Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

Call Michael Hoober, our Clinical Director, at 717.209.2357 or email . He’ll review your situation and connect you with the right counselor.

Once you’re a client, you can use SimplePractice (our secure portal) to schedule appointments, or contact your counselor directly. Choose whatever works best for you.

Q: What if I’m in crisis?

Your safety is our priority.

• Medical emergency: call 911.
• Life-threatening mental health crisis: call 988.
• For support between sessions: call your counselor’s direct line.

What to Expect

Q: What happens in my first session?

Your first session is a mutual evaluation. You’re assessing whether your counselor is a good fit, and they’re working to understand your situation. They’ll ask questions about what brought you in, then share their initial thoughts. You’ll decide if you want to continue.

The next 2-3 sessions are a deeper assessment where we explore your full picture and work together to develop goals.

Q: How often will I come in?

We recommend at least weekly sessions during your assessment phase (the first 2-3 sessions). If scheduling allows, we can often move more quickly through assessment. After assessment, we’ll determine a frequency that fits your needs—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or something in between.

Q: Can I reach my counselor between sessions?

Yes. You’ll receive your counselor’s direct phone line. While not infinitely available, they (or a teammate) will be on call for support.

Q: How do I use SimplePractice?

Once you’re a client, you’ll have access to our secure portal through the app or website. You can schedule appointments, conduct sessions online, upload documents, and message your counselor securely.

Q: How do I conduct sessions online?

Sessions happen through SimplePractice, our HIPAA-certified secure platform. You’ll access your session at the scheduled time through the app or website.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Let your counselor know as soon as you can. We work with you to find times that fit.

Our Approach & Counseling

Q: What’s your approach to counseling?

We work from a systemic perspective: struggles often live in systems (families, workplaces, relationships), not just individuals. We help you understand your patterns and identify meaningful goals. Our counselors use many evidence-based approaches: insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, attachment-oriented, EMDR, and more. Our Approach & Services

Q: Will you diagnose me?

We focus on how you feel and function, not on labeling. Diagnoses are primarily a tool for insurance/disability coding. If you use insurance, we’ll need to provide a diagnosis to them. If not, we won’t. You’ll always know your diagnosis and have a say in it.

Q: Can counseling actually help with [anxiety/depression/trauma/etc.]?

Many people experience relief through counseling—sometimes quickly, sometimes over time. It depends on your situation, your willingness to engage, and what you do outside of sessions. The work matters most when you bring it back into your actual life.

Q: What’s your stance on medication?

We’re not opposed to medication, and we recognize its usefulness. Our focus is on what helps you function better and feel better. Sometimes medication can be important—especially while you’re doing counseling work. When we think it might help, we’ll recommend consulting with your primary care physician or psychiatrist. We’re happy to coordinate with your medical providers.

Insurance & Costs

Q: How much does counseling cost?

See our Fees page. We accept many insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance is out-of-network, ask about sliding scale options when you call.

Q: Do you accept my insurance?

We work with many plans including all Blue Cross/Blue Shield entities, Aetna, UPMC, and CHIP. We’re often adding new ones, so have your insurance company name ready when you call. If we’re out-of-network, you may have out-of-network benefits. We provide receipts with all information needed for reimbursement.

Q: Can you help me understand my insurance coverage?

When you call Michael at 717.209.2357, ask us to help you understand your policy. We’ll guide you through the conversation with your insurance company.

Q: You don’t take my insurance, can you still help me?

If you have out-of-network benefits, we can help you use them. If you don’t have insurance, we can work something out based on your financial situation. Talk about this with Michael when you call.

For Families

Q: Can you help my child/teenager?

Absolutely. We’ll start by understanding your child’s full picture through individual sessions. After that assessment, we’ll discuss what approach makes the most sense. Often, that means moving toward family counseling to work with the whole system. Sometimes individual work is the right fit. We’ll explain what we’re seeing and work with you to figure out what works best.

Q: What about young adults 18+ still living at home?

Same approach. We’ll conduct an initial assessment. Depending on what we discover, family counseling often emerges as part of the work. We’ll likely recommend and help you bring the system into the work.

For Referral Sources

Q: How do you coordinate with schools/EAPs/primary care?

We coordinate with referral sources (with client permission) about progress. We let you know if we think your client may need a higher level of care. We work together as a team to support the client’s whole system. Information for Referring Professionals

Q: Can you see a client that’s already receiving counseling elsewhere?

Often yes. We’ll coordinate with the other counselors (with client consent) to make sure care is complementary. Call us to discuss.

Q: How do you approach working with families in crisis?

We stabilize first, then assess. Once things calm, we return to our full assessment process. For families needing more intensive support, we make referrals and help you get connected.