Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Hineni Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, we believe in clear communication and want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way. Here are answers to some common questions:
General Questions
Q: What is counseling? How is it different from talking to a friend? A: Counseling, or therapy, is a professional relationship with a trained, licensed mental health expert who provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for you to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Unlike talking to a friend, a therapist offers objective perspectives, specialized techniques, and evidence-based strategies to help you gain insight, develop coping skills, and achieve specific goals.
Q: What is consulting? Who benefits from it? A: Consulting at Hineni focuses on supporting organizations, teams, and professionals in areas like communication, leadership development, conflict resolution, and fostering healthy work environments. Businesses, non-profits, and individuals in leadership roles can benefit from our expertise in human dynamics to enhance productivity, morale, and strategic growth.
Q: How do I know if counseling or consulting is right for me/my organization? A: If you’re experiencing persistent emotional distress, relationship difficulties, significant life transitions, or feel stuck in personal or professional patterns, counseling can provide clarity and tools for change. For organizations, if you’re facing communication breakdowns, team friction, leadership challenges, or striving for greater efficiency and employee well-being, consulting can offer tailored solutions. A brief consultation call can help determine if our services are a good fit.
About Our Services
Q: What types of counseling do you offer? A: We offer individual counseling, couples counseling, and family counseling for adults and adolescents.
Q: What areas do you specialize in? A: Our team has expertise in a range of areas including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, grief and loss, stress management, relationship issues, communication skills, self-esteem, life transitions, and personal growth.
Q: What consulting services do you provide? A: Our consulting services include organizational development, leadership coaching, team building, communication strategy, conflict resolution, and workplace wellness programs.
Your First Session & What to Expect
Q: What can I expect in my first counseling session? A: Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We’ll discuss your reasons for seeking support, gather some background information, answer any questions you have, and begin to explore your goals for therapy. It’s a space for you to share openly and determine if Hineni is the right fit for you.
Q: How long do sessions last and how often will we meet? A: Standard counseling sessions are typically 50-55 minutes long. Consulting session lengths can vary based on the scope of the project. The frequency of sessions (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly) will be discussed and decided collaboratively based on your needs and goals.
Q: How long will I need counseling or consulting services? A: The duration of services varies greatly depending on your goals and the complexity of the issues. Some clients benefit from short-term, solution-focused work (a few months), while others prefer longer-term support for deeper exploration and sustained growth. We’ll regularly assess your progress and adjust our plan as needed.
Logistics & Appointments
Q: Do you offer telehealth (phone/video) sessions? A: Yes, we primarily offer telehealth sessions for your convenience and accessibility, allowing you to engage in counseling or consulting from the comfort of your own space.
Q: What are your hours of operation? A: Our hours vary by therapist and consultant availability. Please contact us directly or visit our online scheduling portal for current availability.
Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: We require at least 24-48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid being charged for the session. This allows us to offer the time slot to other clients in need. Please refer to our detailed policy provided during your initial intake.
Fees & Payment
Q: What are your fees for services? A: Our fees vary based on the type of service (individual, couples, consulting) and session length. Please contact us for specific fee information.
Q: Do you accept insurance? A: We accept insurance for telehealth services only. We are currently in-network with select insurance plans for virtual sessions. Please contact us to verify if your specific plan is accepted for telehealth.
For all in-person sessions, we operate as an out-of-network provider. We can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your out-of-network benefits for mental health services.
For all services (telehealth and in-person), we also accept direct payment via cash, credit, or debit card. Payment is due at the time of service.
Confidentiality
Q: Is what I share confidential? A: Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. What you share in sessions is protected by law and professional ethical standards. There are very limited exceptions to confidentiality (e.g., if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected child/elder abuse), which will be thoroughly reviewed during your initial intake.
Getting Started
Q: How do I schedule an appointment? A: You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 423-641-1211, emailing us at info@hinenicounseling.com, or by visiting our website’s “Contact” or “Schedule” page.
Q: What should I do to prepare for my first session? A: To prepare, we encourage you to think about what you hope to gain from counseling or consulting. You’ll also receive intake forms to complete prior to your first session, which will help us gather important background information.