FAQs

How do I schedule a session or consultation call?

You can schedule your initial consultation call by contacting me through email or calling me directly at the contact number listed on the website. In addition you are able to schedule consultation calls and other sessions through the secure client portal located on the website.

Will my privacy and information be protected?

Absolutely! We follow the same HIPAA guidelines that every physical counseling service follows. You don’t have to worry about any of the information you share during a session getting out. Our system uses the latest technology and security features to ensure that your privacy is 100% protected and every piece of information we have about you is safeguarded.

The platform we’ll use to connect is 100% HIPAA compliant and completely secure so you can be sure that our interactions, case notes, and correspondences are covered under HIPAA. FaceTime, Skype, and other similar systems do not meet HIPAA’s standard and therefore will not be used during our sessions. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.

How will I communicate with you during our counseling sessions?

All communication will be done through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. All you’ll need to do is click on a provided link immediately before our arranged session time. You’ll be brought into our virtual space and our session will begin. If it would be more convenient for you, video conferencing can also be conducted using your smartphone.

Phone Sessions are also available, if you prefer to have your session over the phone. Much like video sessions we will schedule a phone call and conduct our session at your selected time.

Email sessions are conducted through a secure and encrypted email platform which protects the information that is exchanged on both ends. When selecting email counseling, the initial assessment and all other paperwork and conversations between us will be conducted through secure email. When you receive an email from me, you will be prompted to enter a password which you select in order to unlock the email to be read. With Email counseling you will have unlimited access to contact me anytime you need, I will respond during normal business hours and guarantee a response within 24 hours or less. This mode of therapy allows you to have more access to your therapist because you have the ability to check in whenever you want and receive feedback often within a few hours.

Why should I choose virtual counseling over therapy at a local practice?

Local practices are great! But virtual counseling does offer certain benefits that are unavailable to you if you only use a local counselor. For example, virtual counseling gives you access to your counselor regardless of where you find yourself. This is especially convenient for anyone who travels often.

In addition, virtual counseling saves you time because you don’t have to spend time in the car driving to your therapist’s office or waiting in her waiting room. Instead, you can simply schedule an appointment and be at your computer when it begins.

Finally, if you’re concerned about privacy, virtual counseling can be a great choice. You don’t have to worry about someone seeing you walking into a counseling office and wondering “What’s wrong with him?” Virtual counseling allows you to access the care you need without the worry of watching eyes.

How can I be sure you’re a legitimate counselor?

When you make an appointment with me, you can be confident that I am fully licensed and accredited. There may be a fear, when accessing services like mine online, that you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks, etc. But you don’t have to worry about that with me.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. In addition, I’m professionally licensed in Georgia as a clinical social worker and my license number is CSW006803.

I hope that knowing this will give you peace of mind when you make your appointment.

How do I know if Virtual Counseling is right for me?

If you’re looking for basic counseling services that will help improve the quality of your life, virtual counseling can be an effective solution for you. Whether you’re dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship problems, spirituality, or something else entirely, virtual counseling works just as well as in office counseling.

However, there are certain conditions where virtual counseling may not be your best option, such as:
If you are a minor or under the care of a legal guardian
If you’re facing an emergency situation
If you’ve been diagnosed with a severe mental illness
If you’ve been advised to be in psychiatric care
If your counseling is a requirement by court order
If you do not have a reliable internet connection or way to access the internet

Why don’t you accept insurance?

When you use insurance to pay for therapy, your therapist is required to provide your diagnosis and treatment notes to your insurance company before they will pay him. This undermines the basic premise of therapy and gives a lot of people access to private health information about you.

In addition, when therapists take insurance, they are required to use treatment methods that are covered by your plan. This means they have less of a say about how to treat you based on your individual needs. Ironically, the people who work for your insurance company and decide which methods of therapy can be used, are usually not even therapists! And they certainly haven’t met and assessed you personally like your therapist has.

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. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.