Welcome

 

I'm honored you're considering Gathered Embers Counseling & Recovery.

Beginning therapy often comes with a mix of emotions—hope, uncertainty, relief, and sometimes anxiety. My goal is to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible so you know what to expect before we begin.

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Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions new clients have about getting started.

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​​​Individual Therapy

 

Most individual therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes in length. Early in recovery, meeting weekly is often the most helpful way to build momentum, establish healthy routines, and develop a strong therapeutic relationship. As recovery progresses, session frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and goals.

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Group Therapy

 

Recovery often grows stronger in community. If group therapy is appropriate for your stage of recovery, we'll discuss whether one of the recovery groups offered through Gathered Embers may be a beneficial addition to your individual therapy. Participation in group therapy is never assumed but considered collaboratively based on your treatment needs and recovery goals. Group therapy sessions are approximately 90 minutes in length. 

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Virtual Therapy

 

Gathered Embers Counseling & Recovery currently provides therapy exclusively through secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth services. Clients must be physically located in the state of Georgia at the time of each appointment.

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To help sessions be as productive as possible, I recommend:

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• A private, quiet location

• A reliable internet connection

• A device with a camera and microphone

• Minimizing distractions whenever possible​

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Fees & Payment

 

Fees for therapy services are discussed before your first appointment. Payment is expected at the time services are provided unless other arrangements have been made. If you have questions regarding fees, payment methods, or insurance, I'm happy to discuss those with you before scheduling your first session.

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Insurance

 

I am an in-network provider for most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. While I may not participate directly with your insurance plan, many clients are able to use out-of-network benefits. Upon request, I can provide documentation that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I can also provide information on how to look into out-of-network benefits. 

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Insurance and Diagnosis

 

Insurance reimbursement requires a DSM mental health diagnosis that accurately reflects a client's symptoms and establishes medical necessity for treatment. Compulsive sexual behavior is not currently a DSM diagnosis. During the assessment process, I will determine whether you meet criteria for another DSM diagnosis that appropriately describes your clinical presentation. I do not assign diagnoses solely for the purpose of obtaining insurance reimbursement. If you do not meet criteria for a billable diagnosis, we will discuss self-pay options and other available resources.

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Scheduling Hours

 

I schedule clients Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm.

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Before Your First Session

 

Prior to your appointment, you'll receive electronic intake forms that include:

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• Client Information

• Informed Consent

• Telehealth Consent

• Financial Agreement

• Practice Policies

• Additional clinical questionnaires, when appropriate

 

Completing these forms before your appointment allows us to spend more of our first session focusing on you rather than paperwork.

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Cancellation Policy

 

Life happens, and sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to the practice's cancellation policy.

Additional details are provided in your intake paperwork.

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Confidentiality

 

Your privacy is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship. 

Information shared during therapy is confidential except in situations where disclosure is required or permitted by law, such as concerns involving imminent risk of harm, abuse or neglect reporting requirements, or court orders. We'll review confidentiality and its legal limits together during your first appointment so you have a clear understanding of how your information is protected.

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A Final Word

 

Recovery is rarely about finding a quick solution. It is a process of learning to understand yourself more honestly, developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges, and becoming increasingly free to live with integrity, connection, and hope.

 

Whether this is your first experience with therapy or you've been here before, I'm grateful you're considering taking this next step. I look forward to the opportunity to work together.