FAQ

From addiction and alcohol treatment to emotional breakdowns due to stress, Luminous Counseling & Consulting LLC deals with an array of problems you may be facing. To find out if we’re the right fit for you, read the answers to frequently asked questions below.

Q

How do I know if I need therapy?

If something is bothering you enough for you to be considering seeing a therapist, talking to a professional will probably help. If the issues are affecting your work, family, or other relationships, or your ability to do what you need to do for your various roles in life, seeking therapy is probably a good idea.

Q

How can therapy help me?

Therapy can help to identify and clarify what the problems are, how they are affecting you, how important it is to you, how willing you are to change, then help you develop a plan to address the issues and use proven techniques to help you find solutions that work for you.

Q

What is therapy like?

Therapy for adults and adolescents generally involves talking about the issues you are experiencing, however, it may also involve the use of other techniques such as relaxation, meditation, art, music, and interactive activities, to utilize your personal interests, talents, and strengths to tap into your ability to heal and improve. Therapy for children is a little different, click here to learn more.

Q

How long will it take? How long is therapy?

The length and frequency of therapy is a very individual decision based on the needs of the client. Some situations require a few sessions, some a few months, others longer. You and your therapist will work together to develop a personal treatment plan that works for you.

Q

What should I look for in a therapist?

Someone who is licensed, reputable, competent, and that you feel comfortable talking to. A therapist who is part of a practice has the added benefit of consultation and interdisciplinary staffing.

Q

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

The short answer is no, though therapy with medication is the “gold standard” for many mental health issues, research shows that therapy alone can be as or more effective than medication in some cases. Your therapist may recommend seeing a medical professional to assess whether medication is right for you.

Q

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. There are federal and state laws and regulations that protect your privacy and confidentiality. Except in limited circumstances required by law, written authorization is required for us to share any patient information.

Q

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual therapy or come together?

Generally, if the problems are in the relationship, joint sessions should be the start. Individual sessions may also be needed to address individual problems or to stabilize the situation enough to allow a healthy, healing dialogue. However, if one partner refuses to come, the other can still benefit from therapy.

Q

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Yes, we accept most insurance, self-pay, have cash prepay discounts, and a sliding fee scale for qualifying clients. Learn more about insurance and fees here.

Q

How soon can I book an appointment?

You can call (256) 686-9195 or request an appointment online. Depending on your specific needs an appointment is usually available the same week, sometimes the same day.

Q

What if I miss a scheduled appointment? What is your cancellation policy?

Since insurance will not pay for missed or late canceled appointments, the patient is responsible for any appointment not canceled forty-eight hours in advance. Learn more about cancellations here.