Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy at L & B Counseling
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started with therapy at L & B Counseling is simple.
You can complete our new client inquiry form, and a member of our team will typically contact you within one business day.
We’ll review your concerns, schedule, insurance, and preferences and help connect you with a therapist who may be a good fit.
You can also call our office at 704-247-7353.
We offer in-person therapy at our Ballantyne office in Charlotte and virtual counseling throughout North Carolina.
What Can I Expect From My First Therapy Session?
Your first session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other and begin understanding what brought you to therapy.
Your therapist may ask questions such as:
- What brought you to therapy now?
- What symptoms or concerns are affecting you most?
- How long have you been experiencing them?
- What would you like to be different?
- What has helped or not helped in the past?
- What goals would you like to work toward?
You do not need to arrive with everything figured out.
The first appointment is also your opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable with the therapist and their approach.
What If I Don’t Know What Kind of Therapist I Need?
That is completely fine.
Many people know that something is not working but are unsure whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, trauma, or another concern.
Our team can help match you with a clinician based on what you are experiencing, your preferences, availability, and insurance.
You do not need to diagnose yourself before reaching out.
How Is Therapy Different at L & B Counseling?
We focus on making therapy practical, collaborative, and measurable.
Our therapists help clients understand why they may be feeling or reacting the way they do, then develop tools that can be used outside the therapy room.
Depending on the therapist and treatment goals, sessions may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-informed approaches
- EMDR
- Behavioral strategies
- Mindfulness and emotional-regulation skills
- Stress-management techniques
- ADHD and executive-function support
Some clinicians may also incorporate movement, outdoor settings, or other experiential approaches when clinically appropriate and when the client is comfortable with them.
Traditional office-based therapy is always available.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
There is no single timeline that works for everyone.
The length of therapy depends on factors such as:
- Your goals
- The concerns you are working on
- How long symptoms have been present
- How frequently you attend sessions
- What is happening in your life outside therapy
- How you respond to treatment
At L & B Counseling, we believe therapy should have direction and measurable goals rather than continuing indefinitely without evaluating progress.
Our clinicians regularly review how you are doing and whether treatment is helping.
How Do We Measure Progress?
Therapy progress can be measured in several ways.
We often look at changes in the:
- Frequency of symptoms
- Duration of symptoms
- Intensity of symptoms
- Ability to use coping skills
- Daily functioning
- Relationships
- Work or school performance
- Progress toward your personal goals
L & B Counseling also uses progress metrics to help clients and therapists identify patterns and track change over time.
The goal is not simply to attend therapy. The goal is to know whether therapy is helping.
How Will I Know if My Therapist Is a Good Fit?
A strong therapeutic relationship should feel respectful, collaborative, and safe.
You should feel that your therapist:
- Understands what you are working on
- Listens without judgment
- Explains their approach clearly
- Gives you useful feedback
- Helps you identify goals
- Is willing to adjust treatment when something is not working
You do not have to agree with your therapist about everything, but you should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns.
If the fit does not feel right, let us know. Our team may be able to help you connect with another L & B clinician.
Do You Offer In-Person and Virtual Therapy?
Yes.
We offer in-person counseling at our Ballantyne office in Charlotte and virtual therapy throughout North Carolina.
The best option depends on your preferences, schedule, clinical needs, and therapist availability.
What Insurance Does L & B Counseling Accept?
Many of our clinicians accept:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
Select clinicians may also accept Healthy Blue.
Insurance participation varies by clinician and plan, so we recommend verifying your benefits before beginning treatment.
Our team can also help determine which clinicians may work with your insurance.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Cost depends on the therapist, type of appointment, and whether you are using insurance or self-pay.
If you are using insurance, your individual responsibility may depend on your deductible, copay, coinsurance, and specific plan.
For self-pay rates, please refer to our current insurance and fees page or contact our office for the most up-to-date information.
What Is the Cancellation Policy?
For ongoing appointments, please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance.
A $75 fee applies to the first late cancellation. Subsequent late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged the full session fee.
For intake appointments, cancellation requirements and fees may be different. Please review the cancellation policy provided during scheduling or contact our office if you have questions.
Are Parents Involved in a Child or Teen’s Therapy?
Often, yes.
The level of parent involvement depends on the child’s age, clinical needs, treatment goals, and the therapist’s approach.
Parent involvement may include:
- Parent consultations
- Parent-child sessions
- Updates about treatment goals when appropriate
- Strategies parents can use at home
- Support with routines, behavior, ADHD, anxiety, or school-related concerns
As children and teens get older, therapists also balance parent involvement with the young person’s need for privacy and trust in therapy.
Can I Request a Specific Therapist?
Yes.
You can request a particular clinician on your new client inquiry form.
If that therapist is unavailable, does not accept your insurance, or is not the best fit for your needs, our team can suggest another clinician.
Do I Need a Mental Health Diagnosis Before Scheduling?
No.
Many people begin therapy because they are struggling with things like:
- Anxiety
- Overthinking
- Depression
- ADHD
- Stress
- Burnout
- Trauma
- Perfectionism
- School pressure
- Life transitions
Your therapist can help you better understand what is happening and determine whether a diagnosis is clinically appropriate.
How Quickly Will Someone Respond to My Inquiry?
Our team typically responds to new client inquiries within one business day.
You can start by completing our new client inquiry form