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Frequently Asked Questions for Counseling
and In Therapy

Attending your first therapy session can evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement to nervousness. To help ease any uncertainty you may have, I have compiled answers to some of the most common questions that new clients often ask before their initial therapy and counseling session.
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How do I schedule an appointment?To set up an appointment, or if you have any questions, you can contact me several ways. You can call me at (843) 410-3596, email me at Laura@CarmodyCounseling.com, or submit a message at the bottom this website. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Are you offering virtual or in-person sessions?As of March 2024, I am offering in-person, virtual, and hybrid sessions. I'm excited to partner with The Atlanta Center for Wellness for in-person therapy. We are located at 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30328. Virtual sessions are conducted through an encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platform called Doxy. Video camera access from a computer, phone, or webcam is required, as well as some basic understanding of technology.
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I’m not sure about doing online therapy, is it effective?Research shows that virtual therapy (also known as TeleHealth, Telemental Health, and/or Telecounseling) is as effective as in-person therapy for most issues; however, it is not well-suited for acute psychiatric events or crisis intervention.
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How long are therapy sessions?Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. I also offer 85 to 90-minute sessions.
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How much do you charge per session?Sessions are 50 minutes with a flat rate of $195. 85 to 90-minute sessions are $292.50. Sliding scale appointments may be available based on financial need, upon request.
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Do you accept insurance plans?One of my most common questions! I do not directly contract with insurance companies, which is a fairly standard practice in the field. This means I'm an "Out of Network" provider. As of May 26, 2025, I've partnered with Mentaya. They have a HIPAA compliant "instant benefits checker" that quickly and easily lets you know if your insurance plan reimburses for out-of-network therapy. Here's my link: https://mentaya.com/checkbenefits/nm5cVxpGgOea4uOAiiBH . (This is completely optional, and I do not benefit in any way for your participation.) Insurance companies often reimburse a percentage of the therapist's fee, usually after you meet an out-of-network deductible. For example, after you meet a $1,000 deductible, your insurance may reimburse 50-80% of the session cost. If your insurance does provide reimbursement, you can either file on your own (I'll provide a Superbill [record of dates, service, and payment] for you) or have Mentaya file for you. Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling your insurance company if needed. Mentaya guarantees claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.
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What if I need to cancel my appointment?Appointments that are canceled with more than 24 hours’ notice of your appointment time and date will be canceled at no charge. If canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be responsible for the fee for the scheduled session. Emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis for waving the fee.
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What if I have more questions?I'd love to hear from you. You can call me at (843) 410-3596, email me at Laura@CarmodyCounseling.com, or submit a message at the bottom this website.

Contact
(843) 410-3596
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