FAQs about Online Counseling

in The Woodlands, TX, St. Charles, MO, and Evansville, IN

How long does each therapy session take?

Weekly therapy sessions typically last 45-50 minutes.
For child or teen sessions, the child will meet with the therapist individually for most of the session. A little bit of time at the beginning or end of the therapy session may be used to speak with the parent and to schedule the next session. If more time is needed, separate parent sessions can be scheduled.

How much does a session cost?

Calm Centered Counseling, LLC charges $150 per session and is out of network network with insurance companies. A Superbill may be provided to you upon request so that you can submit the claim to your insurance company for possible reimbursement based on your plan. Reimbursement cannot be guaranteed but some clients find that partial reimbursement is available to them or session fees count towards their deductible. A mental health diagnosis may be required for insurance reimbursement. For an easy way to submit your claim to your insurance and get reimbursed quickly according to your insurance plan, try the Reimbursify app.

A small number of sliding scale therapy appointments are available to those who need it. I work with Open Path Collective for a limited amount of reduced fee agreements for those who are members. If a reduced counseling rate is needed, contact Calm Centered Counseling to fill out an income-based reduced fee assessment or Open Path Collective application.

Please note: Clients have a right to a Good Faith Estimate of costs of mental health services they will receive. You have a right to request one and one can be provided to you at intake. 

How do I prepare for the first session?

You will get access to the client portal where you can accept terms, agree to consent forms, and fill out information to get a better idea of who you are and what is bringing you or your child to counseling. After the therapist reviews this information she will contact to to schedule the first appointment! For children and teens, the first appointment can be be completed with the parent and child.

Some people are nervous for their first therapy appointment, but don’t worry, you do not have to tell me everything in the first session. Therapy takes time and you can get more comfortable opening up as we continue counseling over the next several months. In the first session I may ask you several questions to get to know you better and to better understand what you are seeking help with.

It is recommended that you test out your device prior to the session to make sure your video, audio, sound, and internet connection will be successful for teletherapy sessions.

You will get a link to the client portal in your email. You can also find the link to enter your email address to access the portal here: https://calmcenteredcounseling.clientsecure.me 

How can I contact Calm Centered Counseling?

You can reach me through email at Jenna@CalmCenteredCounseling.com or send a message through the website with a way to reach you. You may also reach me by calling (502)-430-2256. If you reach voicemail please leave a message including a way to get back to you and I will contact you during business hours as soon as I am available. My business hours are Monday -Thursday 3pm - 8pm and I am in central time zone.

What types of problems do you help people with?

I host individual psychotherapy sessions with clients who have experienced strong emotions, trauma, loss, relationship problems, and major life changes. I provide therapy to kids and teens as well as therapy for adults. My main areas of focus include anxiety, relationship issues, and the needs of highly sensitive people. In counseling for children, I use virtual play therapy to help kids who have experienced trauma and loss, have difficulties with school and/or peers, and show signs of anxiety, anger, or depression. Play therapy is used to help kids express themselves in the most comfortable way for them to communicate and learn. Play is necessary for growth and healing and can be conducted with teens and adults too.

What therapy techniques do you use?

I like to personalize counseling and use aspects of several therapy approaches . My go-to techniques come from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Nature Therapy, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Solution Focused Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Expressive Art, Sand Tray Therapy and Non-Directive Play Therapy. 

I like to use creative approaches when it benefits clients in order to be able to fully express themselves and explore their emotions and challenges, past and present. This can include mindfulness activities, guided imagery, writing, drawing, painting, using online sand trays, online art, or incorporating music. Other times, I may provide information and techniques to help you communicate, problem solve, or manage stress, anxiety, anger, depression, or painful past memories.

Do you prescribe medication?

While I am a licensed therapist, I am not a psychiatrist or medical doctor so I cannot provide medication. I can help you talk through your thoughts on finding a doctor and taking medication for mental health conditions.

Where do I go for sessions?

All therapy is provided online. This means you don't have to go anywhere and can stay in the comfort of your own home while doing therapy! You will need reliable internet connection or phone service and a private, comfortable place to hold sessions. You will need to be located in Missouri, Indiana, or Texas at the time of the counseling session due to state social work licensing regulations. 

What are the benefits of Online Counseling?

There are so many!

• It has been researched to show virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy (Here is one study that shows this: Hilty, Ferrer, Parish, Johnston, Callahan & Yellowlees. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: A 2013 review. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 19, 444–454.)

• It can be more convenient. It is easily accessible. You do not have to sit in traffic or find your way to an office, also reducing travel time needed for appointments. You can take less time off of work, school, or away from family, or fit the session in during work or school breaks. You can stay home and have  session if you or your kids are sick. You have more flexibility for scheduling sessions.

• You can create your own comfort and privacy, which reduces anxiety and stigma. 

• You can  show more of your life to your therapist which helps them get to know you and your strengths and challenges. You can show them things you like in your home, your pets, and practice coping skills with the tools you have and will use at home. 

• You have access to more therapists since you can choose anyone licensed in your state, not just those near you.

• Online Play Therapy benefits kids and teens by allowing them to express themselves and try new things in ways they are most interested and most comfortable with using online sand tray, digital art, music, videos, and virtual games. Traditional playful and creative techniques can also be used online with favorite toys and supplies your child already has at home.

Are you taking new clients?

New client therapy appointments can be scheduled for those located in Texas, Missouri, or Indiana. Contact Calm Centered Counseling at (502) 430-CALM to schedule.

Contact Me

If you have any other questions please reach out. I know it can bring on a lot of feelings when calling a counselor, but I’m not here to judge. We can spend 15 minutes on the phone and discuss how I can support you or your child. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to guide you in finding a counselor who is better able to help.

Contact me here to learn more about online counseling in The Woodlands, Texas, online counseling in St. Charles, Missouri, online counseling in Evansville, Indiana, and online counseling statewide.