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.
How does a waitlist work?
When my schedule is full and I am unable to accept new clients, I manage a wait list for clients who request notification when space becomes available. I will provide an estimate of when space may open up and always, am please to provide referrals to colleagues who may have current availability. Questions about wait list? Please ask!
Are you seeing clients in person?
Since March 2020, I've worked entirely by telehealth from my home office.
For established clients who wish to work within a 170-minute, extended session format, in-home sessions may be possibe. Current health and safety criteria for in-home sessions include availability of private, outdoor-space for the session and Covid vaccination history for those present. We'll talk about your specific needs and situation and discern if an in-home extended session is an option.
Do you have evening availability?
Yes, I do have some evening availability, start times between 5p and 8p.
Do you have weekend availability?
I have some limited, Saturday morning availability for both individuals and couples.
Are extended session an option?
I offer extended, in-home sessions for couples and families on weekend mornings, typically starting at 9a and ending around 12p with a 10 minute break, as needed, or midway through the session.
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 or provide a Superbill so that clients may file their own claims.
How much does a session cost?
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.
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 telehealth from my home office.
For established clients who wish to work within a 170-minute, extended session format, in-home sessions may be possible.
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.
How does a waitlist work?
When my schedule is full and I am unable to accept new clients, I manage a wait list for clients who request notification when space becomes available. I will provide an estimate of when space may open up and always, am please to provide referrals to colleagues who may have current availability. Questions about wait list? Please ask!
Are you seeing clients in person?
Since March 2020, I've worked entirely by telehealth from my home office.
For established clients who wish to work within a 170-minute, extended session format, in-home sessions may be possibe. Current health and safety criteria for in-home sessions include availability of private, outdoor-space for the session and Covid vaccination history for those present. We'll talk about your specific needs and situation and discern if an in-home extended session is an option.
Do you have evening availability?
Yes, I do have some evening availability, start times between 5p and 8p.
Do you have weekend availability?
I have some limited, Saturday morning availability for both individuals and couples.
Are extended session an option?
I offer extended, in-home sessions for couples and families on weekend mornings, typically starting at 9a and ending around 12p with a 10 minute break, as needed, or midway through the session.
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 or provide a Superbill so that clients may file their own claims.
How much does a session cost?
- The fee for 50-minute individual, couple, or family sessions is $140 per session.
- The fee for 80-minute individual, couple, or family sessions is $175 per session.
- The fee for 170-minute, extended and in-home, individual, couple, or family sessions is $470 per session.
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.
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 telehealth from my home office.
For established clients who wish to work within a 170-minute, extended session format, in-home sessions may be possible.
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 2022
copyright Lisa Gist Walker 2022
