FAQs

What are the benefits of private pay?

Choosing to pay privately (without insurance) helps to ensure your utmost confidentiality and privacy when working together. We do not need to release your records to any third party without your consent. Also, when using your insurance, we must diagnose you with a mental health condition that will become part of your medical record. If you choose to pay privately, information about the nature of your treatment and the issues discussed in sessions will remain solely between you and your therapist. Thus, it is important to consider which option you prefer and are most comfortable with prior to beginning treatment.

What is the cancellation policy?

Therapy sessions are scheduled in advance and it is a time reserved exclusively for our clients. When a session is cancelled without adequate notice (24-48 hours before scheduled session) we are unable to accommodate other clients by offering that time slot, waitlist clients, or a client with a clinical emergency. A full session fee will be changed for a missed or late cancelled (less than 24-48 hours before the scheduled session) appointment. Sessions can be canceled ahead of time by you through the client portal.

HSA, HRA, & FSA

Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s), Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA’s), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) can be used to cover the cost of therapy and often decrease the cost of treatment significantly.

Tax Benefit

Healthcare services, including psychotherapy, may be exempt from taxes in Florida. You will not need to pay anything on top of the session fee. Furthermore, therapy costs may be written off on your income taxes. It is recommended that you speak with an accounting professional to determine if a deduction would apply to you.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. You will receive this within your consent forms before beginning therapy services at Exhale Counseling Center, LLC. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

 For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises. 

I’m not sure I’m ready to start treatment. How can therapy help me?

Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies that are different from talking to a friend or family member. They can provide a non-biased, educated perspective on a difficult problem you may have or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how much you put into the process and practice what you learn. Some of the benefits of therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values

  • Developing skills for improving your relationships

  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

  • Improving communications and listening skills

  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve problems with your family, partner, or work

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting your self-confidence

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. Our therapists tailor their therapeutic approaches to your specific needs. To learn more about how your online therapy sessions are structured, please click here to learn more.

How will I meet with my therapist?

Our therapists provide online counseling services through HIPAA compliant formats. We will provide you with all of the links before your first session, all you need is a laptop or phone with video conferencing capabilities and to give access to your webcam and microphone during our sessions.

Is couples counseling provided?

Yes, Dr. Vanessa specializes in providing couples counseling for couples and pre-marital counseling through PREPARE/ENRICH.