FAQs

Q: How will I know if you are the right therapist?

A: Good question! Before we begin a session, I require a brief 15-minute consultation with all new and prospective clients. This is an opportunity to discuss your therapeutic needs and my counseling approach and answer any questions you may have. There is a $15.00 fee for all consultations.

Q: Do you provide in-person or online counseling?

A: Yes! I offer both online (teletherapy) and in-person counseling. Our office is in the heart of Uptown, a few blocks from Tulane University.

Q. What will we discuss in therapy?

A. Your therapeutic session is centered on you. My role is to hold space for you in our hour together. Feel free to lead the discussion in any direction you choose. I'm walking through your journey with you.

Q. Do you prescribe medication?

No. I do not prescribe medication or provide medication management. All medication requests must be sent to your primary care physician or medical professional.

Q. What is therapy like?

A. Therapy can look different for everyone. I tailor my therapeutic approach to fit the needs you present. It's collaborative and supportive. Vulnerability, accountability, and transparency are all part of the process. It will take you to be active and trust the process toward meeting your treatment goals. Outcomes will vary for all clients.

Q. Do you accept insurance?

A. Yes (see accepted insurance providers under FEES). I am currently not paneled with Medicaid plans.

Q. Do you accept private pay or self-pay?

A. Yes. Private pay (also known as self-pay) is accepted at Truth to Healing Counseling, LLC. We accept Visa, Mastercard,  Discover, American Express, and Flexible Savings Accounts. Clients may receive a superbill or invoice and submit it for reimbursement through their insurance provider. Clients are responsible for verifying if their insurance approves reimbursement.

Q. What are the advantages of private pay?

A.  It is advantageous to the client for the following reasons: increased privacy of client records (no required audits), complete control over the length of therapy, no diagnosis in an insurer's database, and more control over how we stylize therapy.

Q. How will I know if therapy is working?

A. Therapy is a process. As you continue doing the necessary work and applying new skills, you may notice a shift in your mood, communication style, boundary setting, increased self-awareness, improved emotional resiliency, etc. Therapy is fluid, and outcomes will vary for every client. Treatment plans are updated every 90 days. I will use a reliable assessment tool to measure the quality of therapy to determine areas of improvement and growth in therapy.

Q. Do you have evening availability?

A. Yes. Sessions are not scheduled on Saturdays, and Sundays.

Q. How do I schedule my appointments?

A. New and existing clients may book an appointment in three ways. To book a consultation, click the 'Book Now' button and select an available date and time. Email me directly at apennick@truthtohealingcounseling.com, or book through the SimplePractice client portal. Clients may book appointments for up to two weeks.

Q. Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

A. Yes. Therapy sessions remain confidential and will not be shared outside the therapeutic relationship. Exceptions include doing harm to yourself, harming others, or harm being done to you. If any of the above occurs, I must disclose it for your safety and welfare.

Q. Will you think I'm "crazy"?

A. No. Therapy is a form of self-care. You made the courageous step of putting yourself first and honoring your mental health. Seeking therapy has long been stigmatized and presumed for "crazy" people, but we are learning just how vital our mental health is. Let's normalize reaching out for help and treating our mental health with the same intentions as physical health. It is all interconnected.

Q. Will there be any written record of what I say? What happens to that record?

A. In-person sessions and teletherapy sessions are not recorded. However, I take notes during the session to recall what is discussed. Notes are kept in a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) tool called SimplePractice. Client records are kept maintained for a minimum of 6 years. The therapist must maintain records for minors at least seven years past age 18.

Q. What COVID-19 safety protocols exist for clients receiving in-person services?

A. We take COVID-19 very seriously and want to ensure we comply with the CDC guidelines and our state requirements to slow the spread. You are encouraged to reschedule your appointment if you present flu-like symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, etc.).

Q. Do you require that I be vaccinated for COVID-19 to be seen in person?

A. No. Due to the nature of past COVID-19 cases, it is highly recommended that clients are fully vaccinated. In an effort of good faith, we will not request you present proof of vaccinations during your visit. Masks are optional in the office.