FAQs
[expand title=”Why do therapy?” tag=”h3″]
Life is challenging, and when we’re feeling overwhelmed by it or experiencing difficult problems it takes courage to reach out for support. As a therapist I offer you a safe, non-judgemental environment to explore current struggles, express what causes you pain, expand your awareness of internal and external obstacles, and examine who you are and what’s important to you. The therapy process can help improve relationships, help you better understand yourself, more clearly define your values and goals, solve problems and overcome challenges, and help you move towards lasting life-change. Perhaps you’ve tried to figure it out own your own, but just can’t get there – maybe you’re feeling stuck and need new insight, or some motivation and accountability. Maybe you feel hopeless and desperate for change. I want to offer you hope….I know change is possible! Counseling isn’t just about helping you feel better, it’s also about helping you be your best self and live well.
[/expand]
[expand title=”What should I expect?” tag=”h3″]The initial session is a time for us to meet, and give you time to tell your story – your experiences and concerns. I will listen carefully and ask questions to help you set goals for what you would like to change. Together we’ll formulate a plan for how to make the best use of your time in therapy. This is a shared journey – a shared process. I will not judge you or make decisions for you. I’ll be your sojourner to support, encourage, and advocate for you. We’ll work together towards accomplishing your therapy goals.
[/expand]
[expand title=”When will I see change?” tag=”h3″]We all like quick fixes with little effort. But the truth is, change requires time and effort. Real change evolves with commitment, motivation, and some time to take action steps. Let’s sort out together what kind of change you’re wanting or needing, and how I can help you with that.
[/expand]
[expand title=”How long will therapy take?” tag=”h3″]There’s no set time frame. Some people only come in a few times, many come an average of 12 to 24 sessions, and others stay with me a few years. I’m happy to talk with you about what you’re hoping for with your therapy outcomes.
Ready to get started? Call or email me today and let’s start working together to help you make the changes you want.
[/expand]
[expand title=”What will therapy look like for me?” tag=”h3″]Each session runs 50 minutes and is usually once a week or at least twice a month, depending on needs. I begin and end on time in order to respect both of our schedules. The more motivated and invested you are in your therapy, the greater the outcomes will be. And I’ll be working very hard to get you there.
Call the office assistant at 843-448-4820 today and ask her to schedule your appointment with me. Let’s get to work!
[/expand]
[expand title=”What type of clients do you work with?” tag=”h3″]I primarily work with women – all ages and stages of life. I also work with adolescent females from age 13 to college. Most of the women and teen girls I work with are struggling with: depression, overwhelming stress or anxiety, perfectionism, self-esteem, insecurity, relationship issues, or sexual trauma. I specialize in depression (mood disorders) and anxiety disorders. I have additional focus and training in working with postpartum depression, grief/loss, and sexual trauma specific to women’s wellness.
I also work with couples impacted by infidelity.
Not sure if counseling is the next step for you? Call for a free brief consult to see if working with me is what you’re looking for. I’m happy to answer your questions and look forward to hearing from you soon!
[/expand]
[expand title=”How much does therapy cost?” tag=”h3″]$160 per 60 minute initial session; following sessions are $140.
Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted for payment at time of service.
If you’re self-pay because you do not wish to involve a third party/insurance in your private counseling matters or if I’m “out of network” with your particular insurance company but you want to work with me, a helpful approach to paying your counseling fee is to do bi-weekly sessions. We all invest time and money into things that we want or that matter to us. If you’re seeking counseling, you value health and well-being, and good relationships. It’s worth investing some of your time and hard earned money into what you need and what matters most to you – a healthy state of being and good relationships!
Insurance: I’m an “in-network provider” with several different insurance carriers. Please call 843-448-4820 to speak with the office assistant to find out if we are “in-network” with your particular insurance and to schedule your appointment. The office staff at Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center are very kind and helpful, and will walk you through the process of setting up your appointment with me and completing the necessary paperwork.
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please contact your insurance provider, prior to your appointment, to check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my policy cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
How do I file for reimbursement?
Cancellation Policy: If you’ re unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please contact the office at 843-448-4820 at least 24 hours in advance to cancel/reschedule.
Late cancellation fee/less than 24 hours notice = $35
No Show fee = full cost of the therapy session
[/expand]
[expand title=”Where is your office?” tag=”h3″]
I hold office hours at both the Conway and Myrtle Beach offices of Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center:
Myrtle Beach: Mon – Tues; 10am to 7pm
located at 901 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (located across the street from the Pavilion Parking Garage in the Asbury Building of the First United Methodist Church).
Conway: Wed, 9am to 5pm and Thurs, 2pm to 5pm
located at 198 Long Ave, Conway, SC 29526 (located at Trinity United Methodist Church – office is accessible from the parking lot behind the church).
Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center has 7 office locations throughout the GrandStrand area. To learn more about Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center and the services we offer, visit us at www.coastalsamaritan.org
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
[/expand]
[expand title=”How do I schedule an appointment?” tag=”h3″]There’s no time like the present! Call the office assistant at 843-448-4820 to schedule an appointment. Briefly let us know what you’re struggling with (depression, anxiety, relationship issue, etc) and a couple of dates/times that you’re available to meet. Be sure to let the office assistant know that you’d like to schedule an appointment with me, and the office assistant will be helpful providing you with the paperwork you’ll need to complete before you arrive as well as answer questions about fees and insurance.
If you have questions before beginning, then please call me at 843-448-4820 for a brief phone consultation. I’ll be glad to answer questions you may have about the counseling process to help you decide if I’m a good fit for meeting your counseling needs.[/expand]