How do I know if I, or someone I love, needs counseling?
Coming to see a counselor is sometimes a difficult decision for most people. Meeting with a counselor can be helpful when you feel that you need additional support or would like an objective view about your concerns. Counseling can also help with resolving ongoing conflicts, talking about feelings of grief or loss, finding ways to help you feel less anxious about certain situations, and talking about constant feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression that just won’t go away. A counselor can help you understand those experiences and move beyond them so that you no longer feel controlled by them.
What will happen when I come to counseling? What should I expect from the first meeting?
At your first meeting with your counselor, you will be asked to talk about your concerns and what you feel needs to change for your situation to improve. You may be asked to discuss any medical issues that may contribute to your concerns and how you feel things have changed over the past few weeks. Generally, counseling is a time for you to talk with someone who doesn’t know you well and can give you open feedback and help you look at the situation from a different perspective.
How long will I have to go to counseling?
Depending on your situation and how long it has been going on, some people see a counselor for a couple of months and other people meet with their counselor for several months…it’s really up to you and when you feel you have met your goals. On average, people meet with their counselor for about 12-15 weeks, either once a week or once every two weeks.
What about confidentiality?
With a few exceptions, the things you talk about with your counselor remain confidential. We respect your right to privacy and do all that we can to maintain confidentiality with our clients. The exceptions to confidentiality will be discussed at your first meeting so that you are fully aware of your rights.
What is different about Families ETC?
Since Families ETC is a training clinic, counselors are supervised by professional counselors and psychologists. This supervision happens in different ways and allows the counselors to have even more insight and skills to address your concerns. This means you get the benefit of having two counselors in just one session! Feel free to call the clinic or ask your counselor about how this supervision occurs.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance payment at this time. Our fees are kept relatively low and are based on the individual or family income. Clients are not turned away because of limited income.
How long is an appointment?
50 minutes.
What are your appointment fees?
We offer appointments on a sliding fee scale.
Does anyone in your office see children?
Yes, all of the counselors see children. When a child needs counseling, the counselor will work with the parents or primary care-giver to determine if counseling with the child individually or with the family would be most effective.
Do you offer appointments times in the evenings?
Yes, we offer both daytime and evening appointment times.
Can your Counselors testify in court?
Counseling is focused on personal growth and change. Counselors help clients reach the goals that clients set. Because of this, counselors are not investigating situations or making judgments about what would be best for the client. Our experience has shown us that counselor testimony is rarely useful in court cases.
Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Not at this time.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and credit card payments are accepted.
How do I set up an appointment?
You can make an appointment by calling 208.467.8837. If you call during the weekends or a staff member is unavailable, you can leave a message on our private answering machine and someone will return your call on the next business day (Monday – Thursday).