Beautiful mountain scenery at Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont, Colorado.

FAQs

Beautiful mountain scenery at Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont, Colorado.

FAQs

FAQS

Common Questions

Do you have any questions before starting therapy? Check out our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us. We’re here to help and would love to hear from you!


What is your therapists’ availability?

Our doors are open from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM, and our therapists’ schedule varies to best suit your needs. Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator for your initial call, where she will match you with the perfect therapist based on your preferences and availability.

Subsequent appointments will be seamlessly organized directly with your therapist during your first session.

Is therapy covered by insurance?

We are out-of-network providers. This means you’ll pay the full fee and we will provide a billing statement (called a superbill) so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company. Learn more on our Rates & Insurance page.

What do I need to do before my first session?

For your first session, you will receive an invitation in your email inbox to create a Client Portal account where all the necessary paperwork is accessible and easy to use. This will provide your therapist with the background information so that your first session can be free from paperwork and entirely focus on you.

You will also receive an email from your therapist with their contact information, they can assist with any further questions or concerns.

What to expect in a first session?

Usually, the first session is a time for asking questions – from the therapist and from you the client. You will get to know one another and what to expect in sessions.

Prepare for a welcoming experience as you step into our office. Help yourself with complimentary coffee, tea, water, and chocolates from our waiting room selection as you find a comfortable seat. While our therapists may be in session, they’ll be with you shortly to greet you.

With no formal check-in process, you can unwind and enjoy your beverage amidst soothing music and essential oils. To maintain a tranquil environment for ongoing sessions, we kindly request that cell phones be set to silent and any necessary calls be taken outside the lobby. If you choose to watch a video, please use headphones or earbuds. Your comfort and privacy are our top priorities as you embark on your therapeutic journey with us.

What is the usual length and frequency of the sessions?

Our standard sessions are 50 minutes long, but we also offer extended sessions of 75 and 90 minutes for specialized therapy needs, such as couples counseling or trauma-focused modalities like EMDR.

You will work with your therapist to determine the session length that best supports your therapeutic goals.

How long will the therapy process take?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

You can discuss this with your therapist during the first intake session and they will be able to give you a better idea. We like to say that expect to start out with weekly sessions for 2 months and then re-evaluate the frequency.

Lauren Camp, Client Care & Intake Coordinator at Authentic Connections Counseling, Castle Rock, CO.

Looking to Start Therapy in Castle Rock, CO?

Got any questions or doubts, first? Just go ahead and schedule a free 15-minute call with our intake coordinator, Lauren. We want you to feel safe and heard!

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths.

In our work together, we’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way – teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.

Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is to treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with us, we would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, we could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual to couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues. However, one of the great things about working on a team, is that we often are able to refer to another therapist at our center and still work closely together as therapists per your permission.

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Ready to take the first step?

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