Scriptures to coincide with various psychotherapy concepts and practices as means to “flesh out” biblical principles in practical ways . I believe that clients who do not share my Christian world view can reap many benefits from the sound life principles that psychotherapy and the Bible have in common.
I am undeniably a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, and because I have been so transformed by Him, my identity cannot be separated from my faith. As I have consistently spent time in the study and application of God's Word, many biblical passages have been absorbed into my life. I have found these Scriptures to coincide with various psychotherapy concepts and practices as means to “flesh out” biblical principles in practical ways . I believe that clients who do not share my Christian world view can reap many benefits from the sound life principles that psychotherapy and the Bible have in common.