Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: At Amyris Counseling and Wellness, we currently operate as a private pay practice, however we are working on getting paneled to accept insurance. While we don't directly bill insurance companies at this time, we can provide you with a superbill that you may submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance company to inquire about their out-of-network mental health benefits before your first appointment.

Q: What are your session fees?

A: Our standard session fees are as follows:

• Initial Assessment (45-60 minutes): $150

• Individual Therapy Session (53 minutes): $150

• EMDR Therapy Session (30-53 minutes): $150

• EFT/Tapping Session (50 minutes): $150

We believe that mental health care should be accessible, and we're committed to working with clients to find solutions that fit their financial situations.

Q: Do you offer sliding scale fees?

A: We understand that therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, and financial circumstances shouldn't be a barrier to receiving quality mental health care. We offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need. Please mention your interest in sliding scale options during your free consultation call so we can discuss possibilities.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and electronic payments. Payment is due at the time of service.

Q: How long are therapy sessions?

A: Our standard therapy sessions are 53 minutes long, allowing time for documentation between appointments. EMDR sessions may run 30 minutes or more, due to the nature of the therapeutic process. Your initial assessment appointment will be approximately 45-60 minutes to allow time for a thorough evaluation of your needs and goals.

Q: What happens in the first session?

A: Your first session is primarily focused on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your current concerns, relevant history, and goals for therapy. I'll explain my therapeutic approach and answer any questions you might have. Together, we'll begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The initial session is also an opportunity for you to determine if you feel comfortable working with me as your therapist.

Q: How often will we meet?

A: Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum in the therapeutic process. As you progress toward your goals, we may adjust to biweekly or monthly sessions. The frequency of our meetings will be based on your individual needs, goals, and progress. We'll regularly review and adjust your treatment plan together.

Q: How long does therapy typically last?

A: The duration of therapy varies widely depending on your specific goals, the complexity of the issues you're addressing, and your personal progress. Some clients achieve their goals in just a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly review your progress and adjust our approach as needed. You're always in control of how long you continue therapy, and we'll work together to determine the best timeline for your unique situation.

Q: What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

A: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences without having to relive the trauma in detail. During EMDR, you'll focus briefly on a traumatic memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, taps, or tones). This process helps your brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less distressing.

EMDR is particularly effective for trauma-related conditions, including PTSD, but it can also help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns with roots in difficult past experiences. The beauty of EMDR is that you don't need to discuss traumatic details extensively, making it gentler than some other trauma therapies.

Q: What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/tapping)?

A: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), often called "tapping," is a holistic therapy that combines elements of cognitive therapy with acupressure. During an EFT session, we'll identify specific emotional issues and then tap on meridian points on your face and upper body while focusing on the concern and using affirming statements.

EFT helps reduce the emotional charge of difficult memories and feelings by calming the body's stress response. It's effective for anxiety, stress, trauma, phobias, and even chronic pain. Many clients appreciate EFT because it's a technique they can learn to use on their own between sessions as a self-regulation tool.

Q: What type of therapy approach do you use?

A: At Amyris Counseling and Wellness, we practice from a holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered perspective. This means we consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while recognizing how past experiences shape current challenges.

In addition to specialized approaches like EMDR and EFT, we incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and somatic (body-based) techniques. We believe there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, so we tailor our methods to your unique needs, preferences, and goals. Our focus is always on creating a safe, supportive environment where you can explore challenges and develop new skills and insights.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: Scheduling an appointment with Amyris Counseling and Wellness is simple:

1. Visit our website at www.amyriscounseling.com and click the "Book Appointment" button

2. Select a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs

3. Choose an available date and time that works for you

4. Complete the brief intake form

Alternatively, you can call/text us at (346) 202-4825 or email admin@amyriscounseling.com to schedule your consultation.

Q: Do you offer a free consultation?

A: Yes! We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs, answer questions about our services, and determine if we're a good fit for working together. This consultation helps ensure that you feel comfortable before committing to therapy. You can schedule this consultation through our website's booking system or by contacting us directly.

Q: What are your hours of operation?

A: Our current operating hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

We understand that many clients need flexibility, so we strive to accommodate various schedules within these hours. If you have specific scheduling needs, please mention them during your consultation.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We understand that life happens and sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled. We request at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a late cancellation fee. This policy allows us to offer that time slot to other clients who may be waiting for an appointment. Emergencies are, of course, considered on a case-by-case basis.