FAQS
Questions you may have before getting started.
Beginning counseling often comes with practical questions about what to expect, how the process works, and whether a particular therapist might be a good fit. Here are answers to some of the questions people commonly have before reaching out.
How do I know if counseling might be helpful?
You don't have to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. You may be dealing with something painful or difficult, noticing patterns you would like to change, facing an important decision or transition, or wanting to understand yourself and your relationships more deeply.
Sometimes people come to counseling because they know exactly what they want help with. Other times, they simply know that something isn't working or that they want something in their life to be different. We can begin there.
What happens when I call?
When you call, you’ll be asked to leave your name, phone number, and a brief message. I generally return calls the same day but ask for 24 hours to return calls.
When we speak, I’ll ask a little about what is bringing you to counseling and what you are looking for. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about me and my practice. The purpose of the consultation is for us to determine whether I may be a good fit for what you need.
If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule your initial appointment and I’ll explain the next steps.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for me to learn more about you, what is bringing you to counseling, and what you hope will be different as a result of our work together.
I’ll ask questions about what is happening in your life now as well as relevant parts of your history. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what you want to say. We’ll begin wherever you are.
By the end of the initial assessment, we’ll begin to identify what you would like to work on and talk about how counseling might help. You’ll also have another opportunity to decide whether working together feels like a good fit.
Phone consultations are free. Initial appointments/assessments are 55 minutes and the fee is $200. Regular counseling appointments are $175.
How often will we meet?
Most people begin counseling with weekly appointments. Meeting regularly gives us time to understand what is happening, build momentum, and work toward the changes you want to make. It depends on what you are working on though, sometimes twice a month can be a good pace to see the progress you want.
As counseling progresses, we can talk together about whether it makes sense to meet less frequently. The length and frequency of sessions will depend on what brings you in, your goals, and what is most helpful to you.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for counseling?
In many cases, yes. Counseling is generally considered an eligible medical expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for your sessions.
Because individual plans can have different requirements, I recommend checking with your HSA or FSA administrator if you have questions about your specific account.
Do you accept insurance?
I am currently in the process of getting credentialed by two insurance providers. I am considered an out-of-network provider. Payment is due in full at the time of your appointment.
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide documentation that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. The amount reimbursed varies considerably by plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to ask about your specific benefits.
When you call, you may want to ask about your out-of-network benefits for outpatient psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist, including your deductible and the percentage of the allowed amount your plan reimburses.
Phone consultations are free. Initial appointments/assessments are 55 minutes and are $200. Individual and couples therapy sessions are 55 minutes and the fee is $175.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
I currently provide sessions in person at my office in Homewood, Alabama. I value the opportunity to meet face-to-face and have created my practice around in-person care.
What kinds of concerns do you work with?
I work with adults who come to counseling for many different reasons, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, military service and dependent issues, relationship and family concerns, major life transitions, self-esteem, career and identity questions, infertility-related stress, and challenges related to aging or changing roles.
I also work with people who may not be experiencing a particular mental health concern but want to understand themselves better, strengthen their relationships, make an important decision, change patterns that are no longer working for them, or create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In my previous practice in Pensacola, FL I worked with a number of medical professionals including physicians, dentists, optometrists and other psychologists and counselors who needed an individual or couples counselor.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is something I can help with, we can talk about that during the initial consultation.
How long will I be in counseling?
There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. Some people come to therapy to work through a particular concern or transition, while others have experiences or patterns they want to understand and work through more deeply.
We’ll talk about what you hope to accomplish and check in along the way about how therapy is helping. As things improve and you feel increasingly able to manage what brought you to therapy, we can decide together when it makes sense to meet less often or bring our work to a close.
My goal is not for you to be in counseling forever. My goal is to help you get to a place where you no longer need me.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counseling is private and confidential, and protecting your privacy is an important part of our work together.
There are, however, certain circumstances in which psychologists are legally or ethically required to disclose information without your permission. I will explain confidentiality and its limits in more detail before we begin working together, and you are always welcome to ask questions about how your information is protected.
When you choose to file insurance you consent for the counselor to provide a diagnosis to your insurance provider so they may determine covered services. Self-pay for services keeps your private health information between you and me, except in rare circumstances.
What if I’m not sure we’re a good fit?
Finding the right counselor matters. The consultation gives us an opportunity to talk briefly about what is bringing you to therapy, what you are looking for, and whether my experience, availability, and approach seem appropriate for your needs.
You are also deciding whether you feel comfortable talking with me and can imagine us working well together. If I don’t believe I’m the right person to help with what you need, I’ll let you know and, when possible, help point you toward other options.
Where is your office?
My office is located in Homewood, Alabama, convenient to Birmingham and surrounding communities.
Rebecca Kennedy, PhD
3349 Independence Drive, Suite 106
Homewood, AL 35209