Q.  How much does this cost?
A.   Each therapist sets her own fees and policies about payment. We recommend that you select a therapist, then discuss with her what her fees are, whether she accepts your insurance or not, and issues related to payment. If you choose to use your insurance, and the therapist you have selected does not or cannot accept your insurance, she will try to help you get hooked up with an appropriate therapist who is on your plan.

Q.  Do you accept any of the TennCare plans?
A.   Sorry, none of us are able to accept TennCare at this time, although Wendy keeps a small list of colleagues and facilities who may be taking it or who offer fees on a sliding scale. We suggest that you call the telephone number on your card and ask for a referral. Let them know if you have any special needs or requests, how soon you need to be seen, etc. If you are unable to see someone within a reasonable length of time, call the TennCare number back and find out who you CAN see. If you are still unable to schedule an appointment within a timely manner, you may want to file a complaint with the state. This is important. Currently, TennCare companies are not allowing new providers into their networks because they believe they have plenty of providers.

Q.  How long does this take? I've heard about people being in therapy for years!
A.   How long you're in therapy is entirely up to you, and will vary depending on the facts of your particular situation.

Q.  What will people think about my coming to a therapist or counselor?
A.   Except under specific circumstances, only those whom you choose to tell will know that you're coming. If you do decide to share your presence here with a friend or coworker, you might be surprised at the response. Your willingness to share your own experience will often make it possible for others to do the same. Men and women from all walks of life decide to seek counseling for all kinds of reasons. Doing so does NOT mean you're crazy. It means you have the courage and good sense to know when it's time to get help.

Q.  Isn't coming to counseling a sign of weakness?
A.   NO. Some think that getting help means you can't solve your own problems. From time to time, though, isn't that true for all of us? If the car dies, we think nothing of taking it to a mechanic. For investment help, we go to a financial planner. For the flu, we head for the doctor's office. Only when we're seeking help for our spirit or our marriages or our families do we somehow feel we have to go it alone.
     Why is it ok to get help for our car, but not our hearts? Therapy helps in those areas that really matter - our relationships, our sense of well being, and our satisfaction in life. Getting help for such things is not an act of weakness at all, but an act of courage, wisdom, and common sense.

Q.   What's it like?
A.   It's not so bad, really. In many instances, you will sit and talk about whatever is troubling you with a good listener who can help you sort through your problems and arrive at solutions.
     Children may work on problems through a combination of talking and activities (or play therapy) geared toward helping them express their feelings appropriately, and work things out in a way that fits their capabilities.
Each therapist has her own approach to therapy. Feel free to ask your therapist to explain how she works and what to expect.

Q.   How does it help?
A.   This is a complicated question with more than one answer. There are many different theories about what causes change, about how and why people benefit from therapy. Part of it comes from having the perspective of an objective "outsider," part of it is from the education received, the learning of new ways of thinking about a problem.
     Most of the benefit of therapy is in the relationship itself that you'll likely develop with your therapist. There's something about having that time set aside just for you, about creating that space where you can think, and feel, and be heard, that enables people to sort things out for themselves.

Q.  What is the difference between "counseling" and "therapy?"
A.   Though there are some technical differences, they tend to be used interchangeably.

Q.  Can you prescribe medication?
A.   No. Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor such as your family physician or a psychiatrist.

Q.   Do I have to take medication?
A.   No, although medication can often help a great deal. If it seems like a good idea in your particular situation, your therapist may suggest you talk with your doctor about it. In many cases, a combination of psychotherapy (or "talking therapy") and the proper medication will help more than either approach by themselves.

Q.   Will my insurance cover this?
A.   This depends on a number of factors, including which provider you choose and the specifics of your particular insurance plan. Often medical insurance will help offset the cost of therapy, but you are ultimately responsible for any uncovered amounts.
     Interestingly, we are beginning to find that more and more people are choosing not to use their benefits for a variety of reasons. With the advent of managed care, true confidentiality -and control over one's own therapy- have become more and more a thing of the past. Paying your own way allows you to retain your privacy and control over your own treatment.

Q.   Will you tell my employer or my family that I'm coming?
A.   Your presence here, the content of your sessions, and your records are confidential with some important exceptions. We cannot release information to anyone without your written permission. Under state law, however, we are required to notify authorities if we suspect child abuse or neglect, or if we have concerns that you may be a danger to yourself or others. Furthermore, we have no control over what happens to information once it is released to your insurance company. If your insurance is a managed care company, they will require extensive information, including a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have any concerns about this, we urge you to discuss them with your therapist before you begin.

Q.   I think we need to work on our marriage, but my spouse won't come. Can you still help?
A.   Yes. Ultimately, all any of us can do is help ourselves. Though we can't force our spouse or our children or our friends to behave differently, we can look at our own response to them. We can learn how to make healthy choices and how to take care of ourselves within those relationships.

Q.  How do I tell my child about coming to therapy?
A.   Let them know you are concerned about _____ (whatever you are concerned about for them). You may want to tell them you are concerned that they might not be as happy as they can be. Explain that you are going with them to talk to someone who may be able to help you all get along better. Kids worry most that you are taking them somewhere to be "fixed"--that something is terribly wrong with them, or that you think they are "crazy." You need to address these issues directly.
For example:
Parent:  "I'm concerned about how much trouble you have remembering to do your homework and your chores. You know that we fight about that a lot. I want to make sure that we do everything we can to help you. We're going to go talk to a lady who helps families like ours get along better."
Child:  "I promise I'll do better."
Parent:  "I know you mean that, but I think we need a checkup to make sure there isn't a problem with this. Maybe there are things I could be doing differently, too."

Q.  What if my child says he/she won't talk?
A.   That's fine. Don't argue with them about it. Let them know all you expect is for them to go. Usually when kids get here and there isn't a power struggle over whether they talk or not, they find they can't resist expressing their opinion!

Q.   I'm having trouble with my child, but I don't know if I should be worried or if it's just a "phase". What should I do?
A.   That's a good question. As parents ourselves, we know how hard it can be to sort this out. We'd suggest that you simply call and talk with one of the counselors at Cove Mountain. We may be able to help you determine over the phone whether or not your situation calls for professional help. When in doubt, ask!

Q.   I think my (child, friend, spouse) may be suicidal, but I don't know for sure and I'm afraid to bring it up. What should I do?
A.   Ask them. Most people are afraid to mention suicide to someone they're worried about for fear doing so "will put ideas in their heads." The truth is that, if they are indeed contemplating suicide, the thought is already there. Your asking about it will just give them the opportunity to finally say so out loud, which in turn can bring relief.
     Always take suicidal threats seriously, even if you think they're "just looking for attention." And always call a professional - one of us or your medical doctor or the school guidance counselor or your pastor. Don't feel you have to handle this by yourself!

Q.  Will you respect my religious beliefs?
A.   Absolutely! We believe that your religious and spiritual beliefs are extremely important in providing you with support and coping resources. We will work with you, always within your own beliefs, to help you find a way to bring about the changes you want for yourself. Your values are an important part of who you are and we have the highest respect for that.