Frequently Asked Questions

There are many signs that can let you know if you need therapy.   Whether you have experienced some sort of trauma, are going through a life transition or want to work through some unresolved issues, therapy is always a good idea. If you are dealing with negative thoughts, struggling with sleep, having bad dreams, feeling disconnected or anything that doesn't feel like your normal self therapy may be for you.  Therapy is a way to help you heal and move forward. Learn more about each therapy service Pamela  provides for clients and determine if they are a right fit for you.

Prior to your session, Pamela will email you her confidentiality & policy documents to review and sign. During the first few minutes of your initial session, Pamela will go over some of the main points presented within the initial paperwork. After that, the rest of the session will be yours to use to discuss your hopes for services. At the end of the session, you will be given the option to either 

a) Schedule a follow up 

b) Take the week to think about whether you want to schedule a follow up or be referred to a different provider.

c) Decide that you no longer are interested in services altogether

A counseling session typically lasts for 60  minutes, although session length may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Not at this time.   All sessions are provided via Telehealth.  Pamela uses an online video conferencing platform that is both encrypted and secured to provide protection towards your confidentiality.

Therapy is about having a safe space to share, reflect and discuss the different issues that people go through. Unfortunately, there are times when information that is shared may be connected to issues pertaining to risk &/or safety. Licensed therapists are bound to state laws and professional ethical codes that govern them to take necessary steps when they receive reports of abuse, neglect, self harm or harm to others. Due to these regulations, Pamela is considered a mandated reporter. As such, if she becomes privy to information pertaining to risk &/or safety, she is mandated to report these statements to either state department agencies, emergency providers &/or local law enforcement. This must be done in an effort to enhance you and your loved ones safety, while minimizing potential future risk.

Both professions, therapy and coaching, can help you get to a better place than where you began, coaching helps you elevate performance in a specific area.  Whether that be in your career or personal life coaching can help you develop in specific areas. 

Every coaching session is 1 hour (60 mins)

Unfortunately no.  Pamela offers a flat fee rate for all coaching sessions

$150 per counseling session.

$200 per coaching session

Pamela offers a simple, straight forward price for her services. 

Even with her straight forward pricing, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining the total cost of your mental health care cost.

Under the No Surprise Act, health care providers need to give patients, who either do not have insurance or choose not to use their insurance, an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, which includes counseling/therapy.

Because of this, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of counseling services rendered by your therapist (Pamela Andrews, LCSW).

In addition, you have the right to ask Pamela for a Good Faith Estimate, before you schedule an initial session, during your Free 15-min phone call consultation. 

If you ever receive a bill/charge, that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For more information about your right to a Good Faither Estimate, please visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

If you are unable to afford paying for weekly services, out-of-pocket, here are some alternative options: 

a) Bi-weekly or Monthly sessions – Counseling or Coaching services can be provided bi-weekly or once a month. This allows for clients to spread out services in a way that creates more financial balance instead of attending to weekly sessions.

b) FSA/HSA Visa Cards – If your employer has provided you with the option of putting aside pre-taxed funds into a Flexible Spending or Healthcare Savings Account, in the form of a Visa Card, you can use either of these accounts to pay for services as counseling is known as a medical expense.

c) Income-Based Fee Structure for Counseling Services – Depending on your needs, Pamela does have limited slots dedicated to offering her services at an accommodated fee, based on one’s income. During your consultation, please feel free to share your financial circumstances, so she can determine both your accommodation eligibility & if she has any opening slots to offer.

Pamela does not charge late fees. You are still held responsible for paying the fee for her service as the day & time you scheduled was booked exclusively for you, and only you. Pamela provides all clients with a grace period, where she is willing to render a partial session if you arrive no more than 15-minutes late. Please note, you will still be charged a full session rate and no added time will be added to this session. 

Everyone is entitled to cancel/reschedule their session for whatever reason. All clients must contact Pamela (phone call/email) to put in such request within 48 hours of their scheduled appointment. If this request is received before 48 hours, there is no fee. However, if request is received after this timeframe, you will be charged a cancellation fee that is equal to the cost of a full session.