FAQ

Starting therapy can come with a lot of questions. We’ve kept the answers simple. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out. We’re happy to help.

Q: Do you take insurance?
Yes. Harbor currently accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

We do not accept Medicaid. If you are looking for services for a child with Medicaid, our office can help you explore whether ALL Kids may be an option.

Insurance coverage varies by plan, so we recommend confirming your individual mental health benefits before your first appointment.

Q: What are your rates?
Our standard counseling rate is $140 per session.

We also accept BCBS insurance. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your individual plan, deductible, and benefits.

Private pay is also available for clients who prefer not to use insurance.

Q: Who do you work with?
Harbor serves children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

Each therapist has different specialties, ages they work with, and areas of expertise. Visit our Team page to learn more about each clinician.

Q: How do I know which therapist to choose?
You don’t have to figure that out alone.

You can browse our therapist bios and request someone specifically, or contact Harbor and tell us a little about what you’re looking for. We’ll help match you with a clinician based on your needs, age, availability, insurance, and personality fit.

And if the first fit doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say so.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
You can use the Book Now button on our website or contact our office directly.

Call or text: (205) 919-6537
Email:info@harborcounselingllc.com

Our office will help you with availability, insurance information, paperwork, and next steps.

Q: What should I expect at my first appointment?
The first session is mostly about getting to know you.

Your therapist will talk with you about what brought you in, what has been happening, what you hope will change, and anything important for us to know.

You do not have to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. That’s part of what the first session is for.

Q: What if I am nervous about starting therapy?
That’s completely normal.

You are meeting a new person and may be talking about things you don’t normally discuss with anyone else. Your therapist does not expect immediate trust, complete openness, or a perfectly organized story.

The relationship develops over time.

Q: What is play therapy?
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing.

Play therapy allows children to communicate, process experiences, build regulation, and explore emotions through developmentally appropriate play.

Several Harbor clinicians have advanced training and credentials in play therapy, and you can learn more about their individual approaches on our Team page.

Q: Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is available with select Harbor clinicians.

Availability varies by therapist, and some clinicians offer telehealth appointments outside traditional office hours.

Contact our office if telehealth or evening availability is important to you and we’ll help you find the best fit.

Q: What are your hours?
Harbor offers appointments beyond traditional 9–5 office hours. Our office manager is available Monday through Thursday 8am-5pm.

Depending on the clinician, appointments may be available early mornings, evenings, and weekends, in addition to regular weekday appointments.

Individual therapist availability can be found on our Team page or by contacting the office.

Q: Do I have to use my insurance?
No.

Clients may choose to use insurance or pay privately.

Using insurance typically requires the therapist to provide information necessary to establish medical necessity, which may include a mental health diagnosis. Private pay allows greater flexibility without insurance authorization or reimbursement requirements.

Regardless of how services are paid for, Harbor therapists maintain appropriate clinical documentation and follow the same professional and ethical standards.

Q: Does going to therapy mean there is something wrong with me?
No.

People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons: trauma, anxiety, grief, relationships, parenting, major transitions, feeling stuck, or simply wanting to understand themselves better.

You do not have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

Q: How long will I need to be in therapy?
There isn’t one answer.

Some people come for support during a particular season. Others need longer-term work. Your therapist will talk with you about your goals and regularly consider whether therapy is still helping you move toward them.

At Harbor, we believe therapy should help you build the insight, regulation, relationships, and resilience you need outside the therapy room.

A harbor is a safe place to come in, rest, repair, and find your bearings, but it was never meant to keep the ship from returning to the water.

Q: What if my child or teenager doesn’t want to come?
That doesn’t automatically mean therapy won’t work.

Children and teens sometimes arrive unsure, guarded, angry, quiet, or convinced that therapy was someone else’s idea. Our therapists do not expect immediate trust or force a child to perform therapy “correctly.”

Building a genuine therapeutic relationship is part of the process

Q: Will parents be involved in a child’s therapy?
Yes, but the level of involvement depends on the child’s age, needs, treatment approach, and clinical circumstances.

Our therapists value both the child’s therapeutic relationship and the important role parents and caregivers play outside the therapy room.

Your therapist will explain how parent communication and involvement will work for your child.

Q: Do you provide couples counseling?
Yes.

Harbor provides couples and relationship counseling. Angie Martin and Erica Cain also offer a collaborative couples counseling model that may include coordinated individual and joint sessions when clinically appropriate.

You can learn more about their approach on their individual Team pages.

Q: What if I’m having suicidal thoughts or I’m in crisis?
Harbor therapists are trained to assess and treat many clients experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, trauma, and other significant mental health concerns when outpatient therapy is an appropriate level of care.

Harbor is not an emergency or crisis-response service. If there is an immediate safety emergency or someone cannot remain safe, seek immediate emergency care rather than waiting for a counseling appointment.

Q: What ethical standards does Harbor follow?
Harbor clinicians practice according to applicable professional, licensing, confidentiality, and ethical requirements, including standards established by the American Counseling Association and the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling.

Your therapist will also review confidentiality, informed consent, and its limits with you before treatment begins.

Q: Still have a question?
You don’t have to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before contacting us.

Tell us what’s going on, and we’ll help you figure out the next step.

Call or text: (205) 919-6537
Email: info@harborcounselingllc.com

Q: Ready to get started?
Book an appointment or meet our team.