Frequently Asked Questions
Is my problem big enough for therapy?
Yes. The number one fear for first time clients is that their issue isn’t big enough to warrant therapy. At Counseling Associates, our philosophy is your problem is just as big as anybody else’s. Whether you’re dealing with a profound lifelong trauma, a recent relationship issue, or just a feeling that something is “off,” your experience is valid and asking for help is the right decision.
Will therapy solve my problems for me?
Therapy is about helping you find your own answers. Our counselors walk alongside you to build the confidence and tools you need to navigate what’s ahead. Some things can’t be changed, but the way you carry them can. That’s what we help you discover.
Will I be rushed through my session like “just a number”?
Absolutely not. We actively avoid overbooking our counselors to ensure that they are able to have the energy and capacity to be fully present, intentional, and to provide you with the high-quality care you deserve.
If I reach out online, when will I hear back?
If you submit an inquiry through our contact form (even if its at 2:00 am) you can expect to hear back from us within 24 hours on the next business day. You also have the option to choose whether you prefer us to respond via phone, email, or text to best protect your privacy.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept insurance. We are in network with many companies including Blue Cross & Blue Shield/Wellmark, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare, Iowa Medicaid, and more! We also offer an income-based sliding scale fee for those without insurance coverage. We offer services regardless of your ability to pay.
What if there is a community emergency or crisis?
In addition to our standard sessions, we provide Crisis Counseling and Community Education. This includes going out to provide debriefing and support for Fire, EMS, Police, and schools following community tragedy. We also speak to local groups to educate and promote awareness of mental health issues.
How do I know if I’m ready for therapy?
You are ready for therapy if a life problem is sitting on you in an overwhelming or oppressive way, or if you are simply dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed, struggling, insecure, confused, or dissatisfied with where you are in life.
Many first-time clients delay getting help because they fear their problem is insignificant or too small compared to others. Our philosophy is: Your problem is just as big as anybody else’s.
Whether you are navigating a loss, a relationship issue, or just feeling dissatisfied with life, your experience is valid and reaching out for help is the right decision.
How do I know which therapist is right for me?
Finding the right therapist is about finding someone you can personally trust to be competent and present. We encourage you to look through the photos and read the bios of our therapists. Pay attention to who resonates with you. You might connect with someones experience, approach, personality, or the specific concerns they specialize in.
If you’re unsure, thats completely okay. Our team is happy to help guide you based on what you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to work on.
If my child is coming to therapy, am I allowed to know what is talked about?
Because your child is under 18 you have the right to know what is going on in their healthcare and you should be involved because you spend much more time with them.
However, sometimes there is value in your child having a space where they can talk about things that matter to them that they might not want to talk with someone they know personally or are close to; this is no different than the reason most adults come to therapy.
Because of that, we generally won't tell you everything we talk about unless we run it by your child first. If there is a safety issue or something I think you need to know about we absolutely will talk with you.
Likewise, if there is something you think we need to know about, please let us know between visits by email, phone call, or coming to the visit to talk for a few minutes.
How long will it take me to feel better? How do I know when we are done?
There is no single timeline – our goal is to help you learn how to solve your own problems. Depending on what you are facing, your time with us might vary.
Short-term counseling: If you are seeking answers for a specific, immediate problem, you may only need a few sessions to find your path forward.
Long-term therapy: If you are dealing with deeper, long-standing issues or trauma, the process with take longer as we work through layers of experiences.
Ongoing maintenance: Some clients choose to never truly be “done.” They view therapy as ongoing mental health maintenance and visit us once a month or once a quarter simply to maintain a trust connection and monitor their well-being.
Progress often involves learning radical acceptance – the ability to become comfortable with being uncomfortable and coexisting with the things you cannot change. You will know you are making progress when you build the confidence to do what you need to do in your daily life.
