FAQs
Are you open during COVID-19?
COVID-19 has been a source of stress and anxiety for us all. KCBT continues to offer telehealth counseling services during the pandemic through the secure, HIPAA compliant video conferencing software, Therapy App. Our general office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Individual session times are arranged between you and your therapist.
How do I know if I need counseling?
Counseling can be beneficial whether you are experiencing emotional or relationship difficulties, or simply want to explore ways to enhance your current quality of life. Sometimes people are referred to counseling by a doctor, teacher, or other helping professional. Other people seek counseling out for themselves. In any case, counseling at KCBT is voluntary. One sign that counseling may be right for you is if certain feelings or behaviors are having a negative impact on your ability to take care of yourself, do your job, or maintain relationships as well as you used to. Counseling may also be helpful if you’d like to learn ways to improve your social, communication, or problem-solving skills.
What are the risks and benefits of counseling?
The benefits of counseling can be increased understanding, self-esteem, a more positive outlook on life, or the accomplishment goals. Yet, there may also be some risks involved. During counseling, painful memories or feelings can be recalled. Changes you make during counseling may result in changes in relationships with friends or family members. You and your therapist can work together to resolve any difficulties that counseling may cause. Most people find that the benefits of counseling with teletherapy outweigh the risks.
What is counseling like?
The most important part of counseling is the relationship between you and your therapist. While you and your therapist will be in separate physical locations, your therapist will still work to provide you with an environment that’s comfortable and free from judgment. You and your therapist will be connected through a private virtual room, and your therapist will be a licensed professional in the state of Michigan who is able to provide therapy to individuals who are residents of the state of Michigan. When the session begins, your therapist will be able to see and hear you through the camera and microphone on your smartphone, computer, or tablet, and you will be able to see and hear your therapist through the same means. Most scheduling and communication between you and your therapist will occur using Therapy App. Session notes, treatment plans, assessment reports, etc. will also be kept using Therapy App.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?
CBT is based on the idea that our reactions—that is, our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological responses—are not caused by what happens to us, but how we think about what happens to us. With this idea in mind, CBT teaches you to identify the negative thoughts that contribute your feelings, and as well as how to manage your feelings by identifying and replacing negative thoughts. When you first start therapy, your therapist will teach you about the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Throughout the remainder of therapy, you and your therapist will practice identifying your negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and functional ways of thinking. Outside of session you will be expected to complete homework assignments designed to help you practice the skills you learn outside of therapy, with the eventual goal of helping you to become your own therapist.
How much is counseling with some one from KCBT?
KCBT operates on a fee for service basis. This means that we are only paid when a client is seen for therapy. Insurance companies do not pay for appointments that are missed or canceled. Additionally, missing appointments keeps others who need help from taking that time. Because of this, it is necessary to charge for appointments missed with less than 24-hours notice. Current fees for no shows or late cancellations are $50.00. To find out fees for individual, family, or group counseling, please contact the main office at (269) 218-2479.
Do you take my insurance?
Some insurance companies will pay for a portion of teletherapy counseling services. You should check with your insurance company to find out specific requirements and limitations of your coverage. KCBT can attempt to assist you with billing your insurance company; however, payment for services provided through KCBT is ultimately your responsibility. Any services received through KCBT that are not covered through your insurance company will be billed directly to you. Therapists at KCBT are currently paneled with the insurance plans listed below. We also accept private pay clients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Care Network
Priority Health
Optum Health
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment is expected in full for each session at the time of your appointment. If your sessions are covered by insurance, your insurance company will be billed for each session and payment will be sent directly to us from your insurance company. You are responsible for paying any co-pays or co-insurance at the time of service. Payments must be made by credit or debit card, and will be processed by your therapist at the beginning of the session.
Is counseling through KCBT confidential?
Information shared during counseling at KCBT will be kept confidential unless you give written permission for its disclosure, within certain limitations. As licensed professionals, the clinicians at KCBT have ethical and legal obligations to report information in some circumstances. This means that there are instances when your confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. These instances include threats to the self or others, suspicion of abuse (e.g., child or elderly abuse/neglect), insurance reimbursement, and when ordered by the court. Additionally, legal guardians of children under the age of 14 years have rights to their child’s medical information. Some clinicians at KCBT may be under supervision and will therefore be required to discuss your case during the supervision process. Other clinicians may consult with colleagues to assist with treatment planning or case conceptualization. In these instances, all efforts will be taken to protect your confidentiality and maintain your anonymity.
Do you prescribe medication?
Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor. If you believe medication may be helpful in managing your problems, speak to your therapist about it and she will help you determine how to explain your concerns to your primary care physician who will ultimately decide whether or not to prescribe you medication. Primary care physicians often request that patients seek counseling before deciding to prescribe medication. If this is your case, please keep in mind that your therapist will not provide an opinion about whether or not you need medication, but will only provide information about your symptoms and their impact on your functioning to assist your doctor in making his or her own decision.
How can I prepare for my first session?
Your first session is considered a diagnostic or evaluation interview. Prior to the start of the appointment, you’ll complete intake paperwork in order to provide us with your contact information, information to bill your insurance (if you choose to bill through insurance), your medical history, and emergency contacts. You will also be given a checklist of symptoms to help us understand more about your problems, as well as weekly assessments of anxiety and depression.
Once your session begins, you and your therapist will discuss your reasons for seeking counseling and the symptoms you’re experiencing. By the end of this appointment, the following decisions will be made with you:
type of therapy needed (individual, group, family, etc.)
frequency of therapy sessions (weekly, biweekly, etc.)
goals of therapy (what you hope to gain from counseling)
appropriateness for teletherapy (could you be better served in another environment)
Are there any risks unique to teletherapy?
In any virtual environment, there are security risks associated with unintended breaches of personal information. If a breach of information is identified, you will be contacted. There is also the possibility of technology failure, which may result in the inability to complete the session. Complete technology failure is rare, and can be addressed between you and your therapist.