Living Water Counseling Ministry- Virginia and North Carolina Telehealth Counseling

How is a Christian Counselor different from a Regular Counselor?

One of the biggest differences is that a Christian Counselor incorporates aspects of Christian beliefs into the counseling process. This means that scriptures from the Old and New Testament may be included as well as prayer with and for clients. We also incorporate your Christian beliefs into problem solving as well as addressing various issues that you feel are of concern.

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How does counseling work? What happens during a session?

Counseling is basically the client and counselor working together to find a solution to your problems. We may discuss your problems and then try to find ways to look at the problem differently or resources available within the community. We also take into account your spiritual beliefs and how they play a role in your view of the problem you have presented. This may include completing assignments addressing your thoughts regarding certain topics as well as looking at scriptures that are related to your concerns.

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How much does it cost for counseling services? Can I afford it?

Most health insurance providers will pay for mental health counseling services allowing the customer to pay a co-payment as you would at a doctor's office. Some insurance policies cover the full cost of the session (with no cost to you), others have co-payments as low as $11.00 per session, $20.00 per session, or $25.00 per session but of course this depends upon your individual policy. For exact costs for your insurance policy contact your insurance provider and ask about "Telehealth Mental Health Counseling Services".

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Are you considered a specialist on my insurance card?

A specialist co-payment and a co-payment for mental health services can differ greatly. Many times the cost for counseling services is much lower than the cost for a specialist listed on your insurance card. To determine the exact amount you can contact your insurance provider and ask what your cost for "Telehealth Mental Health Counseling Services" would be.

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Do you accept Medicaid?

Yes we are a provider with certain Medicaid policies.  With a Medicaid plan such as Anthem BCBS, Optima (Sentara), or Virginia Premier there is no co-payment for services, so the insurance provider will pay the full cost. This means you can attend counseling services as often as you would like (as approved by your insurance provider of course) with no cost to you. If we are not a provider with your policy we would be happy to refer you to other counselors in the area.

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Do you accept Medicare?

Unfortunately we are not a provider with Medicare at this time as Medicare is not currently paying for Licensed Professional Counselors. We would be happy to refer you to other counselors in the area who are providers with your policy.

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Do you accept Dual Enrollment Medicare-Medicaid policies?

Unfortunately since we cannot accept Medicare policies (Medicare is the primary insurance) we cannot bill insurance for counseling services (even if we are In-Network with the secondary policy (Medicaid)). We would be happy to refer you to other counselors in the area that are providers with your policy.

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How would I pay if I do not have Health Insurance?

There are Self-Pay options available. You can find more information concerning this under the Self-Pay Tab on this website.

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How often would I be expected to come?

This is usually different for each and every individual. I usually recommend that you attend counseling sessions on a weekly basis (if possible) during your first month (or more) of counseling services depending upon the severity of your problems. Of course due to financial issues this may not always be possible. Some client's choose to attend counseling services twice per week, once per week, once every two weeks, once every three weeks, or once per month. I usually do not recommend once a month unless you have been in counseling services for awhile, are stable mentally and emotionally, and have been meeting your goals and objectives.

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How long do people usually stay in counseling?

This also depends upon the person. There are some clients who complete approximately one month of counseling services and then feel that they have reached a resolution of their problems and may return at a later date if these issues continue. There are other clients who choose to attend counseling services ongoing for 3 years or more. This tends to vary based upon the issues the client is facing, if new issues arise during their time in treatment, how well they are using their coping skills, and what type of social support network they have available to them.

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Can you prescribe medications?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I do not have a medical degree so I am not qualified to prescribe medications. Most clients either visit a psychiatrist for their mental health medications or a primary care physician at a local doctor's office.

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Do you provide counseling services for children or adolescents (teenagers)?

At this time, I am only seeing adult clients who are ages 18 yrs and up.

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Do you provide Marriage or Family Counseling Services?

At this time, I am not currently doing marriage or family counseling services. I am just focusing on individual counseling services.

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Do you perform Psychological Evaluations or DUI Assessments?

At this time, I am not doing official Psychological Evaluations or DUI Assessments.

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How does Telehealth Sessions work?  Do I need to download an app to my phone or have any special computer programs?

Starting telehealth video chats are much easier than it sounds!  You will be sent an email to set up an account on the Therapy Notes Portal in order to sign and complete paperwork before your initial counseling session.  This is the same portal you will log into in order to complete your video counseling sessions.  All you need is an internet browser on your phone or computer.  Log in at the time of your session and a link will appear with a button to click to connect your microphone and camera.  Once these are connected you just simply click a button that you are ready and you will be placed into a waiting room until counselor begins the session.  Simple as that! Forgot your password? No worries just contact counselor and you will be sent a reset link to change your password.  

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How does a phone session work?  Will my insurance cover phone sessions?

Phone sessions are very simple.  At the time of your counseling session you will receive a phone call from counselor.  Most insurance providers will not cover phone sessions as they feel it is necessary to have some form of face-to-face contact.  With the Self-Pay option you can choose if you would prefer phone session or video sessions. 

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How do I pay my copayment, co-insurance, deductible payment, or counseling fee if I am not being seen in the office?

Therapy Notes (the HIPAA compliant portal I use for Telehealth Sessions) allows a credit card to be saved on file to be charged for copayments at the time of the session.  I only receive the last 4 numbers of the card on my end.  So once you enter the waiting room for the session your counseling payment would be charged at that time.

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What states are you licensed to provide Telehealth Counseling?

I am currently licensed in Virginia (Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor) and North Carolina (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) and I can provide Telehealth services to patients in both of these states.