Counseling, also referred to as therapy, uses meaningful conversation in a safe context to facilitate learning and foster new, more helpful life patterns.

Counseling/Therapy could be thought of as simply having a meaningful or purposeful conversation. Although there are many theories as to why this has been demonstrated to be an effective way to facilitate change and resolve emotional and interpersonal difficulties, there are three goals of counseling that are especially key:

• Providing an emotionally safe and accepting context in which you can more honestly and openly reflect on yourself, your circumstances, and truth

• Facilitating new understanding or insight into of your own mind and heart, your circumstances, and your relational patterns.

• Offering a purposeful relational experience in which new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating can be discovered.

If you are struggling with emotional difficulties which you may not be able to resolve on your own, or if you are struggling with relational or family difficulties which seem to be headed in a negative direction, counseling/therapy may be significantly helpful.

Etowah Counseling has counselors/therapists trained to assist with:

• Overwhelming and prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness

• Problems that do not get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends

• Difficulty carrying out daily activities such as work and school, with an accompanying decline in performance

• Compulsive participation in harmful activities such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, inappropriate sexual activity, excessive risk-taking, lack of self control in eating or spending, physical or verbal aggression

Etowah Counseling has counselors/therapists trained to assist with relational and family difficulties like:

• Excessive criticism and contempt in disagreements and arguments

• Inability to resolve important disagreements in your marriage

• Escalation from small disagreements to explosive fights with your spouse

• Emotional distance and/or limited time with your spouse

• Infrequent sex with your spouse

• More conflict than collaboration with your child

• Inability to effectively discipline your child

• Dangerous or destructive behavior from your child at home or school

• Your child acts out at home or school in a destructive or dangerous manner

• Your child's academic, social, or personal behavior is consistently and markedly below their apparent potential

Etowah Counseling can also help if you feel that you have plateaued in your emotional, spiritual, marital, or familial growth and need a "tune-up" or "jump start” into something different.

Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what you’re hoping will change, and any important background that helps us understand your story.

There’s no pressure to share everything at once. You can go at your own pace. We may review some paperwork and discuss goals, but the heart of the first session is building comfort and clarity about how we’ll work together.

Many people leave their first appointment feeling relieved — simply because they’ve finally said things out loud in a safe space.

Etowah Counseling has counselors/therapists trained to assist with:

• Overwhelming and prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness

• Problems that do not get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends

• Difficulty carrying out daily activities such as work and school, with an accompanying decline in performance

• Compulsive participation in harmful activities such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, inappropriate sexual activity, excessive risk-taking, lack of self control in eating or spending, physical or verbal aggression

Etowah Counseling has counselors/therapists trained to assist with relational and family difficulties like:

• Excessive criticism and contempt in disagreements and arguments

• Inability to resolve important disagreements in your marriage

• Escalation from small disagreements to explosive fights with your spouse

• Emotional distance and/or limited time with your spouse

• Infrequent sex with your spouse

• More conflict than collaboration with your child

• Inability to effectively discipline your child

• Dangerous or destructive behavior from your child at home or school

• Your child acts out at home or school in a destructive or dangerous manner

• Your child's academic, social, or personal behavior is consistently and markedly below their apparent potential

Etowah Counseling can also help if you feel that you have plateaued in your emotional, spiritual, marital, or familial growth and need a "tune-up" or "jump start” into something different.

Sometimes, yes. Therapy can involve talking about things you’ve been carrying quietly for a long time. That can bring up emotion.

But therapy is not about overwhelming you. It’s about helping you process things safely, with support and structure. Many sessions also include learning practical tools, building coping skills, and experiencing moments of insight, relief, and even hope.

Growth can be challenging at times — but you won’t be doing it alone.

Not necessarily, and not right away.

Some concerns are rooted in past experiences, and exploring those can be helpful. Other times, therapy focuses more on present challenges and practical strategies for moving forward.

You are always in control of what you choose to share. Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

Yes, we offer secure online sessions for clients who prefer the convenience of meeting from home or another private location.

Teletherapy can be a flexible and effective option for many people. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to protect your privacy and confidentiality.You are always in control of what you choose to share. Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

The relationship between you and your therapist matters deeply. If at any point you feel the fit isn’t right, we encourage you to talk about it openly.

Sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference. And if needed, we are happy to help connect you with another provider who may be a better match.

Your comfort and progress are more important than anything else.

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled appointments and are not designed to replace emergency services.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or feel unsafe, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

For urgent but non-emergency concerns between sessions, we can discuss the best way to communicate and what support options are available.

Insurance coverage varies depending on your specific plan and not all therapists at Etowah Counseling are credentialed and able to bill insurance companies.

In instances where insurance can be used, some plans cover mental health services fully or partially, while others require copays or deductibles. We can help you understand what information you need to check with your insurance provider and explain how billing works within our practice.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

Our office hours vary by provider and availability. Collectively offer appointments Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 8:00pm. However, your individual therapist may not have availability for all these days or times. If you have specific scheduling needs, we’ll work with you to find a therapist who can serve you at a time that fits your schedule.

We ask for a 24-hour notice for cancellations to avoid fees. Full details about scheduling and policies are provided before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. Because they attend medical school, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and monitor how it affects both the brain and the body.

Psychiatrists often focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and managing medications for concerns like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mood or thought disorders. Some psychiatrists also provide therapy, but many primarily offer medication management.

If someone believes medication may be helpful as part of their treatment, a psychiatrist is typically the right professional to consult.

Psychologist

A psychologist usually holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in understanding human behavior, emotions, and how the mind works.

Many psychologists specialize in psychological testing and evaluations, which can help clarify diagnoses such as ADHD, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and more. Psychologists also provide therapy using research-supported approaches to help people better understand themselves and create meaningful change.

In the state of Georgia, psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Counselor/Therapist

“Counselor” and “Therapist” are broad terms for licensed mental health professionals who provide counseling and psychotherapy. This can include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and others.

Therapists work closely with individuals, couples, and families to address challenges like anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, grief, life transitions, and performance concerns. Therapy is a collaborative process focused on understanding patterns, building practical skills, strengthening relationships, and moving toward healthier, more confident living.

Therapists do not prescribe medication, but they often collaborate with physicians or psychiatrists when medication is part of a client’s care.

Master’s Level Interns

Additionally, we consider ourselves a “teaching practice” and consistently have multiple Master’s level students working their internships at Etowah Counseling. These individuals are working towards licensure as a counselor/therapist and are well-trained by their university. These students work under the supervision of a licensed therapist at Etowah Counseling to ensure best practices and service to their clients.

Unfortunately, no. Medications can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist who is a medical doctor or psychiatric nurse practitioner with a supervising medical doctor. At this time, Etowah Counseling does not have a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner on staff.

Your therapist can discuss potential needs for medication and can offer a number of psychiatrist referrals who will be able to assist you.

Finding the right therapist is an important step. Therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and respected. It’s completely okay to ask questions before committing. Here are some helpful ones to consider:

1. What is your experience with my specific concern?

If you’re seeking help for anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, or performance stress, it’s helpful to know whether the therapist has experience in that area.

2. What approach or methods do you use?

Therapists may use different approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, or other trauma-informed methods. You can ask how they typically help clients create change and what sessions usually look like.

3. What does a typical session feel like?

Some therapists are more structured and goal-oriented. Others are more exploratory and conversational. There isn’t a “right” style — what matters is what feels like a good fit for you.

4. How do you measure progress?

It’s helpful to understand how your therapist tracks growth and how you’ll know therapy is helping.

5. What are your credentials and licensure?

You can ask about their education, license type, and how long they’ve been practicing. A licensed therapist should be in good standing with their state board.

6. Do you collaborate with psychiatrists or other providers if needed?

If medication might be part of your care, it’s helpful to know whether your therapist coordinates with other professionals.

7. What are your policies regarding scheduling, cancellations, and fees?

Understanding the practical details helps prevent surprises and supports a strong working relationship.

Most Important: Do I Feel Comfortable?

Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of success. After a session or consultation, ask yourself:

• Do I feel heard?

• Do I feel respected?

• Do I feel safe being honest here?

If the answer is yes, that’s a very good sign that you are with the right therapist for you.

Yes, unless your therapist is obligated by law to disclose information for the protection of you or other persons.

Information shared in a professional counseling setting is considered privileged and confidential. Our therapists follow the strict ethics, rules, and laws of our professional governing bodies regarding confidentiality. We understand the sensitive nature of your situation and understand that sharing about your personal and family struggles is difficult; we desire for you to feel safe when sharing.

According to the rules and laws governing mental health professionals in Georgia, there are some instances in which your therapist may be obligated to disclose information you share in order to protect you or other persons. In such a situation, your therapist would be required to break confidence by filing a report or take protective actions should you disclose something to them that leads them to conclude that you are at imminent risk for harming yourself, another person, or if a child or elder has suffered physical or sexual abuse.

We value getting you into see a therapist as soon as possible.

While we can often have an individual connected to their therapist in a matter of days, your appointment will typically be not longer than two weeks from your initial call.

However, if you are requesting a specific therapist, their schedule may occasionally require a longer wait for an appointment, and in some cases, that therapist may not be taking new clients. In that event, we will work to connect you with a therapist who has the personality and training fit for your needs.

In the beginning, weekly sessions are recommended in most cases.

In cases where a person’s safety is at risk, biweekly — or even more frequent sessions may be needed to ensure well-being.

In some cases, over the course of your therapy, you may shift to biweekly or even larger gaps in between sessions as you navigate the later stages of therapy.

Research suggests that somewhere between 8 and 26 sessions offer the greatest benefit for individuals receiving therapy. However, because each situation is different, it is difficult to predict how many sessions may be needed to help you reach your goals.

You and your therapist will have conversations at the beginning and throughout your therapy discussing your progress and goals. These conversations will keep you informed of the counseling process and ongoing estimates of length of care.

Yes.  All offices are wheelchair accessible for both adults and children. Additionally, there is a ramp from the parking lot into the lobby of our office. Additionally, we have a an accessible restroom available.

If you need special accommodations due to a physical limitation, please speak to your therapist or the administrative team before scheduling an appointment.

YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AGAINST SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS

When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.

What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs,     such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.

“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care - like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.

You are protected from balance billing for: Emergency services

If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable  condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center

When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections  not to be balance billed.

If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance  bill you unless you give written consent and give up your protections.

You’re never required to give up your protection from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.

When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:

• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.

• Your health plan generally must:

  • Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).

  • Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.

  • Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.

  • Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact the Secretary of State’s office at (404) 656-2881

Visit https://www.cms.gov/files/document/model-disclosure-notice-patient-protections-against-surprise-billing-providers-facilities-health.pdf for more information about your rights under Federal law.