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Frequently Asked Questions

We are a person-centered therapy practice, created with you in mind.

Coaching, Counseling, Psychiatry.

You've been toying with the idea of counseling for a while now, but something has always held you back... Until now. We are here with you, ready to stand beside you as you face those challenges ahead.

Questions Regarding Privacy and Confidentiality

Can I refer someone to you?

Please do! Our practice thrives on referrals from our clients. We're happy to know you feel satisfied with our work together to the extent you want to refer to us. The best way to connect us with your friend or loved one is to text or email them the link to our website. Ask them to complete our Consultation Form.

Will Brave respect my right to privacy and confidentiality?

Absolutely! We deeply value the trust our clients place in us. We go above and beyond to protect your privacy. The information you share in your intake paperwork and sessions is confidential. The desire and need for complete privacy can prevent many people from reaching out. We do everything we can to remove this obstacle.

Are there any limitations to confidentiality?

In extreme circumstances, licensed professionals have an ethical and legal obligation to disclose information. We ensure you understand any limitations to confidentiality. It's unethical for us to disclose the things you share with us, with a few exceptions, which are: 

  1. There is a clear and imminent danger to yourself or another person
  2. You can disclose information of abuse or neglect of a child, yourself, or an older adult
  3. You authorized me to disclose information by signing a HIPPA form (e.g. to another treatment provider or family member)
  4. A court order
  5. In a natural disaster 

Questions for Getting Started

How do I schedule an appointment? What's the process of getting started look like?

Getting started is really simple! Call (573) 825-6441or send us a message via our website. From there we will help you find a day and time that works for you.

Do I need to complete any paperwork prior to my first session?

Yes! Before we meet, we ask you complete our intake paperwork prior to your first session. 

You'll be asked to: 

  • complete a few brief screenings
  • complete the intake questionnaire
  • review our policies and procedures
  • place a CC on file with us to hold your appointment time

This helps you get the most out of our time together and helps your therapist better understand your current challenges and goals for treatment. 

How long is a counseling session?

The standard session length is 55-60 minutes. Please remember everyone's needs are different based on individual symptoms and treatment. Some people prefer 90 minutes or longer. For example, if you seeking couples or family counseling you might need more time to allow everyone to voice their thoughts, process feelings, and feel understood. 

Ultimately, it's up to you and your provider. 

How frequently do I need to come to counseling?

In the beginning, we typically recommend weekly sessions. As you begin to make progress (i.e. symptoms decrease, relationships are improving, etc.) we may begin to meet less often. You might prefer to meet more or less frequently depending on your needs. We encourage you to speak with your counselor to identify your needs and what works for you.

How long will counseling last?

Raise your hand if you've heard the phrase, "work yourself out of a job?" As helping professionals, our guiding mission as helping professionals is to make our job unnecessary. Life is a journey with many unpredictable twists and turns. We aim to empower you and your loved ones with the critical tools that last a lifetime.

Okay...on with the boring textbook clinical answer. The length of treatment varies from person to person based on various factors such as intensity symptoms, level of distress, impact on your life and relationships, internal motivation, how much effort is put into practicing skills outside of sessions goals, and so on.

Counseling can be a short-term solution-focused process or a more in-depth process. Your therapist will help you identify what type of approach you need. We value our time with you and believe it's important to check in with you frequently to ensure progress is being made.

Who comes to counseling, and why?

If you're reading this right now, you already know the answer. Counseling is for you. It's for EVERYONE. You don't need to have a serious mental health concern or diagnosis to see a therapist. We all need someone to talk to.

People come to us for numerous reasons. Seeking to clarify a diagnosis, reduce symptoms, treat a specific mental health diagnosis, gain insight or perspective, personal and/or professional growth, ongoing support, and more.

Is it required I have a diagnosis?

No! The foundation of our practice is Humanistic, meaning that we do not pathologize the human experience. What does this mean? We don't view someone as sick vs. well, abnormal vs. well. We approach our work with clients through the lens of treating the whole person. We take into consideration all facets of life including biological, psychological, social contexts, and so on. We seek to understand, identify pain points, clarify your goals, and find creative solutions.

Ultimately, we help you succeed in all areas of your life.

What is Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?

"Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems. In the most basic sense, SFBT is a hope-friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change.

Solution-Focused practitioners develop solutions by first generating a detailed description of how the client’s life will be different when the problem is gone or their situation improved to a degree satisfactory to the client. The therapist and client then carefully search through the client’s life experience and behavioral repertoire to discover the necessary resources needed to co-construct a practical and sustainable solution that the client can readily implement."

Questions About Our Office

What are your office hours?

Our Practice Manager is on-site to assist you Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If our office manager isn't able to answer, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible!

If you'd like to contact our office after 4:30 pm, please email our Practice Manage Kyle at office@brave-mo.com.  

Our counselors can be seen by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM. Our weekend appointment times may vary. Please ask our Practice Manager or speak with your counselor directly.  

What Holidays will the office be closed?

Brave observes the following Holidays and will be closed.

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • The day following Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
Is there someone to greet me when I arrive?

Yes! Our Practice Manager will help you get checked in when they are here. Otherwise, your therapist will be here to greet you if your appointment is outside of our standard business hours. You are welcome to grab a complementary beverage and have a seat in the waiting room until your appointment time.

What does your office look like?

We embrace comfort. Our office is a modern living room setting.

Where is you office located?

401 West Boulevard North, STE D, Columbia, MO 65203

Does your office have ample parking?

Yes! There is plenty of room so stop by!

Is your office handicap accessible?

Yes! Our offices is all on one level with easy to navigate doorways and hallways.

Questions About Payment and Insurance

What forms of payment are accepted?

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Card, and Health Saving Account. As per policy and for your convenience, we ask you to store a debit/credit card with the secure client portal upon intake. You may choose to use your CC on file regularly or as a backup.

Do you accept insurance?

Brave is considered an out-of-network provider. We provide a detailed receipt for services, also known as a Superbill. This allows you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

How do I use my out-of-network benefits?

Contact your health insurance provider directly to verify your Out-of-Network Benefits for Counseling and Mental Health Services. Here are some questions can ask to help understand your benefits and reimbursement for psychotherapy services. 

Questions to ask your Health Insurance Provider:

  • Does my health insurance plan include Out-of-Network Mental Health Benefits?
  • Do I need written approval from my primary care physician for services to be covered?
  • What percentage of my Out-of-Network Mental Health Services will be covered if I submit a Superbill?
  • Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it? Have I met my deductible yet?
  • Is there a limit to how many sessions I can have per the calendar year? If so, what is the limit?
  • How do I get reimbursed? How often should I submit a Superbill? What is the process for submitting a Superbill? 
What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy requires 48 hours' notice prior to your appointment. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice require payment in full. We also offer phone and video appointments to assist you in overcoming any obstacles which might prevent you from attending. For instance, poor weather conditions, minor sickness, lack of childcare, traveling, and so on.

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