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 – $205

*These fees are reviewed annually and an increase of $10 per year applies to our rates every January 1st.

Do you accept insurance?

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?

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 $100 fee that is charged to the client. Insurance cannot be charged for this fee.