Where are you located?
I am located inside Auburn Office Space, which is off North Dean Road. It’s a discreet location shared with other professionals (CPAs, builders, etc.). The building offers ample parking and quiet, comfortable waiting areas. The building, restrooms, and my office are all handicap accessible.
How do I know if I need counseling?
If you are unsatisfied with any area of your life, therapy can be beneficial. Seeking help is difficult for most people, and we can all benefit from therapy at different points in life. If you’re questioning whether therapy could help, that curiosity alone is often a sign that support may be beneficial.
I’m still just not sure counseling really works. What can you tell me that will address my skepticism about the process?
First of all, it is okay to be skeptical. Many people who seek counseling have tried it before and found it wasn’t the right fit, or they never imagined themselves in therapy at all. Finding the right therapist matters.
Counseling is a collaborative process—you’re partnering with someone to improve your life. If there were ever an investment that required trust, it’s the therapist–client relationship. I use evidence-based approaches, meaning the methods I use have been researched and shown to be effective. I also believe in ongoing evaluation and regularly check in with clients to ensure therapy is meeting their needs.
If you’re still unsure about counseling in general, I’m happy to recommend additional reading or discuss your concerns directly.
How confidential are my sessions?
Sessions are strictly confidential, and I adhere closely to professional ethical standards regarding privacy. Communications between counselor and client are privileged and safeguarded. Information is not released to anyone (parents, professors, employers, or authorities) without your written permission, except in rare circumstances required by law (such as risk of harm to self or others, abuse reporting, or court order).
Do I need to do anything before the first session?
Yes. Prior to your first session, all intake paperwork must be completed through SimplePractice. Your insurance information (if applicable) and a credit or debit card must also be entered into the system before services can begin.
How do I get the most out of therapy?
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- Help me, help you. Be willing to try new things and to make changes outside of session. I’ve heard fitness coaches say, “I can’t out-train a bad diet.” The same goes for therapy. It can be powerful, but growth happens when insights are applied in daily life.Additional tips:
- Be open: Therapists are trained to ask good questions, but we aren’t mind readers.
- Be prepared: It can help to reflect or write down what’s bringing you in.
- Ask questions: Understanding the process helps you feel more comfortable.
- Be honest about your feelings: Share your reactions to therapy itself—this helps guide the work.
- Help me, help you. Be willing to try new things and to make changes outside of session. I’ve heard fitness coaches say, “I can’t out-train a bad diet.” The same goes for therapy. It can be powerful, but growth happens when insights are applied in daily life.Additional tips:
How do I pay?
Before your first session, we will determine whether you are paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If using insurance, my team provides a courtesy insurance verification, which offers an estimate of coverage and copay. Please note that estimates are not guaranteed, and final responsibility is determined by your insurance company after claims are processed.
Copays and out-of-pocket balances are automatically charged through SimplePractice at the end of each day unless otherwise arranged. Cash and checks are also accepted, though a card must still be kept on file.
What happens during the first session?
During the first session, we’ll review initial paperwork and explore what brought you to counseling. We’ll also discuss your goals and hopes for therapy.
It’s normal to feel nervous—first sessions often go by quickly. This is your time. We can move at your pace, and you don’t have to share everything all at once.
I think of the first session as a dance: you lead, and I follow your tempo. If you’re unsure where to begin, I’ll provide guidance.
How often will we meet?
Frequency is ultimately your choice. After the initial session, I may recommend a cadence based on your needs. Many clients attend weekly or biweekly sessions. If you are pursuing EMDR therapy, weekly sessions are recommended to support continuity and progress.
What is your rate? Do you accept insurance? Do you offer a reduced rate?
Sessions are billed as a clinical hour (53-60 minutes).
- Out-of-pocket rate: $140 per clinical hour
- In-network with: Blue Cross Blue Shield and Uprise
- HSA/FSA accepted
If I am not in-network with your plan, you may choose to file as an out-of-network provider, depending on your benefits.
At this time, I do not offer a sliding scale or reduced rates.
Are you LBGTQ+ affirming?
Yes. I am Safe Zone trained and committed to providing an affirming, respectful space for LGBTQ+ clients. While I do not claim to be the expert in your lived experience, I honor my clients as the experts on their identities and experiences.
Do you offer learning disability assessments or psychological assessments?
No. If you are an Auburn University student, please contact the Auburn University Psychological Services Center at (334) 844-4889, located in Cary Hall. Otherwise, a local psychologist can assist with assessments.
Do you provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?
No. I do not provide ESA letters.
While licensed mental health providers can legally write ESA letters, I do not offer this service. ESA determinations require specific disability-related evaluations, and current research on ESAs shows mixed and limited evidence of benefit. If you believe an ESA may be appropriate for you, contact your insurance provider or seek a clinician who specializes in disability evaluations and documentation.
Standard Notice: Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges
Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
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 bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or 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 email Deborah with Shelby Sipe Professional Counseling at pettus.deborah@therapysecure.com