FAQs

How can counseling help me?

We believe that most if not all of us can benefit from counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem solving skills and coping strategies for a wide range of issues. Counselors, being objective, can provide a different and sometimes new perspective on a problem that you have been struggling with. Benefits of therapy depend on your commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include, boosting self confidence or improving self esteem, improving communication skills, learning/finding new coping skills, attaining a better understanding of yourself, changing old patterns and developing new ones, or managing your emotional feeling such as sadness, anger or other highly charged emotions you may be feeling.

How long can I expect to be in counseling?

Counseling sessions are typically 45-55 minutes, while groups run longer per session.  Clients typically meet on a weekly or bi weekly basis depending on the client’s needs. Length of time while in counseling will depend on the individual client’s circumstance. The counselor and client will determine that together. 

What is the difference between a mental health therapist/counselor/psychologist, and psychiatrist?

As mental health therapists (or counselors) the scope of treatment is talk-therapy. Counselors must be working toward or have their masters degree, and participate in yearly continuing education.  While psychologists also provide counseling services, they also provide psychological testing for schools, courts and other entities. A Psychiatrist has attended medical school and tend to focus their treatment on understanding the diagnosis  for the purpose of managing a psychological condition with medication. If your counselor feels that you may benefit from medication, she or he will provide you with a referral to a prescriber. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specialists in behavior. If medication is necessary, typically in these clients, medication and talk therapy are used together. Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy. 

What are the letters behind the counselors name?

Each of our counselors falls under one of the following titles:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - A licensed professional counselor has met all state requirements for licensure and has provided a minimum of 3200 hours of counseling post graduate. This is one of the highest credentials offered in the state of Arizona for private counselors.

Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) - A licensed associate counselor has met all state requirements for licensure including all education requirements (Masters Degree) and supervised internships. Associate counselors have passed all required state and national exams. Most  associate counselors are working on the 3200 hours of counseling for advanced licensure.

Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP)/ Masters in Counseling Interns (MC Intern) - A Paraprofessional/MC Intern is a Master's level counselors who has met all educational requirements for the state of Arizona. However, these counselors are in the process of completing the required state and national exams for associate licensing. Paraprofessionals - Paraprofessionals are supervised by licensed professionals. They are trained and authorized to do the same work as a licensed counselors while under this supervision.

Mindfulness Coach -A Mindfulness Coach has a degree in mental health and is certified in understanding the benefits of meditation to manage emotions and stress. A Mindfulness coach will help you increase awareness, learn and utilize skills to live in the moment, and develop a mindfulness practice that works for you.

Do you accept insurance?

Our Licensed Professional Counselors are independently contracted with several insurance plans, as well as offering cash pay services. Our Masters Level Clinical Interns are on a cash pay basis. With higher deductible plans, our cash pay rates may be more affordable, as well as offering privacy, availability, and alternative treatment modalities. Often times, clients can utilize their Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for counseling. With most HSA's, the client will be given a debit card to utilize for transactions. It is recommended that the client keeps receipts for IRS purposes. With FSA's, the client can ask the counselor for a superbill and receipt for submission for reimbursement, but most of the time, they will be required to pay up front. Please consult with your insurance company to verify benefit eligibility. Please contact us with any questions on what would be the most beneficial way to get started!

Will the counselor tell me how to "fix" my problems?

Counseling is not a quick cure for your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns; to examine your options; and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set. Counseling, like life, is a process. We strive to help you learn to trust this. 

What if I cry during my session?

There’s never a need to apologize for any emotion expressed at Core Balance Counseling. All emotions are welcome and an important part of the healing and self-discovery process. Our counselors will provide a safe place for you to laugh, cry, and share your most sacred thoughts and feelings. If you do cry, we commend you for your vulnerability and your commitment to showing up for yourself plus, we bet you’ll feel better afterwards! 

How often should I meet with my counselor?

It really depends on the service you’re seeking. While most of our counselors will prefer to meet with you weekly,  we’re here to meet you where you’re at and your counselor will guide you in determining the best rhythm for you to meet wellness goals. 

What if I need to cancel my appointment? 

Core Balance Counseling has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Your appointment time is reserved especially for you and our counselors appreciate advance notice so they can prepare accordingly. Thus, cancellations less than 48 hours in advance are subject to the full fee for the appointment. You can call/text your counselor or call our admin team at 480-912-4691 to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

What is your billing phone number if I have a question about my bills?

Please call 480-912-7201  or text 201-975-4771