How long will it take to get in for my first appointment?

Most of our clinicians are currently accepting new clients and have openings within a week or so. We want to get started with you as soon as we can so that you can get on your way to finding some relief.

What happens in the first session and what can I expect from counseling?

During your first session, your counselor will review your intake paperwork, review informed consent and disclosure, and discuss the counseling process and expectations. You will be able to talk about the reasons you are seeking counseling. You and your counselor together will develop a plan to resolve the issues that brought you to counseling.

Many clients feel a sense of relief after the first session, being able to get some things out in the open. Counseling can also be hard work, though, and sometimes clients feel discomfort after those initial feelings of relief. This is expected as change can be uncomfortable, but distressing feelings are a normal part of change. The cliche is true, that sometimes things feel worse before they feel better. But we are here to support you in that process! You can expect to be respected, heard, and valued.

Do you accept insurance?

Our clinicians are out-of-network providers. This means we do not contract with insurance companies. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it may be possible for services to be covered in full or in part by accessing your out-of-network benefits. We can provide you with a “Superbill,” and information necessary for you to submit to insurance for reimbursement.

Please contact your insurance company to verify how your plan compensates you for counseling services. Visit our ‘Rates and Insurance’ page for help with asking the right questions.

If for any reason your insurance company denies the claim for services, you maintain responsibility for full payment to Boise Counseling Center.

Why do I need to pay at the time of each session if my insurance plan has out-of-network coverage?

Since we don’t contract with nor bill insurance companies directly, they will send their payments directly to you once you have submitted your claim, if you are eligible. Upon request, we will provide you with a “Superbill” that will detail your procedure code (CPT) and your diagnostic code. You need this information to complete your claim.

The only way to know if you have coverage is to contact your insurance company and ask if they will cover you for out-of-network benefits for the clinician you will be seeing here at Boise Counseling Center. It helps to be specific about the kind of service you are seeking, like individual, group, or couples counseling. You also might want to see if they have different benefits for certain types of issues such as addiction counseling, family concerns, etc. Please contact your insurance company to verify how your plan compensates you for counseling services. Our ‘Rates and Insurance’ page has suggestions for questions to ask when contacting your insurance company.

How long does counseling take?

This is a great question. How long it takes depends on what concerns you want to work on, how in-depth you want to address the concerns, how much the problems impact you, and for how long they have been bothering you. Some clients come in for a shorter time to consult on a very specific concern, address solutions to less complex problems, or for support with maintaining existing coping skills.

Other clients wanting to learn new skills, styles of communication or interaction, or with multiple concerns may come in for an extended period of time. Some clients continue to get benefit from longer-term counseling and will come for a year or longer.

How will I know when I’m done with counseling?

Though you and your counselor will discuss when to end counseling, it is always up to you to determine when you are done.

You will be finished with counseling when you have reached the goals you set for yourself and are able to maintain the changes without counseling support. Many clients finish counseling and then return every so often for ‘maintenance,’ or some may return years later for a new ’round’ of counseling to address new concerns.

Is counseling totally private?

State laws and ethical codes require that your counselor keep your information private and confidential. However, there are some exceptions that require your counselor to disclose some information about you. These exceptions are as follows: if your counselor suspects abuse, neglect, or abandonment of a child or vulnerable adult; if your counselor believes you are in imminent danger of seriously harming yourself or others; if you sign a release of confidential information giving permission for your counselor to communicate with another provider (coordinate care with your doctor for example), or there is a court order (from the judge) requiring the counselor to disclose information in a legal proceeding. Additionally, if you choose to use your insurance benefits to pay for counseling, then your counselor may be required to provide confidential information about you to them.

I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to counseling weak?

Not at all. Knowing when you need help and having the courage to reach out is a strength. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, we’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of your problems.

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

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.

Counseling is confidential. You won’t have to worry about others knowing your “business.” Additionally, sometimes if you’ve confided in a friend or family member and then eventually start to feel better, you might start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. Confiding in a counselor can help you preserve relationships and keep your support system in tact so that they’re there when you need them.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective, but medication 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 the strengths that 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. We tailor our therapeutic approaches to your specific needs and will do our best to work at your pace. Please remember that your participation and commitment to counseling is crucial to your growth. You get out what you put in!