--- title: "FAQ — Growth & Guidance Counseling" description: "Answers to the questions most first-time therapy clients ask us — from insurance and telehealth to what a first session is like." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Growth & Guidance Counseling", "alternateName": "Growth & Guidance Counseling, LLC", "url": "https://growthguidancecounselingservices.com/" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "I've never done therapy before. What's it actually like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The first session is a conversation, not an interview. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, listen more than talk, and take the pace from you. You don't have to tell your whole story on day one — building trust takes time, and we plan for that." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Am I \"crazy\" for needing this?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Full stop. Needing support is the most human thing there is. What we do isn't reserved for people in crisis — most of our clients are people who've been carrying too much for too long and want a place to set some of it down." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know which therapist is right for me?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That's what the free 10-minute phone consult is for. We'll ask a few questions about what you're navigating and what you're looking for, and we'll match you with the clinician most likely to work well for you. If it isn't a fit after a session or two, we help you switch — no awkwardness." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a session cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "$170 for individuals and around $200 for couples. Group sessions typically are $200 and more depending on the number of people requested for the group session." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you accept my insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We accept Aetna, Aetna Better Health, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Carelon, Cigna, and more — see our Rates & Insurance page for the full list. *Must include behavioral health outpatient office benefits. Private pay, sliding scale, and monthly payment plan options are available. Coverage can vary by state and plan — contact our office and we will verify your benefits." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is the free consultation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The free consultation is 10 minutes, by phone. Online booking is a request, please contact our office by phone to confirm your exact time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is telehealth actually effective?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For most concerns — anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief — research shows telehealth works comparably well to in-person, and often better because it's easier to keep going. We offer secure video sessions across Georgia, Illinois, and Florida." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you work with teens?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We see adults, teens, couples, and families. Teen sessions are confidential in the ways they need to be, with parents kept informed of anything that affects safety." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I need to cancel a session?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is the responsibility of the client to notify the office 48 hours in advance when canceling an appointment. If 48 hours' notice is not given, the full session fee will be billed. This fee is not covered by insurance, and will be billed directly to the client." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this a safe space if I come from a faith background?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Jalinia and several of our clinicians integrate spiritual perspectives when clients want them — and never impose them when they don't. Your beliefs are part of your context, not something to leave at the door." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the benefits of engaging in counseling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Effectiveness and benefits may differ for us all as we are all so different and our life experiences, circumstances and perceptions vary. However, if you are experiencing emotional pain and/or anxiety, some initial relief may be noticeable after a few counseling sessions. Some people experience relief within a few sessions, when they apply themselves and significant change in 3 – 6 months. If you're seeking to experience personal growth. That is a lifetime experience and continued effort towards change. When you no longer need professional counseling, we are available to provide coaching that will assist you as you continue in your growth to a point where you are free to grow without the help of a professional therapist or coach." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can others attend sessions with you?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Sure! Although you are the one with the diagnosis, there may be others that your therapist will ask to attend therapy along with you. Those may include your spouse or other members of your household or family. Should this occur, it may mean that your therapist believes that your diagnosis and treatment is related to or can benefit from having others involved to support the process." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is everything I speak with my therapist private?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely! Yes! As a client there are laws that protect your privacy and the confidentiality of treatment are listed primarily in federal and state statutes under Protected Health Information (PHI) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). There may be additional laws listed within the statutes of the state in which you are receiving therapy. The laws are established to protect your privacy and keep all your information confidential. There are limited exceptions regarding confidentiality." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does each therapy session take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Each session is about 45- 60 minutes depending on the service being provided. Individual sessions are typically about 50 minutes in length." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How will I know when therapy/counseling is over?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You and your therapist will collaborate to work on a treatment plan. Once you have demonstrated some progress, the therapist will inform you and continue to guide you towards the targeted goals. When the targeted goals are met and you and the therapist agree that you are ready for discharge, then you will be discharged." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to content](#main) [(888) 464-6177](tel:+18884646177) - [](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063627036414 "Facebook") - [](https://www.instagram.com/growthguidancecounseling/ "Instagram") - [](https://www.twitter.com/growthguidance "X (Twitter)") - [](https://www.tiktok.com/@growthandguidance "TikTok") - [](https://www.youtube.com/@GrowthguidancecounselingTV "YouTube") [![Growth & Guidance Counseling](/__l5e/assets-v1/a7f9bddf-11a8-4d71-acf1-d0ff012f22e2/gg-logo.webp)](/) [About](/about-us) [About Us](/about-us)[Mission & Vision](/mission-vision)[The Collective](/our-team)[Reviews](/reviews)[Join Our Team](/join-our-team)[FAQs](/frequently-asked-questions)[Contact](/contact-us) [Services](/our-services) [Individual Counseling](/service/individual-counseling)[Behavioral Health / Coaching](/service/behavioral-health)[Couples Counseling](/service/couple-counseling)[Family Counseling](/service/family-counseling)[Group Counseling](/service/group-counseling)[Telehealth / Online Counseling](/service/telehealth-online-counseling)[Life Coaching](/service/life-coaching) [All services →](/our-services) [Specialties](/specialties) [Anxiety Therapy](/specialties/anxiety-therapy)[Depression Therapy](/specialties/depression-therapy)[Trauma & PTSD](/specialties/trauma-ptsd-therapy)[Grief & Loss](/specialties/grief-loss-counseling)[Teens & Adolescents](/specialties/teen-adolescent-therapy)[Women's Mental Health](/specialties/womens-mental-health)[Spanish-Speaking Therapy](/specialties/spanish-speaking-therapy)[Child Therapy](/specialties/child-therapy) [View all specialties →](/specialties) [Locations](/illinois-location) [Illinois — Oak Lawn](/illinois-location)[Georgia — Marietta](/georgia-location)[Florida — Telehealth](/florida-location) [Rates & Insurance](/rates)[Blog](/blog) [CLIENT PORTAL](https://www.therapyportal.com/p/growthguidance1/login/)[Book a Consult](/book) ![A calm seating corner — the questions people ask us first](/assets/faq-chairs-DRRBs2-u.webp) Frequently asked # The questions people ask us first . Honest answers. If yours isn't here, ask us on your free consult. - ## I've never done therapy before. What's it actually like? The first session is a conversation, not an interview. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, listen more than talk, and take the pace from you. You don't have to tell your whole story on day one — building trust takes time, and we plan for that. - ## Am I "crazy" for needing this? No. Full stop. Needing support is the most human thing there is. What we do isn't reserved for people in crisis — most of our clients are people who've been carrying too much for too long and want a place to set some of it down. - ## How do I know which therapist is right for me? That's what the free 10-minute phone consult is for. We'll ask a few questions about what you're navigating and what you're looking for, and we'll match you with the clinician most likely to work well for you. If it isn't a fit after a session or two, we help you switch — no awkwardness. - ## How much does a session cost? $170 for individuals and around $200 for couples. Group sessions typically are $200 and more depending on the number of people requested for the group session. - ## Do you accept my insurance? We accept Aetna, Aetna Better Health, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Carelon, Cigna, and more — see our Rates & Insurance page for the full list. \*Must include behavioral health outpatient office benefits. Private pay, sliding scale, and monthly payment plan options are available. Coverage can vary by state and plan — contact our office and we will verify your benefits. - ## How long is the free consultation? The free consultation is 10 minutes, by phone. Online booking is a request, please contact our office by phone to confirm your exact time. - ## Is telehealth actually effective? For most concerns — anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief — research shows telehealth works comparably well to in-person, and often better because it's easier to keep going. We offer secure video sessions across Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. - ## Do you work with teens? Yes. We see adults, teens, couples, and families. Teen sessions are confidential in the ways they need to be, with parents kept informed of anything that affects safety. - ## What if I need to cancel a session? It is the responsibility of the client to notify the office 48 hours in advance when canceling an appointment. If 48 hours' notice is not given, the full session fee will be billed. This fee is not covered by insurance, and will be billed directly to the client. - ## Is this a safe space if I come from a faith background? Yes. Jalinia and several of our clinicians integrate spiritual perspectives when clients want them — and never impose them when they don't. Your beliefs are part of your context, not something to leave at the door. - ## What are the benefits of engaging in counseling? Effectiveness and benefits may differ for us all as we are all so different and our life experiences, circumstances and perceptions vary. However, if you are experiencing emotional pain and/or anxiety, some initial relief may be noticeable after a few counseling sessions. Some people experience relief within a few sessions, when they apply themselves and significant change in 3 – 6 months. If you're seeking to experience personal growth. That is a lifetime experience and continued effort towards change. When you no longer need professional counseling, we are available to provide coaching that will assist you as you continue in your growth to a point where you are free to grow without the help of a professional therapist or coach. - ## Can others attend sessions with you? Sure! Although you are the one with the diagnosis, there may be others that your therapist will ask to attend therapy along with you. Those may include your spouse or other members of your household or family. Should this occur, it may mean that your therapist believes that your diagnosis and treatment is related to or can benefit from having others involved to support the process. - ## Is everything I speak with my therapist private? Absolutely! Yes! As a client there are laws that protect your privacy and the confidentiality of treatment are listed primarily in federal and state statutes under Protected Health Information (PHI) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). There may be additional laws listed within the statutes of the state in which you are receiving therapy. The laws are established to protect your privacy and keep all your information confidential. There are limited exceptions regarding confidentiality. - ## How long does each therapy session take? Each session is about 45- 60 minutes depending on the service being provided. Individual sessions are typically about 50 minutes in length. - ## How will I know when therapy/counseling is over? You and your therapist will collaborate to work on a treatment plan. Once you have demonstrated some progress, the therapist will inform you and continue to guide you towards the targeted goals. When the targeted goals are met and you and the therapist agree that you are ready for discharge, then you will be discharged. ## Still have questions ? The free 10-minute phone consult is the best place to ask. [Book a free consult](/contact-us) ![Growth & Guidance Counseling logo](/__l5e/assets-v1/35271702-3c7d-4122-a155-f087812270e6/gg-logo-white.webp) Start Your Healing Journey With Us Counseling · Consulting · Community. A Black-owned group therapy practice serving Georgia, Illinois, and Florida — in person and via telehealth. Licensed clinical team serving Illinois, Georgia & Florida [Client Portal](https://www.therapyportal.com/p/growthguidance1/login/) - [](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063627036414 "Facebook") - [](https://www.instagram.com/growthguidancecounseling/ "Instagram") - [](https://www.twitter.com/growthguidance "X (Twitter)") - [](https://www.tiktok.com/@growthandguidance "TikTok") - [](https://www.youtube.com/@GrowthguidancecounselingTV "YouTube") Contact - Georgia Office [770-527-1913](tel:+17705271913) - Illinois Office [312-678-1822](tel:+13126781822) - Main / Florida [888-464-6177](tel:+18884646177) - [support@growthguidancecounseling.com](mailto:support@growthguidancecounseling.com) - [Illinois](/illinois-location)5569 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 - [Georgia](/georgia-location)2551 Roswell Rd., Suite 410, Marietta, Georgia 30062 Quick links - [Services](/our-services) - [Specialties](/specialties) - [Locations](/illinois-location) - [Rates & Insurance](/rates) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Shop](/shop-events) - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQs](/frequently-asked-questions) - [Contact](/contact-us) - [Book](/book) Opening Hours - Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM - Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM - Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Sunday Closed In Crisis In crisis? Call or text [988](tel:988) (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call [911](tel:911). Using this site or the contact form does not create a therapist–client relationship. This is not a secure channel — please don't share confidential health details here. Use the secure client portal for anything clinical. Individual results vary; outcomes are not guaranteed. Services are provided only where our clinicians are licensed — Georgia, Illinois, and Florida (GA, IL, FL). © 2026 Growth and Guidance LLC [Client Portal](https://www.therapyportal.com/p/growthguidance1/login/)· [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)· Website by [Automaus.ai](https://automaus.ai)