Frequently Asked Questions | Full Circle Counseling of Tennessee

1How do I schedule a session?

If you would like to schedule a session simply call me at 615-969-9885 or email me at stephanie@fullcirclecounselingtn.org. I will be glad to talk to you about my availability and set up a session. I am typically available Monday (Columbia, TN) Tuesday, Wednesday (Brentwood, TN) and Thursday (telehealth).

2What do I do if I want to talk to you first before deciding on scheduling an appointment?

I prefer that as well. My number is 615-969-9885 and is listed in my contact information. I am more than happy to discuss over the phone your options to appointments and help you feel as comfortable as possible with the process. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

3How do I get to your office?

Get Directions to my office here

4What can I expect for the first session?

Prior to the first session I will send you a link to my Portal. From there you will need about 20 minutes to complete the documents located within the portal. When we meet for the first time, we will review the documents you completed, and I will answer any questions you may have. At that point we will start discussing your goals for working with me and reviewing with you what brought you to counseling. This process may take 2 – 3 sessions.

If you are coming for couples’ counseling, we will do this process, but additionally, I will ask to have a session with each of you independently of the other.

5How often will we meet?

Because each person is unique, I will tailor the approach used to what works best for you and the circumstance. I have experience and training in several evidenced-based practices like Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), and Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) for relationship or marriage therapy, or any number of counseling approaches. I also have years of experience and life experience.

While this may be a challenging time in your life, I’m solution focused and “strength based,” not focused on a diagnosis. I also recognize you have skills and resources to tap into as well. No one knows you and your circumstance better than you. While you may have hit a few stumbling blocks in your life or relationships, together we’ll work on solutions which allow you to use the resilience and skills you need. I want to help you overcome obstacles to lead the healthier and happier life that you deserve.

6Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance; however, I can provide a receipt each month for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. If you choose to use your insurance, please note that a mental health diagnosis is necessary on the form for reimbursement. I do recommend you call your insurance company and ask about out of network that way you know ahead of time what they allow, what they need to process and how much they will reimburse. You will still pay me upfront and then you are responsible for filing with your insurance.

There are some benefits of this policy. I am not required to give you a diagnosis for the insurance company and sessions are not limited by insurance. This allows us to tailor our sessions to your specific needs. Insurance often does not cover those seeking couples counseling.

If you are using a Health or Flex Saving Account type plan, I can often accept a credit card or check for this purpose. In addition to the tax savings that process may not require a diagnosis.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill 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 questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.

7What is your rate for counseling?

My rate for a standard 50-minute session is $160 for individuals and $175 for couples. I can offer longer sessions and for that we will discuss a rate if that seems to be the most appropriate route to go.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill 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 questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.

8What is your cancellation policy?

Part of the paperwork you will complete prior to the first sessions will detail this very well and we will review in the first session. I do ask that all cancellations be made as soon as possible and those not cancelled prior to 24 hours of the session will be charged my full fee. This allows me time to see if someone else wants to utilize that time slot.

9I am a Christian. Can we bring our religion into the session?

Yes, we can absolutely do that. I am also a Christian and welcome that as something that helps guide our path together in counseling. All you need do is let me know.