What to Expect
Trauma-Informed Care
Our approach is trauma-informed at its foundation.
Clinically Rigorous
We stay current with neuroscience and research, applying evidence-based approaches.
Multicultural
Our team is humbly prepared to learn where you are coming from.
How to Start Therapy
New to therapy? Here's exactly what happens, start to finish.
Our Therapists
FAQs
Getting Started
How do I know which therapist to choose?
The right "fit" is important to get the most out of therapy. Each client has different needs based on their reasons for treatment, availability, and preferences. You can read more about our therapists’ backgrounds, training, and specialties on our “Find My Therapist” page. During the initial consultation call, you and the clinician will determine together whether it’s the right fit.
How do I schedule my first appointment?
You can book your first appointment two ways: online through our secure SimplePractice patient portal (available 24/7), or by emailing us at michael@virginiacounselingllc.com.
What should I expect before the initial appointment?
After you schedule your initial session, you’ll receive an email with a link to our confidential client portal, where you’ll complete our online paperwork before your appointment. Your therapist will also email you to request photos of your insurance card and your date of birth to verify coverage. You can then schedule the initial appointment yourself through the SimplePractice client portal, or email your therapist to book it for you.
Attending Therapy
What should I expect during the first session?
Your first session is a thorough intake appointment. Your clinician will spend time getting to know you — your history, current challenges, goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. This session typically lasts 60 minutes. By the end, you and your provider will begin outlining a personalized treatment plan together.
Are sessions in person or virtual? Can I do both?
You can choose in-person sessions, virtual sessions, or a hybrid of both, giving you the flexibility to receive care in the way that best fits your needs.
How secure is a virtual appointment?
We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform, and you’ll receive a link before your appointment. No special apps or software are required in most cases, and we’ll send detailed instructions before your first virtual session.
How often should I meet with my therapist?
Research shows that meeting weekly, especially early in treatment, is most effective. This “therapeutic week” gives clients time to meet, process their challenges, identify new skills, and practice those skills for 7 days before returning for another session. Depending on what you’re working on and your availability, sessions can be scheduled weekly or monthly, as agreed upon with your therapist.
How long does therapy take?
This varies greatly depending on your goals and concerns. Some people benefit from short-term, focused therapy (8–16 sessions), while others prefer ongoing therapy as long-term support. Your therapist will regularly check in on your progress and adjust the plan as needed — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and your clinician will work with you to find the right rhythm.
What therapy approaches do your clinicians use?
Our therapists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness-based approaches, and more. Your provider will select the approach best suited to your needs.
Is my therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share with your therapist is strictly confidential under HIPAA law. We will not share your information with family members, employers, or other parties without your written consent. There are narrow legal exceptions — for example, if there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or if current child or elder abuse is disclosed. Your clinician will review confidentiality in detail at your first session.
For Parents
Do you offer therapy for children and teens?
Yes. Our therapists are trained in approaches like play therapy, CBT for kids, and adolescent-focused therapies. Common concerns we treat include anxiety, depression, school refusal, social difficulties, behavioral issues, and more.
I’m looking for therapy services for my child. What should I expect?
Parent involvement is a crucial part of successful treatment. Our clinicians recognize the important role you play in your child’s life and their therapy progress.
Intake Session
If your child is under 14, both you and your child will need to attend the intake session. If your child is 14 or older, we still prefer that you attend, though it’s not required.
This first meeting gives the clinician a chance to get to know your child, understand their needs, and gather important background information to guide treatment.
Follow-Up Sessions
The structure of follow-up sessions may vary depending on your child’s needs and can include:
- Individual sessions with your child
- Parent sessions with the therapist
- Family sessions involving both you and your child
Your child’s clinician will work with you to determine the right balance of these approaches to best support your child’s growth and well-being.
Will I be included in my child’s therapy?
Parental involvement is encouraged, especially for younger children. For adolescents, we balance parental involvement with the teen’s need for a private, confidential space to open up. Your child’s therapist will work out the right approach with your family during the first session, and we typically include periodic parent check-ins to update you on progress and strategies.
What age do you start seeing patients?
We generally see children age 5 and up. Contact us to confirm availability for your child’s specific age and needs.
Billing and Insurance
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes, we work with the following insurance companies: Anthem, Aetna, United Healthcare (Optum), Cigna, CareFirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield, FEP Blue, Lyra, plus out-of-state options. We do not accept Medicaid, Medicare, Kaiser, or TriCare. If you don’t see your insurance company listed, reach out to us for more information.
How do I book, cancel, or reschedule my session?
You can schedule sessions through your SimplePractice client portal (the green one) — there’s no limit on how far in advance you can book. You can also ask your therapist to reserve a specific time slot for you each week.
If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, you can do so yourself on the portal or ask your therapist to do it for you. Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled time are subject to a $150 late cancellation fee.
How can I find out how much I’ll pay out of pocket for sessions with my insurance plan?
We verify your insurance when you complete your intake paperwork and can provide a cost estimate upon request. Because co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly for detailed information before your first visit.
Virginia Counseling, LLC works with insurance companies but cannot guarantee payment.
What’s the difference between a co-pay, co-insurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket max?
Co-pay
A fixed amount you pay for a specific service, such as $20 per session.
Co-insurance
A percentage of the service cost you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, with 20% co-insurance on a $100 service, you pay $20 and insurance covers $80.
Deductible
The amount you must pay out of pocket for covered services each year before insurance starts paying. For instance, if your deductible is $500, you pay the first $500 of covered services yourself; after that, your insurance begins sharing costs. Most deductibles reset on January 1st, though some plans vary.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services, including co-pays, co-insurance, and your deductible. Once you reach this limit, insurance covers 100% for the rest of the year.
How can I request a superbill or statement for my services?
The SimplePractice portal generates a monthly superbill that’s emailed to you automatically. You can also request one directly from your therapist.
To self-submit a superbill to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, you’ll need:
- Group NPI: 1548197734
- Tax ID: 41-4201136
- CPT Code 90791 (Initial Evaluation): $240
- CPT Code 90837 (60-Minute Individual Therapy): $200
- CPT Code 90834 (45-Minute Individual Therapy): $150
What is the cost for services?
If you use insurance, you’ll likely owe a co-pay per session, usually between $0–$50. Some plans require you to meet a deductible before coverage begins. Exact costs vary by plan — some insurance cards list this information, or you can contact us or your insurance company to verify coverage details.
Self-Pay Costs
- Intake Session: $240
- Following Sessions: $200
Contact Us
Please complete the following form and someone from our team will return your inquiry within two business days. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're ready to book your first session or you're a clinician looking to join our team, the next step takes two minutes.