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When do people come in for counseling?
A person typically gets serious about counseling when one of two things has happened: either he or she is sick of his life the way it is and wants to do something about it, OR, he has experienced a crisis or major shake up like death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a career, major illness, then takes stock of his life and decides it's time to change it. Most people attempt to fix things on their own before going to a counselor, and turn to a professional after concluding that they need help and guidance on the path to whatever is they are seeking.
"I became a counselor because of the amazing effect counseling had on my life many years ago," says Becky. "I was fascinated about how the counseling process affected and improved my life and wanted to become a part of that process."
What type of counselors are there out there?
There are lots of different types of counselors who are trained differently and work out of various philosophies. Although counselors are well aware of the differences, few lay people are. Most lay people have no idea whether they are calling a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor (M.D.) who typically doesn't do much if any talk therapy and mainly dispenses mental health medications and refers individuals to mental health counselors; a psychologist, who is highly trained in assessing, testing and diagnosing and also does talk therapy, is most likely to use traditional therapies based on behavioral beliefs like classical conditioning (Pavlov's dog) and punishment and rewards; a social worker, who usually works for agencies serving lower income clients and is highly trained in the different community resources available; a counselor, who is trained in mental health and career counseling as well as assessment and diagnosis and talk therapy with individuals, or Marriage and Family Therapists who are trained to assess, diagnose, and to do mental health and career counseling with children, individuals, couples, and families.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC's) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT's) are highly educated and trained to assist in the healing process. Each must have at least a master's degree, and before being allowed to have a license must pass a state exam and serve as an intern under close supervision for a minimum of 3000 hours. After licensure, each LPC and LMFT stays on the cutting edge by attending workshops as part of a continuing education process. If you make an appointment with an LPC or LMFT, you can be sure you are seeing a person who has extensive training and experience.
Becky Whetstone, Ph.D. is an LPC and an LMFT in Texas, and also has her masters and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She practiced in San Antonio for six years before moving to Arkansas in December 2011. In Arkansas, Becky has her LMFT license, so rest assured that she has been trained extensively to see not only individuals, but children, couples, and families, and has thousands of hours of experience.
In addition to counseling, Becky has been an adjunct professor of counseling in the graduate school at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, as well as St. Mary's University's graduate counseling program.
Counseling Philosophy
Although there are many counselors and LMFT's, most develop their own style and philosophy of counseling and healing. Becky describes herself as an eclectic therapist who takes bits and pieces from various psychological theories and tailor makes a method for each client according to what works best for him. She has been highly influenced by MFT theories such as Narrative and Collaborative, as well as Energy Psychology, Jungian, Transactional Analysis, and Gestalt. Becky says that she continues to believe strongly in her methods because of the success rate she experiences with her clients.
"I believe that to live a joyful and abundant life a person must dedicate herself to living authentically," she says. "Living authentically means lasting change, but it also means digging through all the layers we've created to protect ourselves and getting to the core us, the part of us that is real, authentic, joyful, wise, calm, loving, and all things good. When a person comes to see me we discuss this as the goal, and the process of counseling is peeling back the layers and getting a person to live comfortably in her own skin. To do this I use a variety of techniques, including relaxation therapy.
"I know I need counseling, but the thought of it makes me a little nervous!"
Whetstone says she is well aware that individuals are nervous when they come for counseling.
"Of course they are!" she says. "I know because I have done it myself! That's why I do everything in my power to provide the counseling in an extremely relaxed and casual atmosphere. I present myself and my services the way I would want a counselor to present him or herself to me or my family if we went for help. As a client I'd want to be comfortable and at ease, and I'd want the counselor to be knowledgeable, (of course!), but I appreciate a person who is passionate about her work, professional, but also easy going and accessible."
Becky's office is designed to help clients feel comfortable ... it is a professional space that is laid out in a comfortable family room atmosphere. Clients can put their feet up – or not ... whatever makes them the most comfortable.
"Okay, how long is a session, and how much does it cost?"
Cost of the service is an issue with most people, as is the amount of time allowed for a session. And yes, therapy is a time and financial commitment for any client who decides to seek the assistance of a mental health professional -- what you get in return is an experienced, highly-trained professional who truly cares about you and your situation.
Becky sees clients for 55-minute sessions. The initial session, however, is 90 minutes long, because Becky must do an assessment for mental health issues, learn what the client is wanting to discuss, and ascertain what his or her goals for therapy are – this takes more time than the usual 55-minute session. (In most cases, at the end of the initial assessment session, Becky will be able to give the individual or couple a good idea of whether the issues are minor, moderate, or major in scope, and if possible, will describe what type of commitment an individual or couple will need to make to the therapeutic process. To make the initial appointment we require a valid credit card number on file. Forty-eight hours notice to cancel applies.
The price for the initial 90-minute assessment for individuals is $225, and $250 for couples and families.
After that, a 55-minute session for an individuals, couples, and families is $150.
Payment options: Cash, credit cards (Master Card, Visa, Am EX, and Discover) and checks, payable at time of service.
(After-hour, weekend, and emergency appointments are not offered every evening or every weekend, but by appointment on a case-by-case basis. Rates for "After-Hours" (After 6 pm weekdays and all-day Saturday) are $50 per hour higher than regular daytime hours.
LONGER SESSIONS
Also, individuals and
families need to be aware that longer sessions are available. These are
highly recommended for people traveling for sessions from distant locations as well as people in crisis,
or those who intuitively know that one hour won't be enough.
"Due
to demand I am offering longer sessions – 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or
even more," says Becky "Occasionally people call who are in crisis and
they know they want a longer session, so I offer that as an option. In
addition, since 2008 I have added after-hour and weekend sessions for
individuals or couples in crisis who feel they need immediate care."
The prices for the longer sessions (during regular hours) are as follows:
90 minutes – 250. for couples & families (85 minute session with 5 minutes of wrap up).
120 minutes – 320. for individuals, couples & families.
4-hour "Mini marathon" Designed for couples, this intervention is perfect for those in crisis, and includes 210 minutes of therapy over 4 hours, plus one 15 minute break and one 10-minute break. – $550 weekdays, $600 weekends. (Note: One-half deposit required to schedule, plus credit card on file. 72-hour cancellation notice required).
Marital Marathon. Simply the best -- for couples in crisis, those seeking a breakthrough, or even when feeling ambivalent and wanting clarity about whether or not to continue the relationship -- 330 minutes of therapy over 7 hours ... Cost: $900 on weekdays, $1000 on Saturdays. (Note: One-half deposit required to schedule, plus credit card on file. 72-hour cancellation notice required.). For more information click here.
I want to make an appointmentMaking an appointment with Becky is easy. You can either call 501-590-9200 or email at Becky@DoctorBecky.com and once you tell us you want an appointment, we will work with you do to accommodate your schedule -- Becky does not maintain specific office hours ... she works her schedule around you -- which could be as early as 8 in the morning or 6 in the evening Monday through Saturday. (NOTE: Becky is no longer accepting new clients in Texas.) The first appointment is 90 minutes long. To set the initial appointment up we will need a credit card to reserve the time. Note: Forty-eight hours notice to cancel or reschedule a first-time appointment is required.
First appointment details: If
a person makes an appointment, time and money will be saved
if forms are filled out in advance. There are three ways to get the
forms – by e-mail, snail mail, or find the forms (downloadable) on the "Contact Becky" page by clicking here.
Do You Accept Insurance?
As of April 1, 2007 Becky no longer accepts payment as an in-network provider for any health insurance plan. Why? Due to mountains of paperwork, frustrations and limitations imposed ON YOU by health insurance companies. For example, the number of visits you are able to receive are usually extremely limited. Still, if you have health insurance and want to be reimbursed, it is likely that it will be possible.
Filing your insurance for services performed by an out-of-network provider. Becky is considered to be an out-of-network provider by most health insurance companies. This means you may be reimbursed for her services at a different rate from what an in-network provider would accept. To find out what your health Insurance company reimburses for out-of-network providers you will need to call and find out.
Procedures from that point vary according to your plan. You may need prior approval for mental health services, or you may not. After a session, a client pays the therapist for the service, and the client is given a receipt which may be submitted to your health insurance company for reimbursement. In most cases you will be reimbursed for a percentage of the fee. In any event, the amount will usually go toward your deductible.
Is there any reason I might not want to use my mental health coverage provided by my insurance?
Maybe. Unfortunately, health insurance companies require that therapists give a patient an official "diagnosis" that we must select from the DSM IV book of mental disorders. Many of us do not like being forced to give our clients a diagnosis described as a "mental disorder." One major reason is that a mental health "disorder" diagnosis is likely to follow a person around for a long time and will remain as part of your permanent health record. If you do not want a mental health "disorder" diagnosis on your permanent health record, no matter how major or minor it may be, then you would be well-advised to remain a private paying client of your mental health provider.
When all else fails, we do accept credit cards!
Becky accepts credit cards including Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express. In most cases clients arrange to have their card swiped one time so that the information is kept on record (in a safe and secure file) for every appointment. That way, the card is charged after each appointment and none of your therapy time is ever wasted paying the bills! (If we don't do this, we stop at minute 50 so that you will have time to pay). Of course, cash and checks are accepted as well - and no matter which method you choose, we look forward to working with you in your health and healing process! Also, if for any reason you need other payment options or accommodations, please feel free to discuss your concerns with Becky. See you soon!Discounts
"Becky, I want to come see you, but I can't afford it."
From Becky: "It breaks my heart that I
can't have prices that everyone can afford and I would love to see
every person, couple, and family who would like to see me. I want you to
know that the reason my prices are as they are is mainly because of two
reasons: overhead and the fact that I want to give each client the best
I have to offer in every session. Although
most people work 40 hour weeks, almost no therapist is able to see
clients for 40 hours per week. If we did we would burn out and be of no
use to anyone, so to remain fresh and compassionate the average therapist is only
able see very few clients per day. To be the best I can be day-after-day
I strictly adhere to a conservative schedule of a handful of clients.
This way you can be sure you are getting me at my best."
Doctor Becky does offer options for
discounted sessions ...
Slower-day discount: Why don't
people like to come in Wednesdays around noon? Becky doesn't know, but
to encourage people to come in during this time she offers lower cost
sessions on Wednesdays between 11 and 2. The lower-cost appointments are
first-come, first-served and by request only. The appointment must
begin between 11 am and 2 pm. 90 minute intakes: $200, Individual
& couples 55-minute sessions $125, and families of 3 or more, $140.
See you on Wednesdays!
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS - Some
clients like to pay for sessions in advance to reassure themselves,
and/or hold themselves accountable to a continuing therapeutic process.
For this, Becky offers two options:
10 sessions – Ten 55-minute
sessions for 1400./individuals and couples and 1500./families - advance
non-refundable payment required.
One month of therapy commitment
... Four sessions paid in advance 50-minute sessions ... 550. for individuals and
couples and 650. for families - advance non-refundable payment
required.
Copyright 2006 Becky Whetstone, Ph.D.
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