Common Questions
Why counseling?
People come to counseling for all kinds of reasons, and no concern is too big or too small. Whether you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, struggling with relationships, navigating self-esteem challenges, or facing life transitions, we're here for you. Some people worry that their problem isn't “big enough” for therapy, but if something is on your mind, it matters. You deserve support, no matter where you are in your journey.
Are you LGBTQIA+ supportive?
Our counseling office is a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. We honor and celebrate all identities, expressions, and experiences, and we are committed to providing compassionate, affirming care tailored to your unique journey. Whether you're navigating identity exploration, coming out, relationships, mental health challenges, or simply seeking a space where you can be fully yourself, we are here to support you with respect, understanding, and without judgment. Your experiences matter, your feelings are valid, and you deserve a therapist who affirms and uplifts you. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here.
Are services covered by insurance?
Therapy services may be covered fully or partially by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. To understand your coverage, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider and asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- What is my deductible, and has it been met?
- How many therapy sessions are covered per calendar year?
- What is my coverage for an out-of-network provider?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Do I need approval from my primary care physician?
We also accept cash, checks and credit cards as payment methods.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
We understand that unexpected things happen. However, we kindly ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If there are multiple late cancellations or missed appointments ("no-shows"), your therapist may charge the full session fee at their discretion.
What should I expect?
Your first appointment is a chance for us to get to know you and understand what brings you in. Your clinician will ask about your current concerns and gather some background information to help us support you in the best way possible. There's no pressure—just a conversation to help us understand your needs.
Are my sessions confidential?
Your privacy is our priority. At Northeastern Counseling Services, we adhere to strict confidentiality standards to ensure that your counseling experience remains private and secure. The law protects the relationship between you and your therapist, meaning we will not share your records or discuss your case with anyone unless you provide explicit written consent.
However, there are a few legal exceptions where we are required to break confidentiality for safety reasons:
- If we suspect child abuse, dependent adult abuse, or elder abuse, we are legally obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities.
- If a client threatens serious harm to another person, we must notify law enforcement and the potential victim.
- If a client is at risk of self-harm, we will take necessary steps to ensure their safety, including seeking their cooperation in a safety plan.
Our goal is always to provide a safe, supportive space while also ensuring the well-being of our clients and the community. If you have any questions about confidentiality, we are happy to discuss them with you.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues. Some benefits include:
- A deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your goals
- New ways to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions
- Healthier relationships and stronger communication skills
- Support in working through grief, trauma, or life transitions
- More confidence and self-compassion
- Tools to shift unhelpful thought patterns and build resilience
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It's a collaborative process—your therapist is there to listen, guide, and help you understand patterns in your life while offering new perspectives. Therapy can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, and more. The goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes at your own pace.
What are sessions like?
Each session is tailored to your needs, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Your therapist will work with you to explore what's on your mind, process emotions, and develop tools to help you outside of sessions. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on what feels right for you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported in your healing process.
Is medication a substitution for therapy?
Medication can be helpful for some people, but therapy offers something deeper—understanding, healing, and lasting change. While medication can ease symptoms, therapy helps you get to the root of your feelings, build coping skills, and create meaningful shifts in your life. If you're considering medication, you don't have to figure it out alone—your therapist and doctor can work with you to find the best approach for your well-being.
No matter where you are in your journey, we're here to support you. You're not alone, and healing is possible.