Diakonos Counseling: Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for considering Diakonos Counseling. Here are some common questions that are asked about counseling services. We hope the following FAQ is helpful. If you have further questions, please contact us directly. We’re happy to be of service.
WHAT DOES “DIAKONOS” MEAN?
Diakonos is a Greek word that translates to “servant.” This word embodies our philosophy of care for clients. We seek to serve and bring hope and healing.
Can therapy help me?
Therapy can benefit anyone sincerely interested in personal change. It can help people work through challenging life issues, relational conflicts and unhealthy habits. Apart from addressing problems, counseling can help make good relationships better. For example, even a healthy marriage can be strengthened. Therapy can lead to personal growth and more balanced, joyful living on a daily basis.
How long does counseling take?
The honest answer is, “It depends.” Just as each person’s life and background are unique, each counseling experience requires a distinctive approach. The number of sessions is ultimately up to the client. However, factors that affect the length of treatment include a patient’s personal motivation and the complexity of the issues being addressed.
What types of counseling does Diakonos offer?
Diakonos provides professional counseling in person at four Missouri offices and virtually through Telehealth appointments. Services include counseling for individuals, couples and families. We also offer group therapy, play therapy and premarital sessions.
WHAT IS A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?
Although in-person counseling is optimal, we realize there are circumstances that limit availability. These include:
Clients who are traveling yet want to continue counseling while away.
An inflexible work schedule with long hours.
Long-distance relationships where the couple cannot be physically together.
Limited mobility and transportation.
Suffering from a social phobia.
Telehealth counseling is an effective alternate to face-to-face counseling. However, we recommend face-to-face counseling whenever possible. The relationship and trust you develop with your therapist is a crucial component in the healing and growth process. Being physically present with the therapist helps people feel more connected and comfortable expressing their emotions.
Important
Telehealth counseling is not appropriate for people who are suicidal, self-injuring or are prone to harming others. It’s also not appropriate for those with mental health issues that require more intense care. In these circumstances, please call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
ARE OUR COUNSELING/THERAPY SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
Confidentiality is the foundation of a relationship between a therapist and client. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust and confidentiality. We not only believe in it and practice it: It’s the law. We provide every client a Privacy Disclosure Statement that goes into detail about the privacy of sessions. Missouri law requires therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
The client is suspected of past or present abuse or neglect of children or the elderly.
The therapist has reason to suspect a client is in danger of self-harm or has threatened to harm another person.
These facts must be reported to authorities, including child protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or related sources.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A THERAPY SESSION?
In a therapy session, we begin by seeking to understand the issues that brought you to see us. We want to understand your goals so we can help you achieve them. We seek to understand you, the issue and its background. We often ask questions designed to lead you to self-discovery. That is, we help you discover the root of a problem and potential steps forward. After gaining understanding of you and the goal, we collaborate with you in the process of growth and healing. We approach our work with a background of education, training and science. But human beings are not machines to be “fixed.” We are complex beings and the path toward healing is often a journey, not a sprint. With this relational, confidential and caring approach, we have helped numerous people experience long-term change, healing and growth. It would be our privilege to serve you as well.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health. It has also been called “talk therapy” to distinguish it from medical treatment. Often “psychotherapy” can be used interchangeably with “counseling.” Psychotherapy is a personally interactive, confidential approach to relational challenges, loss, conflict and other issues. It is not confined to crises or problems. For example, therapy can make good relationships better and lead to a more satisfying life. There are several approaches to psychotherapy.
Common issues treated by psychotherapy include:
Anxiety
Stress
PTSD
Depression
Addictions
Personal and family conflicts
Marriage and parenting challenges
Loss
Major life changes
Habits
Abuse
However, there is no definitive list. Psychotherapy, under the guidance of certified professionals, has helped thousands of people through our practice. Contact us to learn more.
What is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatrist?
A Licensed Clinical Psychologist is a mental health provider licensed by the State Committee for Psychologists in the State of Missouri. A Licensed Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree in psychology (or a related field) and training which includes over 100 credit hours of graduate or post-doctoral supervised training. During a pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship, the student provides mental health services under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. Once the degree is completed (post-doctoral stage), psychologists must find mental health agencies and supervisor who will support them in their pursuit of licensure. Once this is completed, they register their experience with the state committee. Following this, they complete 2,000 hours of supervised practice, after which time they can apply for licensure. Once the supervised experience is completed and the license is approved, trainees become Licensed Psychologists and are eligible for unsupervised independent practice as a licensed mental health provider.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LP.C) is a mental health service provider licensed by the Committee for Professional Counselors in the State of Missouri. A Licensed Professional Counselor typically has:
A master’s degree in psychology or a related field.
Training which includes 30-45 credit hours of graduate work.
A 1,000-hour internship. While on internship the student provides mental health services under the supervision of a licensed provider.
Once the degree is completed, the potential counselor must find mental health agencies and supervisors who will support them in their pursuit of licensure. Once this is completed, counselors register their experience with the state committee. Next, they complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice, after which time they may apply for licensure. Once all work except for the 3,000 hours is complete (coursework, etc.) they can register with the state committee as a candidate for licensure. At that time, they are Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC). Once the supervised experience is complete and the license is approved, they become Licensed Professional Counselors and are eligible for unsupervised independent practice as a licensed mental health provider.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health service provider licensed by the State Committee of Social Workers in the State of Missouri. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker typically has a master’s degree in social work. Licensed Clinical Social Workers differ from Licensed Clinical Psychologists and Licensed Professional Counselors in that their training and areas of work typically involve working with families, schools, hospitals and other organizations rather than individuals or couples.
Once the degree is completed, the potential Licensed Clinical Social Worker must find mental health agencies and supervisors who will support them in their pursuit of licensure. Once this is completed, they register their experience with the state committee. Next they complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice, after which time they apply for licensure. Once all work except for the 3,000 hours is complete (coursework, etc.) they can register with the state committee as a candidate for licensure. Once the supervised experience is complete and the license is approved, they become Licensed Clinical Social Workers and are eligible for unsupervised independent practice as a licensed mental health provider.
A Psychiatrist is a licensed physician who completed training in medical school and treats clients through the use of medication. We are not psychiatrists but do work with them on a referral basis.
Do your counselors prescribe medication?
No. Our counselors are Licensed Mental Health Counselors who are not authorized by the state of Missouri to prescribe or dispense medications. Prescriptions are dispensed by medical doctors and psychiatrists.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach which assists in relieving the stress of traumatic events as well as in helping someone fulfill their potential. EMDR uses specific, focused strategies which help forge new associations within and between memory networks in the brain. The Mayo Clinic summarizes it this way: “EMDR combines exposure therapy with a series of guided eye movements that help you process traumatic memories and change how you react to them.” Questions? We’re happy to provide additional information.
What is psychological testing and when should it be done ?
Psychological testing is used to help a mental health professional gain a greater understanding of the mental health issues a child or adult is experiencing. It can be used to help determine a diagnosis such as ADHD, depression, learning disabilities, fitness-for-duty evaluations, domestic violence evaluations and related issues. It is often used when a diagnosis is unclear. Although Diakonos Counseling does provide psychological testing, it is not always required or recommended.
What is the difference between addiction, abuse and dependence?
Addiction is the inability to control an impulse despite negative consequences associated with it.
Abuse is a dysfunctional pattern of behavior that is not considered dependent.
Dependence may be diagnosed when an individual persists in a behavior despite problems related to it. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the behavior and withdrawal symptoms are possible when behavior is reduced or stopped.
What are your policies regarding counselors and social media?
Counselors are free to use social media. However, when it comes to clients, our staff observes strict protocols. This is to protect client privacy. The therapist-client relationship is intended to be confidential so clients feel the freedom to share on a personal level.
Is religion a part of therapy?
If the client requests that counseling include a faith-based perspective, we are equipped to include this as part of therapy. However, this is completely up to the client. Approximately 65% of our clients have a faith-based background and choose to include faith in their therapy. We are happy to serve people of the Christian faith, other faiths or no faith at all. Healing and wellness is our goal for all people.
DO YOU TESTIFY IN COURT?
No, we do not testify in court. Contact us if you have questions about this.
What are the main systems of psychotherapy?
The following are short descriptions of various psychotherapy approaches. Our therapists use various systems unique to their own training and philosophical orientation, which may or may not include the approaches described below. These terms are listed for educational purposes, not as a description of our approach to therapy.
Psychoanalytic This was the first practice to be called a psychotherapy. It encourages the verbalization of the patient's thoughts, including free associations, fantasies and dreams. From these, the therapist determines the nature of the unconscious conflicts which are causing the patient's symptoms.
Behavior therapy/applied behavior analysis focuses on changing dysfunctional patterns of behavior to improve emotional responses, thought processes and interactions with others.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy generally seeks to identify dysfunctional thought processes, beliefs and reactions with the goal of influencing destructive negative emotions and problematic behaviors.
Psychodynamic A form of depth psychology. It’s primary focus is to reveal the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate internal tension. Although its roots are in psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy tends to be briefer and less intensive than traditional psychoanalysis.
Existential therapy is based on the existential belief that human beings are alone in the world. This isolation leads to feelings of meaninglessness, which can be overcome only by creating one's own values and meanings. Existential therapy is philosophically associated with phenomenology.
Humanistic therapy emerged in reaction to both behaviorism and psychoanalysis and is therefore known as the Third Force in the development of psychology. It is explicitly concerned with the human context of the development of the individual. It posits an inherent human capacity to maximize potential, “the self-actualizing tendency.” The task of Humanistic therapy is to create a relational environment where this tendency might flourish. Humanistic psychology is philosophically rooted in existentialism.
Brief therapy is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches to psychotherapy. It differs from other schools of therapy in that it emphasizes (1) a focus on a specific problem and (2) direct intervention. It is solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with how a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change.
Systemic therapy seeks to address people not on an individual level but as people in relationships. Therefore it deals with the interactions of groups, their patterns and dynamics (including family therapy and marriage counseling). Community psychology is a type of systemic psychology.
Transpersonal therapy addresses the client in the context of a spiritual understanding of consciousness.
Body Psychotherapy addresses problems of the mind as being closely correlated with bodily phenomena, including a person's sexuality, musculature, breathing habits and physiology. This therapy may involve massage and other body exercises as well as talking.
Will insurance cover Mental Health services?
Diakonos is contracted with Medicare and Tricare. We are an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies. If you have a PPO policy, your insurance likely covers a portion of your services. As a service to our clients, Diakonos support staff will be happy to call your insurance provider to check your mental health benefits. Contact us if we can be of assistance.
Will you bill my insurance ?
Yes. Our support staff will send a claim to your insurance company the day after your session. Insurance normally takes between 30 to 60 days to process.
FEES AND PAYMENT
What are your counseling fees?
Our standard counseling fee is $195 for the Initial Evaluation and $140 per session thereafter.
Do you offer reduced fees?
We have a sliding scale reduced fee program that is available on a limited basis. The sliding scale fees range from $72-$108. Please contact us to learn more.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment with cash, check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or American Express. Payment can be made in person, over the phone, on our website or by mail.