Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling costs$50 to $250 per session if not covered by insurance, depending on your location, type of counseling, and the counselor's specialty. Prices are on the high end of the range in major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco. The average cost of counseling with insurance is $20 to $50 per session for the copay.
Online counseling membership plans cost $40 to $70 per week and typically include scheduled video sessions and/or 24-hour support through texting or online chat.
Marriage counseling costs$120 to $250 per session for in-person therapy or $90 to $230 per session for online therapy.
Can you use an HSA or FSA for counseling?
You can only use your HSA or FSA for counseling if you have a billable diagnosis—such as depression or bipolar disorder—and the therapy is deemed medically necessary. You can't use your HSA or FSA for marriage or family counseling, grief counseling, or therapy for stress management.
What are the types of counselors?
Counselors have a master's degree in psychology and are trained and licensed to practice psychotherapy. A counselor may be licensed or certified in a specific area:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC)
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Registered Child Therapist RPT)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
What does a counselor do?
A counselor can help you navigate challenging life situations, understand your emotions, strengthen your self-esteem, and improve your communication and coping skills. They provide support through difficult times and guide you in making the necessary changes in thinking and behavior to improve your mental and emotional health.
Counselors can help you with a variety of problems:
Depression and mood changes
Marriage and relationship problems
Grief or loss
Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
Self-esteem and body image concerns
Eating disorders
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anger management
Addiction
Gender or sexual identity concerns
Can counselors prescribe medication?
Counselors are licensed psychologists but not medical doctors, and in most parts of the U.S. they are not allowed to prescribe medication. Only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow counselors to prescribe medication, and counselors in these states must complete additional psychopharmacology training and certification.
In the rest of the U.S., only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, but they typically do not provide talk therapy or counseling services.
Can counselors diagnose ADHD, autism, or other mental health conditions?
A licensed counselor can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Indiana and Maine. However, the counselor must refer clients to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Consult a counselor near you if you have concerns about ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions.
How can I choose the best counselor near me?
When searching for a counselor, it's important to choose one who makes you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Follow these tips to find the best counselor for you:
If you have a specific concern—such as depression, stress, or relationship issues—look for counselors who specialize in that area.
Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.
Confirm the counselor accepts your insurance or offers a sliding-scale rate.
Ask about telemedicine and virtual visit options.
Schedule an initial consultation to make sure you're happy with the counselor's communication style and empathy.
What questions should I ask counselors?
Ask these questions to help you choose a counselor who will help you achieve the best results:
How long have you been practicing, and what are your certifications?
What areas of counseling do you specialize in?
What is your philosophy as a counselor?
What therapeutic approaches do you typically use?
What does a typical session look like?
Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
Do you give homework or reading assignments?
Do you offer virtual / telemedicine appointments?
Do you accept my insurance? Do you bill the insurance company directly?
Do you offer sliding-scale rates for clients without insurance?
Reviews for Chicago counselors
Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Rashad
Maryanne is the best massage therapist I've ever dealt with.
Empathic Massage
Tiffani G.
Thanks Mr. Marcus Cage for coming to teach us a little bit about how to Divorce the Past!
Divine Works Education and Training
Eury F.
The precision is out of this world! I highly recommend Tactful Disruption where psychology and spirituality meet.
Tactful Disruption®
E E.
An immeasurable experience. Marcus carries an abundance of understanding that anyone and everyone can and should seek to better their lives.
Maze of Life Resource Center
Mitch L.
OMG, What a hidden gem in Edgewater for serious Cross Fit athlete in training seeking the real deal in Deep Tissue-Trigger Point therapy.
I had to write this review today not just to give Tony & Energize
Sports Massage High marks on their Professionalism, Unique on hands approached , therapeutic service, but high marks on Sports-Cross Fit knowledge on the male athlete in physical training & healing maintenance of the body. In the Naval Academy we are taught, How you approach a situation as an adult is how the situation will treat you.I have been going to Energize since 2014 during my training at Great Lakes Naval Training Base and should have written this earlier. I have had many massages in the past and was looking for a local place to get a professional deep tissue massage therapist and found Energize Sports Massage. The conversation over the phone was, [ YES , I actually called not Text} I got into detail on my needs/ lower back, quads, hamstring issues. He answered every question I had to make me more relax on making a reservation. When you arrive, at his office studio, Alex, greets you warmly and sits with you before the massage to talk and for you to relax. It's a nice transition from the hectic world of naval active stress training to the zen you will be in shortly. He has a separate room with his studio. With the right therapeutic music playing in the background to thoroughly de stress you, Rates are very very reasonable compared to other Chicago north side-North Shore Chicago therapist.I always go for his 90 minute Sports- Trigger Point-stretch massage and am never disappointed. He thoroughly worked on my back and gets deep in that the muscles to remove any knots I have. The leg stretching is amazing. I always leave feeling so relaxed and my muscles are saying 'thank you'. Final Comment.I find the rates very fair , Very knowledgeable on sports, sports injuries and treatment, being a former athlete he knows the male body. The pressure just enough to remove those knotted areas but never in extra pain. He always communicate with you the very first session. - I feel that the massage I get is more personalized to my body. Highly recommended
Energize Sports Massage
Jessie H.
Grace was so accommodating and informative. I told her my issues and she explained the treatment. Making me feel comfortable and at ease! I Left The appointment refreshed and my neck and back have never felt better! I would recommend Grace to anyone interested in acupuncture etc.
Family Care Acupuncture and Herbs
Jeanna Z.
It was a pleasure working with The JRB Team on a business development project. JRB was professional and experienced. I would highly recommend their services to other businesses looking to outsource their sales work. I look forward to working with them again in the future.
JRB Team
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