Common Questions About Mental Health Counseling
Our Therapy FAQ Maryland page answers common questions about online counseling, insurance, fees, confidentiality, mental health treatment, and getting started with services.
Getting Started with Online Therapy
How Do I Prepare for My First Online Therapy Session?
Preparing for your first online therapy session is simple. On the day of your appointment, you will receive a secure Zoom link by email. Be sure to use an email address you check regularly. For the best telehealth experience, choose a quiet, private space, use headphones if possible, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and update or install the latest version of Zoom. During your first session, your therapist will get to know you, discuss your goals, and begin creating a personalized plan to support your mental health and well-being.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research has shown that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and relationship challenges. Online counseling offers flexibility, convenience, and access to support from the comfort of your home while maintaining the same therapeutic focus as in-person sessions.
What Technology Do I Need for Online Therapy?
To participate in online therapy, you will need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak comfortably. We also recommend updating your browser or Zoom application before your appointment to help ensure a smooth experience.
Can I Attend Therapy from Anywhere in Maryland?
Yes. We provide online therapy throughout Maryland. As long as you are physically located in Maryland during your appointment, you can participate in virtual counseling sessions with our team.
How Often Should I Attend Therapy?
Many clients begin with weekly sessions. However, session frequency may vary depending on your goals, concerns, and treatment needs. Your therapist will work with you to determine a schedule that best supports your progress.
How Long Does Therapy Usually Last?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some individuals seek short-term support for a specific concern, while others choose longer-term counseling to address ongoing challenges, trauma recovery, relationship concerns, or personal growth.
What If I Don't Know Which Therapist to Choose?
That's completely okay. We can help match you with a therapist based on your concerns, goals, preferences, and availability. Our team works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing a variety of mental health concerns.
Services & Concerns We Treat
What Concerns Do You Help With?
We provide support for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, dissociation, grief, stress, relationship concerns, family challenges, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, and other mental health needs. Our online therapy services are available for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families throughout Maryland.
Do You Provide Trauma-Informed Counseling?
Yes. Our clinicians utilize trauma-informed counseling approaches that recognize the impact life experiences can have on emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, collaboration, empowerment, and respect throughout the therapeutic process.
Do You Provide Therapy for Teenagers?
Yes. We provide online therapy for adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, academic, social, and family-related concerns. Therapy can help teens develop healthy coping skills, emotional resilience, communication skills, and greater self-confidence.
Can Parents Participate in Their Child's Therapy?
Parent involvement varies depending on the child's age, treatment goals, and clinical needs. Therapists often collaborate with parents while maintaining an appropriate level of privacy and trust for the child or adolescent receiving counseling services.
Do I Need a Diagnosis to Start Therapy?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to begin counseling. Many people seek therapy for stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, grief, personal growth, or emotional support without having a formal diagnosis.
Insurance & Payment
What Insurance Plans Do You Accept for Mental Health Counseling and Online Therapy?
EmPower Me Holistic Counseling is currently in-network with Aetna and Optum/UnitedHealthcare for mental health counseling and online therapy services. We are considered out-of-network with all other insurance providers, though some plans may offer out-of-network benefits that can help reimburse a portion of your therapy costs.
Do You Accept Aetna Insurance?
Yes. EmPower Me Holistic Counseling is currently in-network with Aetna for eligible mental health counseling and online therapy services in Maryland.
Do You Accept United Healthcare or Optum?
Yes. EmPower Me Holistic Counseling is currently in-network with United Healthcare and Optum for eligible counseling services.
Can I Use Out-of-Network Benefits?
Possibly. Many insurance plans provide reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify your benefits, reimbursement rates, and eligibility requirements.
How Much Does Mental Health Counseling Cost?
The cost of mental health counseling varies based on the therapist you choose and their level of experience. Session fees typically range from $50 to $300 per session, and individual rates can be found on our provider pages. While we do not offer a sliding scale, all of our clinicians are professionally trained to provide quality, compassionate care, regardless of their rate or years of experience.
Clinical Care & Treatment
Can My Therapist Refer Me for Psychiatric Medication if Needed?
Yes. Our approach focuses on holistic care and symptom management through therapy. However, medication may be beneficial in some situations. If needed, your therapist can refer you to trusted psychiatric providers within our professional network for medication evaluation and management. We view medication as one possible part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan and typically recommend it only when clinically appropriate.
Do Therapists Consult With Other Professionals About My Care?
Yes. To provide the highest quality mental health counseling, our clinicians participate in regular peer consultation and case review meetings. During these discussions, no identifying personal information is shared, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality are protected. Peer consultation helps therapists gain additional clinical insight and support, allowing us to provide the most effective and personalized care possible.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is Therapy Confidential and When Can a Therapist Break Confidentiality?
Yes, mental health counseling sessions are confidential, and protecting your privacy is a priority. However, therapists are legally required to break confidentiality in specific situations, such as when there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or when abuse, neglect, or other reportable concerns must be disclosed under state law. If you have questions about confidentiality, mandated reporting, or your privacy rights in therapy, your clinician will be happy to discuss them with you.
Are Online Therapy Sessions Private and Secure?
Yes. We use secure telehealth platforms designed to protect client privacy and confidentiality. We are committed to maintaining appropriate safeguards to help ensure your personal information and counseling sessions remain secure.
For additional information about mental health and therapy resources, visit the National Institute of Mental Health, here.