FAQs
What does therapy look like?
Our therapists offer a 15-minute complimentary telephone consultation to explore you or your family’s needs and discuss how Bethesda Counseling Services can be a good fit for you. During this call, you will have an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns and ask any questions you might have about the therapeutic process. In the first session, your therapist will begin to hear your story and learn more about you and your goals for therapy. The second and third sessions are typically a continuation of your story, getting to know you, your strengths and growth needs. We will form goals that are objective, meaning they will be specific, you will know how to reach them, and what life will look like when you reach those goals. From that point on, sessions are tailored to meeting your goals, with check ins on how you feel progress is being made, changing or adding goals, and helping you feel life satisfaction.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Many people seek coaching after or alongside therapy, as it builds upon the healing that can take place in the therapy process. Coaching and counseling are distinct approaches, each with its own focus and purpose.
Coaching centers on the present, fostering personal and professional growth through self-initiated change to help individuals shape a desired future through action-oriented strategies.
In contrast, counseling is insight-oriented, as it addresses the healing of past and present emotional pain, dysfunction, and conflict within an individual or relationships to enhance overall psychological functioning and promote more emotionally healthy ways of dealing with the present.
Though insights and strategy are parts of both counseling and coaching, they differ in emphasis. Typically, coaching emphasizes “how” to achieve personal and professional goals, while therapy focuses on the “why” of emotional and behavioral challenges.
If you are interested in scheduling a free 30 minute coaching consultation, please click here
If my child is receiving therapy, do I have to attend sessions?
Some of our therapists require to meet with just the parents during the first session. This session is an opportunity to discuss presenting concerns, goals for therapy, go over some family, social history and answer any additional questions you may have. We will also talk about how play therapy works. Depending on the needs, we will usually meet with the child individually for the next 3/4 sessions and then again have a parent meeting to discuss concerns, observations and future plans for therapy. BCS strongly believes in the parents’ participation in therapy and will encourage at least one meeting a month as well as family sessions.
How much does therapy cost?
Our fees vary depending on how long the session is:
50 minute sessions – $215
Annual admin fee- $50/individual or $100/family
*These fees are reviewed annually and an increase of $10 per year applies to our rates every January 1st.
Couples Counseling
Standard Rate: $215
To help make care accessible, we offer couples packages and reduced-fee options, which you can learn more about on our website or by contacting our team.
Do you accept insurance?
All therapy except couples therapy is covered by insurance, coaching is not. For Therapy, we accept all Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. We will check your benefits and let you know before our first session. For other insurances, you would pay the full fee at the time of service and we are happy to submit the claims to your insurance or provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Why is couples/family therapy not accepted by insurance?
As of May 2025, Bethesda Counseling Services has transitioned to out-of-pocket payment for couples and family therapy sessions. This change is due to ongoing challenges with insurance coverage and the requirements for an effective and appropriate diagnosis.
In order for insurance to cover therapy, three key criteria must be met:
· An identified client
· A mental health diagnosis
· Proof that therapy is necessary to treat that diagnosis
While relational issues (DSM Code Z63.0) are recognized in the diagnostic manual, insurance companies unfortunately do not cover this diagnosis. As a result, insurance cannot be used for couples or family therapy. Please also note that any individual sessions provided as part of couples or family work will also be billed out of pocket, as they are part of the overall relational treatment.
Our goal remains to provide high-quality, effective care that prioritizes your family’s well-being—without insurance limitations standing in the way. To help make care accessible, we offer couples packages and reduced-fee options, which you can learn more about on our website or by contacting our team.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What are your office hours?
We have morning, afternoon and evening appointments available. We are open from 9 am-9 pm Monday-Friday. We also offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays
How do I schedule an appointment?
To make an appointment please email us at admin@bethesdacounselingservices.com or fill out our Intake Form (Appointment Request) and Michelle our intake coordinator will contact you within 48 hours.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
You can always call your therapist to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Our office policy is that all cancellations and reschedules must be 24 hours before the scheduled appointment to avoid a fee. Late cancellations and no shows have a $150 fee that is charged to the client. Insurance cannot be charged for this fee.
Are there any current discounts available for couples counseling?
Yes! We're currently offering reduced fees for all couples sessions. Reach out to our team to learn more.
What is medication management?
Medication management is the process of evaluating, prescribing, and monitoring psychiatric medications to support mental health and well-being. At Bethesda Counseling Services, this includes assessing whether medication might be helpful, starting or adjusting prescriptions, monitoring effectiveness, and collaborating with your therapist to provide holistic care.
Who provides medication management at BCS?
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) provides evaluations, prescriptions, and follow-up care. They work closely with your therapist and other healthcare providers to ensure your treatment plan is coordinated and personalized.
Do I need to be in therapy to receive medication management?
At BCS, we believe the best outcomes come from combining therapy with medication when appropriate. Medication alone is rarely enough—our providers will collaborate with your therapist to support both your emotional and biological needs.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
The initial psychiatric evaluation typically lasts 60 minutes. During this time, your provider will review your medical history, current concerns, past treatment, and goals. They may recommend starting, continuing, or adjusting medication, and will also discuss non-medication options.
How long are follow-up appointments?
Follow-ups are usually 20 minutes. These sessions focus on monitoring how you are responding to medication, adjusting dosages if needed, and addressing any side effects.
Do you prescribe for children, teens, and adults?
Yes. We offer medication management services across the lifespan. Our provider is experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults and tailor treatment to each age group.
What conditions do you treat with medication management?
We commonly prescribe and monitor medication for:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
ADHD
Mood disorders
Trauma/PTSD
Sleep difficulties
Other psychiatric concerns as clinically appropriate
Do you prescribe controlled substances (like stimulants for ADHD)?
Yes, when clinically indicated and appropriate. Controlled substances require closer monitoring and may involve additional paperwork, prescription refill limits, and compliance with federal/state regulations.
Can my therapist and prescriber communicate with each other?
Yes. With your written consent, we strongly encourage collaboration between your prescriber, therapist, and any other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Do you accept insurance for medication management?
Yes, we accept Carefirst BCBS. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so we encourage you to confirm with your insurance company. Our billing team can also help you understand your benefits.
How often will I need appointments?
This depends on your needs and response to medication. Typically, new prescriptions require follow-ups every 2–4 weeks until stabilized. Once stable, appointments may occur every 1–3 months.
What if I experience side effects?
We encourage you to contact your prescriber as soon as possible. Many side effects improve over time or can be addressed with dosage adjustments or medication changes.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can email us at contact@bethesdacounselingservices.com or fill out our intake. Our intake team will help you set up an initial evaluation.