How do I setup an appointment?

There are several ways to schedule an appointment, so you can choose the option that’s easiest for you.

Phone: 256-342-6107. We do our best to answer phone calls, but if you get the voicemail that means we are either in session or simply away from the phone. Please feel free to leave a message on our confidential voicemail, or TEXT the phone, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Email: info@house-counseling.com

We also have our online form.

What happens during the first session?

This will vary depending on how comfortable you are. The purpose of the first initial session is to begin establishing a safe and connected relationship with your Therapist. It is an opportunity for you to determine if you will be comfortable with the person sitting in front of you. After several sessions, if you do not feel your assigned Therapist is a fit, please let us know and we can adjust you to a new Therapist or refer you out to another Therapist in the area.

How long does counseling take?

I hate to say this, but it depends. The purpose of therapy is to create a safe and secure space you can return to when you need to refocus. Ultimately, Counseling is controlled by YOU.

How much does it cost?

Counseling sessions are 55-minutes in length and cost $140 per session. Acceptable forms of payment include check, cash and all major credit and debit cards. Your payment will be taken upon arrival and before session begins.

We also offer a “Pay What You Want,” option provided by Deanna Brewer, MA ALC in the Rainbow City Office.

If you have questions about my fees, please contact us at 256.342.6107, info@house-counseling. com, or through my online form.

Do I take insurance reimbursement?

Yes! While filing of insurance claims is a courtesy that we extend to our patients, all charges are your responsibility from the date that services are rendered. It is your responsibility to know any stipulations of your insurance such as co-pay amount, need for referral forms, deductibles, and need for treatment pre-authorization. For example, your insurance company may require that you have your sessions authorized prior to being seen for the first time. You will need to check for and obtain initial authorizations otherwise you will be responsible for the payment. In addition, you will need to keep track of the number of sessions allowed; if this amount is exceeded you will be responsible for the payment.

  1. Please inform us immediately of any change in insurance coverage, employment, address, and phone numbers. Changes in insurance coverage could result in your sessions not being reimbursed by your insurance company, and then you would be responsible for the charges.

What if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session time. You will be responsible for the full fee and charged for the time reserved when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance. Your appointment time is reserved for you; we do not double book appointments. Therefore, we have to charge you if you fail to show up for an appointment or if you cancel less than 24 hours before the appointment. You will be billed for the session ($140.00) since this charge cannot be billed to your insurance company. This also applies to any Telehealth sessions. Failure to keep appointments and failure to cancel with appropriate notice may result in the following consequences:

  • Notification to your DHR caseworker, when applicable.

  • Loss if preferred appointment time.

  • Termination of services.

Will my sessions be confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a key component of the counseling relationship, allowing you a safe place to work through personal issues. Your right to confidentiality will be carefully maintained and will not be disclosed without your written permission, except in the following cases:

  1. We have reasonable suspicion that you are a threat of harm to yourself or others.

  2. You disclose abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or disabled person.

  3. We are ordered by Court of subpoena in which we will continue to do my best to protect your record.

  4. You have a case with DHR, we must report your progress, or lack thereof, to your caseworker.

You may communicate with us through text messaging or telephone. I ask that you keep your correspondence to “housekeeping,” type issues as I have no ability to ensure your confidentiality through any means other than face to face.

Your files will be kept electronically and maintained through secure password only software. Should you find that you need a copy of your record, we will gladly provide that. There will be a $15.00 administration fee plus $0.50 per copied page.

Does seeing a Therapist mean I am weak or flawed?

Entering into a therapeutic relationship is one of the STRONGEST things you can do. Mental Health continues to suffer due to the collective stigma that encompasses the profession. We live in a society that tells us we need to “have it all” while appearing to “have it all together.”  We urge our Clients to view therapy as a healthy way to invest in themselves and their relationships, just as one might invest into a 401k or a college education to be better equipped for the future. Therapy is no different. It is a choice to make a proactive change in order to better yourself, your life and your relationships. Therapy is an investment in yourself that allows you to heal from past wounds, grow into the person you aspire to be, and thrive in your life and relationships.