Open Mind Counseling

Effective

Confidential

Convenient

Affordable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do couples therapy?

Yes. If the couple uses the same email address. If the couple is, say, separated and using two separate email addresses, then confidentiality for each individual would apply and this would not be considered couples therapy. Live chat,  telecounseling and videocounseling are also avenues for couples therapy

What about family therapy?

The same principle as couples therapy holds. A family of 4 could utilize one email address. They can together write out their situation and send it in. The response will address that family situation. The response could be read together and discussed as a family. Live chat, telecounseling and videocounseling are also avenues for family therapy.

Is distance counseling better than in person counseling?

It depends a lot on the person.  The major difference, which can be a plus or minus depending on the person, is the heavy reliance upon the written word in email  and live chat counseling. Those who like to write/type, know how to use email and instant messaging, can read well and are able to express themselves better in writing/typing than in speaking would probably like text based online counseling better than regular face-to-face counseling. Add to that the convenience and flexibility of email counseling vs. having to drive to and from a counselor's office, often at some time during normal working hours, and you have a couple of significant positives for online counseling. Live chat affords many of the benefits of email counseling but without the time delay and tele/video - counseling works well for those who do not like to type or read and yet like the convenience of distance counseling.

Who should not do online counseling?

Obviously, those who don't know how to type or use email/messaging would not fare well with text based online counseling. The same is true for those who are not able to read well. However, document readers are available which can transpose written computer documents into the spoken word. Those who express themselves much better in person than on the page would find online text-based counseling awkward and, perhaps, impersonal. Although, such people may find telecounseling and/or videocounseling acceptable, and more convenient than traditional face to face counseling.  Individuals in an active state of psychiatric crisis, who are suicidal or who suffer from severe mental illness should be seen in person in their local community.

What are standard rates for online counseling ?

Most online counseling services use one of two major fee schedules for text based services: fixed fee or word bank. The fixed fee rates range from $25 - $75/session. In some cases, the fee may be higher, depending on the complexity of issues at hand or if research is required. Quantity discounts are often available wherein a client may purchase a group of email exchanges for a reduced rate. The word bank approach allows a client to purchase a set number of words, say 1500 or 3000 for a set fee which may range from $35 to $250, depending on the banked amount of words purchased. The client can  then draw on that amount of words in one long email or many short emails. Live chat and tele/video counseling sessions are commonly charged at the rate of $1 - $2/minute, $60 - $120/hour, or more.

How many sessions am I allowed?

You can have as many sessions as you like. There is no limit. However, Open Mind Counseling is highly solution focused. It is believed that a person will not take the time or spend the money over insignificant issues and that once those issues of genuine concern are resolved, which they will be, there will be no more need for continued sessions - relating to that particular issue.

Do you accept insurance?

Although I do take insurance in my home state for in-person face-to-face counseling and therapy, most insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for online services, especially considering that online therapists may be out of the consumer's state. You are welcome, and encouraged, to contact your insurance carrier to inquire about payment for online counseling services.

Click here when ready to initiate online counseling

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