BLOOMING MINDS COUNSELING, PLLC
Alison Bellows, M.Ed, LCMHCA, NCC
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I go to therapy?
It depends! Every client is unique, so meeting frequency depends on individual needs. This is something we will discuss in the first session. In the beginning of therapy, most clients will meet weekly. As the therapeutic relationship is established, we can adjust and space out the frequency of sessions from there. I would average this generally takes 4-6 sessions.
If I only wanted to go to therapy once a month, how much would that cost?
The cost of therapy is something I provide to you prior to meeting with me for our first intake session. This document is called a Good Faith Estimate, which is the expected amount of money you could pay in therapy. In the example above, if a client came to therapy once a month for a year, the initial intake session would be $150, then all sessions thereafter would be $135, so the total for the year would be $1,635.
Do you offer a sliding scale for therapy sessions?
I provide a sliding scale option for eligible individuals. However, I have a limited number of slots available for this option. Please contact me to check availability and to determine if you meet the annual income requirements.
How do I know when it's time to end therapy?
This varies by person. A few signs it's time to space out therapy or pause altogether include achieving most of your treatment goals, feeling ready to stop, not having much to talk about or work on in session consistently, feeling more empowered and balanced, or seeing a need to do more of the work outside of session for a period of time. This is a conversation we can have in session.
Do you meet in person or virtually?
I only meet client's virtually. My practice provides telehealth therapy to the entire state of North Carolina.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth therapy is the same as in person therapy but through a HIPPA compliant digital platform. At the start of your session, you will login to the digital platform I provide for you in your intake paperwork. After logging in, you will be directed to a digital waiting room. At the start of your appointment, I will admit you into the secure therapy room for your session. Telehealth therapy is an effective form of counseling that offers flexibility, privacy, and convenience for clients.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance, but I do accept HSA & FSA cards. If you have Out Of Network coverage, I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you aren't sure if you have Out Of Network Benefits, feel free to reach out and I can help you with understanding your benefit options.
Do you see individuals and couples?
Yes! I see both individuals and couples. I see individual clients for relationships issues, anxiety, self-esteem, and childhood trauma. You can check out more here. I see couples for couples counseling. You can check out more here.
What if I can't make a scheduled session?
Life happens! I get it. My cancellation and missed session policy is provided in full to you in your intake paperwork. I require 48 hours notice for cancellations and rescheduling. Clients can text, call, or email me if something comes up and we can reschedule.
Have More Questions? Feel free to email me at info@bloomingmindscounseling.com
Payment Options
Blooming Minds Counseling, PLLC is a private pay practice. Cash and credit card are accepted forms of payment. Insurance is not currently accepted. If you would like to submit a receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement for an HSA or FSA account, a monthly receipt can be provided to submit to your insurance company. Some health insurance companies will reimburse clients for counseling services and some will not. In addition, most will require a diagnosis of a mental-health condition and indicate that you must have an “illness” before they will agree to reimburse you. Some conditions for which people seek counseling do not qualify for reimbursement.