During your first session, the initial intake, your therapist will take time to understand your history, current concerns, and goals for counseling. You’ll discuss areas such as your emotional experiences, behaviors, and what you hope to work toward. Together, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan and explore therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs.

For children and teens, sessions may use creative approaches such as play therapy, art, storytelling, role-playing, or toys, alongside traditional talk therapy. These methods help young clients express feelings and learn new ways to understand and manage emotions.

Typical session durations are:

• Initial intake appointment: 60–75+ minutes, depending on your needs
• Adult counseling sessions: approximately 53–60 minutes
• Play therapy or child sessions: 45–60 minutes (may vary depending on techniques used)

Yes — Reflections Counseling works with many insurance plans and offers both in-network and out-of-network benefits (details found on the Rates & Insurance page).

Before your first session, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your mental health benefits. Helpful questions to ask your insurer include:

• Do I have mental health coverage?

• What is my deductible — and has it been met?

• How many sessions are covered per year?

• What is the out-of-network coverage amount?

• Are visits limited in duration or number?

• Is a primary care referral required?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of counseling. In general, your conversations with your therapist are protected by law and will not be shared without your written permission.

However, there are important exceptions where a therapist is required to break confidentiality to protect safety:

• If there’s suspected abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder
• If someone is at imminent risk of serious harm to themselves or others
• If required by a legal court order

In these cases, the therapist must follow legal reporting requirements.

Yes, finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of effective counseling. You’re welcome to speak with a clinician by phone to ask questions, get a feel for their style, and determine whether you feel this could be a good match before scheduling a session.