FAQ
What does "free introductory phone call" mean?
Choosing a therapist is a big deal. A 15-20 minute phone call gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of my communication style; it allows me to learn a bit about what's important to you. From that first phone call, we'll work together to determine next steps that meet your needs. If it seems we're a good fit for a counseling partnership, we'll schedule a first session at your convenience. If not, I'll work to identify referrals to other professionals who may better serve you.
Do you have evening or weekend availability?
Yes, I schedule both evening and Saturday appointments. In some cases, Sunday appointments may also be available.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Whether in- or out-of-network, I am pleased to file claims on behalf of clients.
How much does a session cost?
The fee for 50-minute individual, couple or family sessions is $120 per session. The fee for
80-minute individual, couple or family sessions is $140 per session. Session fees may be paid at the conclusion of each session or via monthly invoice. Fees and are payable by Venmo, PayPal, credit card or check.
Do you offer pro bono work?
Clients referred from Orange County Rape Crisis Center (OCRCC) or other community agencies may be eligible for pro bono sessions. If you are a community-agency professional seeking pro bono referral options for clients, please contact me.
Can I prepay for a session?
If it's more convenient to prepay for a session, please let me know. I'll share a link via secure email that will direct you. If you've prepaid for a session but need to cancel and reschedule for a later time, we'll simply credit the prepayment to the rescheduled session.
How does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality is the foundation of trust and safety within the counseling relationship. All our communication becomes part of your clinical record. You may request access to that record at any time. All communication within our counseling relationship is held in confidence, with three exceptions:
a) You direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else;
b) It is determined you are a danger to yourself or others (including child or elder abuse);
c) I am ordered by a court to disclose information.
What are person-centered and cultural-relational approaches to counseling? Both these approaches emphasize the rich power of a healthy, dynamic relationship between client and counselor. A few summaries of these approaches here and here. While I resource a broad range of approaches in my work, I believe that no skill or technique contributes more to meaningful therapy than does a safe, secure client-counselor relationship.
Where is your office located?
Since March 2020, I've worked entirely by videoconferencing and phone. When I return to a physical office, that information will be updated at this space.
What does "free introductory phone call" mean?
Choosing a therapist is a big deal. A 15-20 minute phone call gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of my communication style; it allows me to learn a bit about what's important to you. From that first phone call, we'll work together to determine next steps that meet your needs. If it seems we're a good fit for a counseling partnership, we'll schedule a first session at your convenience. If not, I'll work to identify referrals to other professionals who may better serve you.
Do you have evening or weekend availability?
Yes, I schedule both evening and Saturday appointments. In some cases, Sunday appointments may also be available.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Whether in- or out-of-network, I am pleased to file claims on behalf of clients.
How much does a session cost?
The fee for 50-minute individual, couple or family sessions is $120 per session. The fee for
80-minute individual, couple or family sessions is $140 per session. Session fees may be paid at the conclusion of each session or via monthly invoice. Fees and are payable by Venmo, PayPal, credit card or check.
Do you offer pro bono work?
Clients referred from Orange County Rape Crisis Center (OCRCC) or other community agencies may be eligible for pro bono sessions. If you are a community-agency professional seeking pro bono referral options for clients, please contact me.
Can I prepay for a session?
If it's more convenient to prepay for a session, please let me know. I'll share a link via secure email that will direct you. If you've prepaid for a session but need to cancel and reschedule for a later time, we'll simply credit the prepayment to the rescheduled session.
How does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality is the foundation of trust and safety within the counseling relationship. All our communication becomes part of your clinical record. You may request access to that record at any time. All communication within our counseling relationship is held in confidence, with three exceptions:
a) You direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else;
b) It is determined you are a danger to yourself or others (including child or elder abuse);
c) I am ordered by a court to disclose information.
What are person-centered and cultural-relational approaches to counseling? Both these approaches emphasize the rich power of a healthy, dynamic relationship between client and counselor. A few summaries of these approaches here and here. While I resource a broad range of approaches in my work, I believe that no skill or technique contributes more to meaningful therapy than does a safe, secure client-counselor relationship.
Where is your office located?
Since March 2020, I've worked entirely by videoconferencing and phone. When I return to a physical office, that information will be updated at this space.
Schedule a free
introductory phone call:
lisa@counselingmail.com
or (919) 249-8071
For email or voicemail, please include
two or three days and times
that are convenient for you to have a
15-20 minute window in which to talk.
If you are already a client
and would like to view and schedule
appointments via your Client Portal,
please do that here.
Client Portal.
introductory phone call:
lisa@counselingmail.com
or (919) 249-8071
For email or voicemail, please include
two or three days and times
that are convenient for you to have a
15-20 minute window in which to talk.
If you are already a client
and would like to view and schedule
appointments via your Client Portal,
please do that here.
Client Portal.
original artwork and images,
copyright Lisa Gist Walker 2019
copyright Lisa Gist Walker 2019
