Following you will find answers to common questions that we hear. If you still cannot find your answer, don't hesitate to call or email us and we will find the answer.
How can I log into my Client Portal?
In order to log into your client portal, go to https://bacc.clientsecure.me and click on "Existing Client." You will then enter your email associated with your account and your password. If you do not have an email address, we will create a fake one for you to use with a temporary password that can then be used for future log-ins.
You may also click any of the "Schedule my appointment" buttons on our website and follow the same steps.
What will my first appointment be like?
For your first appointment, you should arrive a few minutes early. Especially if it is a virtual session as this allows you to ensure your electronics (device, camera, earbuds, etc) are working properly before we begin.
For office visits, you will enter our waiting room and be greeted with comfy chairs, a show on our tv, coffee, water and snacks. Feel free to grab something to drink as you wait. For virtual appointments, you will wait in the virtual "waiting room" until your session begins. Make sure you are comfortable, in a quiet location, and ready to go. Feel free to grab coffee or something to drink during this time if it helps you feel more comfortable.
The session will begin with verbally covering the informed consent. Your counselor will then ask you a question like "What brings you to counseling and how can I help?" This is your opportunity to share your story. The first session involves a little jumping from topic to topic as the counselor is trying to get a good grasp on what is going on as well as cover some housekeeping topics. This is a good opportunity to begin building a relationship in which the client feels comfortable and safe in sharing with their counselor. This foundation provides a launching point for the work to be done in the sessions that follow.
Towards the end of your session, your counselor will review the highlights of the session, go over any assignments or techniques to try at home, and will schedule your next appointment if it has not already been scheduled. You will be thanked for coming in and sharing before your therapist ends your session.
Do you take insurance? Can I submit for reimbursement from insurance?
Currently, we are able to take some insurance plans. Clients using insurance will have insurance submitted through our third party insurance billing company and will have an account with them and our SimplePractice software.
We can still take most Health Saving Accounts and do work with some EAP providers.
We are out of your network and don't take your insurance? At the end of each month, you will be provided a superbill through your client portal that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement through OON benefits. FCS does not guarantee reimbursement nor reimbursement amount from your insurance company.
While many clients receive a 100% reimbursement, your insurance plan will be the ultimate determining factor as to how much, if any, it will reimburse. All clients must maintain a credit card on file that will be charged the day of their appointment.
How can therapy help me/us?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How long will I be in therapy?
This question is a bit harder to answer. Every individual is different and has different needs. Each couple will present different needs and goals as well. However, I work from a solution-focused model with the intentions of helping you meet your goals for therapy. This means I will not prolong our therapy unnecessarily. For most individuals and couples, research shows it will take 8-10 sessions minimum. Some goals will be able to be achieved in a shorter amount of time while others may take longer. We will move at a pace that is comfortable and beneficial to you. The most important thing is to keep your counselor aware of what is helping and what is not.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know it's right for me/us?
People have many different motivations for coming to counseling. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
Medication vs. Counseling?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. By working with your medical doctor, you can determine what is best for you. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Do you work with my Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
While we are only contracted with a few EAP's, many will sign a case contract with us if asked. If you can receive benefits from an EAP, contact them and let them know you would like to receive counseling from our company. They can reach out to us and request a contract specifically allowing us to see you. Often, this will help others as it can lead to an ongoing relationship with the program and eventually a full contract with it.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
- Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
- If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
Do you offer Christian based therapy?
Absolutely! Some of our counselors are trained in Christian counseling as well as professional counseling. For clients who desire Christian based counseling, your counselor will combine professionally proven skills and techniques with a Christian worldview in their approach. If Christian based therapy is desired, your therapist will not preach at you, push the Bible on you, or attempt to convert you to their way of thinking. Your beliefs will be respected and your therapist's main goal is to help you meet your goals for therapy.
Do I have to receive Christian counseling?
Not at all! We see many clients who are not Christian and desire to not integrate that into their treatment. We are happy to offer these individuals services as the inclusion of spiritual resources is at the discretion of the client. Some of our counselors are Christians, but they are here to help you thrive and meet your goals, not promote beliefs or try to "win you over."