How do I know when to seek mental health treatment for myself or a loved one?

Each mental health condition has its own set of signs and symptoms. In general, however, professional help may be warranted if you or a loved one experiences:

• Marked change in personality, eating or sleeping patterns

• Inability to cope with problems or daily activities

• Strange or extreme ideas

• Excessive anxiety

• Prolonged depression or loss of interest or enjoyment

• Thinking or talking about suicide

• Substance abuse

• Extreme mood swings or excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior

Many people who have mental health conditions consider their signs and symptoms a normal part of life or avoid treatment out of shame or fear. If you're concerned about your mental health or a loved one's mental health, don't hesitate to seek advice.

How does counseling help?

When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, a better understanding of their feelings and needs, the release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways often having to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their minds regarding the process. In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients I have worked with feel that the temporary pain of working through the process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously.

Is what I say in counseling kept confidential?

Believe Iberia Counseling follows the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association and the state of Louisiana. This means that information about your counseling sessions or what is discussed in the session is not shared with anyone without expressed written permission. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality; including If there is the possibility of harm to the client or another person, or in cases of child or elder abuse. Believe Iberia Counseling staff are mandated to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. Your therapist will review confidentiality with you during your initial intake and will answer any questions you may have.

How do you accept payment for therapy?

Believe Iberia Counseling works out mutually agreeable payment options with all of its clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most insurances will cover some or all of its cost. The best way to find out is to contact your insurance company. You can find the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. However, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Tricare, United Health Care, and Vantage private pay insurance. In addition, we also accept all Louisiana Medicaid plans. You are also welcome to pay by credit card or cash. More information about payment in further detail and “No Show Policies” can be located in the therapist’s Declaration of Practice.

What can I expect at the first session?

You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling and also about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You can also expect to have some brief paperwork to fill out.

How long will I be in treatment?

Length of treatment varies depending upon the problems you are facing, and the nature of the treatments that are selected. In addition, we will work together to decide how long you should be in treatment to gain the most benefit possible.

How do I know if the therapist/client relationship is a good fit?

The most important thing about therapy is that you are comfortable with your therapist. You have taken the first step to getting better and whatever Believe Iberia Counseling can do to support that, we will. Please ask as many questions as you like. This is a big decision and you want to make sure it is a good fit before making the commitment.

What can I do if my therapist is not a good fit?

Your fit with your therapist can strengthen your response to treatment. If you feel that your therapist is not a good fit, you can talk with them about seeing someone else (all providers are trained to help patients in this situation). Your current therapist may need to see you one more time to officially transition care before you see your new provider, as this is part of a healthy therapeutic relationship.

What do I do if I need help right away?

In the case that a client has an urgent need or is in an emergency situation, clients may call Believe Iberia Counseling to meet with a therapist for brief counseling and stabilization. Please indicate the urgency of the situation and briefly describe what you are experiencing in order to receive the fastest attention possible. If you may have a mental health-related emergency outside of Believe Iberia Counseling regular business hours, please call your local police department or 9-1-1 immediately.