Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common questions below. If you don't see yours, just ask.
Starting therapy can come with a lot of questions — and that's completely normal. Below you'll find answers to the things people ask us most. If there's something we didn't cover, don't hesitate to reach out.
The easiest way is to fill out the contact form on our Contact page. You can also call us directly at (239) 940-7025 or email info@therapyforlivingwell.com. Once we receive your information, a member of our team will reach out — typically within 24 hours — to schedule a brief consultation and find a time that works for you.
We accept most major insurance plans. The best way to know for certain is to contact us with your insurance information and we'll verify your benefits at no charge. You can also check the list of accepted plans on our Getting Started page.
We currently accept: Aetna, BCBS, Florida Blue, Cigna, United Healthcare (UHC), Optum, TRICARE, VA Community Care, CHAMPVA, Medicare, Medicaid, Sunshine Health, and Lee Health. This list is updated regularly. If your plan isn't listed, contact us — we may still be able to help.
Session fees for self-pay clients vary depending on the type and length of the session. We're happy to discuss rates during your initial consultation. Our goal is to make therapy accessible, so please don't let cost be the reason you don't reach out.
A sliding scale means the session fee is adjusted based on your financial circumstances. Not all clinicians offer sliding scale, and availability may be limited. If cost is a barrier, let us know during your consultation and we'll work with you to explore options — including potential scholarship assistance through The Living Well Mission.
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions via video for clients throughout the state of Florida. Telehealth is conducted through the same licensed clinicians you'd see in our office — the only difference is that you connect from your own space. All you need is a private location, a device with a camera, and a stable internet connection.
Most individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Some sessions — such as initial intakes or couples counseling — may be 60 minutes or longer depending on the clinician and the nature of the work. Your therapist will discuss session length with you at the start of treatment.
That depends on your needs and goals. Most clients start with weekly sessions, which gives enough momentum to make meaningful progress. As you move forward, you and your therapist may decide to shift to biweekly or monthly sessions. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — we work at your pace.
Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy, your history, and what you're hoping to achieve. You'll have a chance to ask questions too. There's no pressure to share everything right away — this is the beginning of a relationship built on trust, and it takes time.
No. Our clinicians are licensed therapists (LMHCs, LCSWs, and similar), not psychiatrists or physicians. We do not prescribe medication. However, if medication may be helpful as part of your overall treatment, your therapist can coordinate with your doctor or help connect you with a prescribing provider.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions. A therapist or counselor (such as an LMHC or LCSW) holds a master's degree in a mental health field and is licensed to provide therapy. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and may specialize in testing, research, or therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who can prescribe medication. At Living Well, our clinicians are licensed therapists and counselors.
Yes, with very few exceptions required by law. What you share in therapy is protected by confidentiality. Your therapist will not share your information with anyone without your written consent — except in rare situations such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or a court order. Your therapist will review these limits with you during your first session.
We understand that schedules change. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments without prior notice may be subject to a fee. If something urgent comes up, just let us know as soon as possible — we'll always try to work with you.
Availability varies by clinician. Some of our therapists do offer evening hours to accommodate work and school schedules. Weekend availability is more limited. Contact us and we'll do our best to find a time that works for your life.
Faith-based counseling is a therapeutic approach that can incorporate spiritual beliefs, values, and practices into the therapy process — if you want it to. At Living Well, faith-based counseling is always optional. It is never assumed, never required, and never imposed. If you'd prefer a fully secular approach, your clinician will respect that without question. We serve people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Absolutely. If you've browsed our team page and someone resonates with you, let us know when you reach out and we'll do our best to pair you with that clinician. If you don't have a preference, that's fine too — we'll match you based on your needs, schedule, and the clinician's areas of expertise.
Yes. Several of our clinicians specialize in working with adolescents and teens. We provide a safe, confidential space for young people to process emotions, navigate challenges, and develop coping skills. Parents and guardians are kept informed while respecting the teen's confidentiality. We do not currently see children under the age of 12 — though this may change. Contact us to discuss your child's specific needs.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy used to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing experiences. During EMDR sessions, your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while you process difficult memories. The goal is to reduce the emotional intensity of those memories so they no longer control your present experience. Several of our clinicians are trained in EMDR.
Progress in therapy can look different for everyone. Some signs that therapy is working include feeling more aware of your thoughts and patterns, having better coping strategies for stressful moments, noticing improvements in your relationships or daily functioning, feeling more like yourself, and experiencing a reduction in the symptoms that brought you in. Your therapist will check in regularly about your progress and adjust the approach as needed. Therapy isn't always a straight line — but growth over time is the goal.
The Living Well Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides therapy scholarships to individuals who face financial barriers to mental health care. It operates independently from Living Well Counseling & Consulting but partners with our practice to fund sessions for scholarship recipients. If cost is a concern, The Living Well Mission may be able to help. Learn more at livingwellmission.org.