What is the difference between therapy and talking to a friend?
Friends are a great source of support and can be very helpful. A good friend, who listens well, is vital in our lives. However, friendships are not one sided, and it may be very hard to be objective. Friends are not trained to see clinical threads or patterns in others lives the way a licensed clinician is.
Unlike in a friendship, therapy is centered around a client’s goals and needs. There is a clear objective and purpose determined. A licensed clinician has extensive education and training to understand relational patterns and human behavior. Therapists follow strict legal and ethical guidelines in order to protect the client’s confidentiality. Because of this safety, most people feel comfortable working through personal struggles with a therapist. A good therapeutic relationship is not a dual relationship, where the therapist shares his/her own personal problems or interacts frequently outside the office with clients. Because of these factors the client is able to focus clearly on themselves and the treatment goals set.
Unlike in a friendship, therapy is centered around a client’s goals and needs. There is a clear objective and purpose determined. A licensed clinician has extensive education and training to understand relational patterns and human behavior. Therapists follow strict legal and ethical guidelines in order to protect the client’s confidentiality. Because of this safety, most people feel comfortable working through personal struggles with a therapist. A good therapeutic relationship is not a dual relationship, where the therapist shares his/her own personal problems or interacts frequently outside the office with clients. Because of these factors the client is able to focus clearly on themselves and the treatment goals set.
What can I expect in therapy?
- In your first session, your therapist will discuss your filled-out and signed paperwork. Your therapist will also explain client-therapist confidentiality and answer any financial questions.
- A parent session is required before meeting with children and teens under the age of 18.
- In your first session, your therapist will do a brief evaluation to understand your symptoms, goals, and needs in order to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
- Your therapist will do their best to go over frequency of sessions and set future appointments with you.
- If your therapist feels they are not the best fit for your needs, they will make recommendations at that time.
- Therapists at Legacy Strategy do not prescribe medication, but if it is determined there is a need your therapist can make referrals.
- A therapy session is an objective therapeutic environment with a specific start and ending time. A treatment plan with clear goals and objectives are developed collaboratively around the client’s goals and needs with the therapist. The therapist educates the client and gives them tools to use to reduce symptoms.
- In therapy, there should be clear boundaries and goals centered only on the client.
- Any questions or concerns can be answered in your first session with your therapist.
- Still have questions about what to expect? Please contact us.
What are your fees? Do you accept insurance?
Fees:
Fees for professional services are based upon the clinician's level of licensure with the State of Georgia as well as their years of experience within the healthcare industry. A reduced fee application is available for those who are in need and are willing to complete a financial disclosure statement. If you would like to fill out a reduced fee application, please talk to your counselor during your first appointment. Cash, Check, AMEX, Visa, and Mastercard are all accepted forms of payment. Payments are due at the time of service.
Insurance:
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please note that we do not file insurance but are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We do, however, accept any flexible spending dollars which are usually loaded onto a Visa or MasterCard type credit card.
Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions to your insurance provider or
human resources manager:
Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions to your insurance provider or
human resources manager:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Good Faith Estimate Notice
Notice to clients and prospective clients:
You have the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ explaining how much your mental health care will likely cost.
Under the law, health care providers are required to give clients 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, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your ‘Good Faith Estimate’, you can dispute the bill. For your records, it is recommended that you save a copy or picture of your ‘Good Faith Estimate’.
For questions or more information about your right to a ‘Good Faith Estimate’, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
You have the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ explaining how much your mental health care will likely cost.
Under the law, health care providers are required to give clients 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, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your ‘Good Faith Estimate’, you can dispute the bill. For your records, it is recommended that you save a copy or picture of your ‘Good Faith Estimate’.
For questions or more information about your right to a ‘Good Faith Estimate’, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
What is Prepare/enrich premarital?
For couples who are engaged to be married, anticipating engagement, or who are married, we offer Prepare/Enrich. Prepare/Enrich is a very effective tool that is used to ensure a stronger marital foundation. This program is designed to help couples by assisting them in understanding their relationship dynamics and how their individual personality traits and family of origin could impact their relationship both now and in the future.
Prepare/Enrich is a program based on a set of five inventories taken by the couple, which examine strengths and growth areas, developed to help the couple improve communication and increase skills for a stronger happier marriage.
To learn more, please visit: www.prepare-enrich.com.
Prepare/Enrich is a program based on a set of five inventories taken by the couple, which examine strengths and growth areas, developed to help the couple improve communication and increase skills for a stronger happier marriage.
To learn more, please visit: www.prepare-enrich.com.
What if I can't make my appointment?
If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, a cancellation fee will be charged.
Do you offer supervision for counselors?
Legacy Strategy offers Clinical Supervision to students and practitioners who are in the process of seeking a Marriage & Family or Professional Counseling License. Please contact us for rates and availability.
