Frequently

Asked

Questions

What is therapy and do I need it?

Therapy is a counseling method that helps a person learn about their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and how these factors influence their lives. It also offers ways to help reframe their thinking and their response to stress.

Therapy includes educating people about their mental health disorder, emotional regulation, and stress management.

A Therapist will recommend treatment, coping strategies, and skills to help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, abandonment, self-esteem issues, relationships, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, grief and loss, and trauma.

Mental health professionals can offer several types of psychotherapy including: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Interpersonal therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Narrative therapy (NT), Exposure therapy (ET), and Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

How do I pay for therapy sessions?

We offer many options for payment. We accept insurance from Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, United Health: Commercial, Choice Plus, Choice, UMR, All Savers Plan, Golden Rule; Optum: UBH General, Ohio Exchange, Oscar Health Plan, Oscar Small Group Plan;.

Other forms of payment we accept are major credit/debit cards, health spending accounts, Venmo, and Zelle.

How do I find a therapist?

Picking a therapist that is right for you can be challenging. It is important to know that the therapist is licensed, educated, and experienced. It is recommended to read the therapist’s information page (website, Psychology Today, etc) and see what the therapist is trained and experiences in, as well as what they are is knowledgeable about.

How will we measure success?

This is a good question because you want to be completely informed throughout the entire therapeutic process. This process begins by creating a Treatment Plan that includes goals, objectives, and interventions. The Treatment Plan is created together with you and the therapist. If you agree that the Treatment Plan is on target to meet your needs, you will continue through therapy in an effort to reach the goals set in your Treatment Plan. Throughout the process the therapist will conduct assessments that inform both you and therapist of your progress. These assessments also help to discover your strengths and good qualities as well as your needs and concerns.

How do I get in touch with you?

We can be reached by the “Contact” page on this website.

We also can be reached by any of the following:

Phone: (614) 782-2013

Email: mary@counseling2hope.com

Website: https://www.counseling2hope.com

Telehealth Sessions: All of Ohio, Florida, and Virginia

Location for in-person sessions in Ohio with Mary: 175 South Third St., Suite 200, Columbus, OH  43215 

Location for in-person sessions in Florida with Joel: 10021 Water Works Lane, Riverview, Florida 33578

Psychology Today:

Mary Thompson LPCC, LMHC, LPC: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/mary-thompson-counseling-2-hope-llc-columbus-oh/480321

Dr. Joel Bergman EdD, LMHC, CAP, SAP: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/joel-bergman-riverview-fl/236034

https://www.psychology

When can we have sessions?

Counseling 2 Hope is available Monday – Saturday with the following hours:

Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00pm, and Friday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00pm

Please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.

Further fears and concerns

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Yes, all your information is kept in the strictest of confidence. This confidence will be broken under certain circumstances such as when there is risk of imminent danger to yourself or someone else. In this case your provider is ethically bound to take necessary steps to prevent such danger.

Can I decide to see a different therapist?

Yes, you can choose to see a different therapist anytime you choose.

What if I don’t want to talk about something?

You have the freedom to talk about anything you desire and to keep anything you choose as personal. A good therapist will not try force you to talk about something you do not wish to share. You are encouraged to be who you truly are and not the person you think your therapist would like to see.

Will you think I’m “crazy”?

Your therapist should never think you are crazy, weird, or anything that comes from negative thoughts patterns. Therapists are trained to teach others healthy positive patterns of thought. Therefore, a well-trained and psychologically fit therapist will already have developed a healthy mindset for themselves and therefore will be able to meet you right where you are at.

Will you get tired of hearing me talk about the same things over and over again?

Alway keep in mind that you therapy session are all about you. It is not about the therapist and how they feel. It is the therapist job to make you feel comfortable and earn your trust. Therefore, the experienced therapist will not get tired of you repeating things. As a matter of fact, it actually helps the therapist to know more about you.

Will there be any written record of what I say and what happens to that record?

Yes, there is therapy notes and progress notes. Therapy notes are private and never shared with anyone. This is the personal notes the therapist writes down that may contain the therapists own personal thoughts. Progress notes contain treatment, diagnosis, medications, and other pertinent information, but not what you have shared with your therapist.

Client Rights

and

Responsibilities

Client Rights

  • Select a professional counselor who meets your needs.

  • Receive specific information about your counselor’s qualifications, including education, experience, national counseling certifications, and state licensure.

  • Obtain a copy of the code(s) of ethics your counselor must follow.

  • Receive a written explanation of services offered, time commitments, fee scales, and billing policies prior to receipt of services.

  • Understand your counselor’s areas of expertise and scope of practice (e.g., career development, adolescents, couples, etc.).

  • Ask questions about confidentiality and its limits as specified in state laws and professional ethical codes.

  • Receive information about emergency procedures (e.g., how to contact your counselor in the event of a crisis).

  • Ask questions about counseling techniques and strategies, including potential risks and benefits.

  • Establish goals and evaluate progress with your counselor.

  • Request additional opinions from other mental health assessment professionals.

  • Understand the implications of diagnosis and the intended use of psychological reports.

  • Obtain copies of records and reports.

  • Terminate the counseling relationship at any time.

  • Share any concerns or complaints you may have regarding a professional counselor’s conduct with the appropriate professional counseling organization or licensure board.

Client Responsibilities

  • Adhere to established schedules. If you must miss an appointment, contact your counselor as soon as possible.

  • Pay your bill in accordance with the billing agreements.

  • Follow agreed-upon goals and strategies established in sessions.

  • Inform your professional counselor of your progress and challenges in meeting your goals.

  • Participate fully in each session to help maximize a positive outcome.

  • Inform your counselor if you are receiving mental health services from another professional.

  • Consider appropriate referrals from your counselor.

  • Avoid placing your counselor in ethical dilemmas, such as requesting to become involved in social interactions or to barter for services.

***Client Rights and Responsibilities are taken directly from The National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc.***

NBCC Client Rights and Responsibilities