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Frequently Asked Questions
- "What approach do your counselors use?"
- "Is your counseling biblical?"
- "How long will I/we need to be in counseling?"
- "I know we need help, but my mate refuses to come. What should I do?"
- "What are your fees?" "Do you take insurance?"
- "I/We live outside Southern California. Can you refer me/us to someone?"
"What approach do your counselors use?"
All our counselors are professionally trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing. We use a variety of approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. Your counselor's approach will vary depending on your personality and the particular problems you are experiencing. You are always free to ask him/her questions.
NOTE: Our counselors do not prescribe medications or advise on medical or legal problems. Some individuals elect to see a psychiatrist to alleviate their distress through the use of medication; others may opt to seek pastoral care to work on their spiritual struggles. Depending on your particular situation, we may offer a referral to another care provider.
"Is your counseling biblical?"
We know that your faith is an important aspect of who you are, and we respect that. In fact, our counseling and psychological services are based on sound biblical principles and the findings of scientific research. Furthermore, the Directors of both offices have received formal training in Christian theology at Biola University and provide integrative clinical supervision for the counselors who work under them.
"How long will I/we need to be in counseling?"
How long you remain in counseling is a matter best left in your hands. Although your therapist will certainly provide counsel for you on this matter, you make the ultimate decision about continuing care.
someone seeks the help of a counselor is due to stress
in a close relationship."I know we need help, but my mate refuses to come. What should I do?"
At this point, you may be feeling a lot of different emotions: frustration, sadness, hopeless. But you do NOT have to go through this all alone!
There is a misconception about the need for couples to attend counseling together before a relationship will improve. Although that would be nice, you can still do a lot to make things better by working on your part of the equation.
Together, you and I can take a look at what's been happening and begin to make sense of it all. We'll also talk about things you can do to feel better about yourself and to increase the chances your mate will come around.
For example, one you've scheduled your first appointment, you could say something to your mate, such as “I know I need some help figuring out what I’m doing wrong in our relationship. I made an appointment with Dr. Smith next Tuesday at 7 o’clock, and I’d really like it if you would come with me.” Then don't say anything more. Don’t press for an answer or remind him or her that you’re coming in.
Then come on in, and let's get started.
"What are your fees?"
We offer several different programs, depending on what your goals are and, of course, on your budget level. Consequently, we recommend that you set up a free 30-minute phone consultation ("Ask the Doctor"). That way you can find out more about us and our services, and we can help you decide if what we have to offer would be a good option for dealing with your concerns.
You can even schedule it online right now!
Just click here to view available times.
"Do you take insurance?"
Insurance companies operate on "the medical model." That means a qualified mental health professional – a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist – must determine and disclose a clinical diagnosis of a mental disorder before your insurance company will consider your claim.
How important is it to you to work with a Christian counselor?All OCCC therapists are qualified mental health professionals who assess and diagnose mental disorders. In addition to conducting clinical interviews with our clients, we administer standardized tests of intellect, personality, and/or achievement as needed for diagnosis and treatment planning.
However, men and women often seek counseling for reasons that may not be the result of a mental disorder. In fact, the number one reason people seek the help of a counselor is due to stress in a close relationship. Some insurance policies cover relationship or personal growth counseling, and others don't.
Should you decide to use your insurance, you will be giving up some of the confidentiality afforded to you as a client. Your claim will be reviewed by your insurance company (one or more persons, who typically are not mental health professionals) to determine if they will pay for your counseling. They will also set limits on the number of sessions you may utilize according to what they think you need, and sometimes ask for a copy of your clinical records and/or a written report from your therapist to document your progress in their files.
Although there are some legal limits of confidentiality, we want you to know your story is safe with us. Therefore, OCCC is a fee-for-service counseling center, which means we do not file insurance claims. Nevertheless, if you decide to file a claim for reimbursement from your insurance company, we will be more than happy to provide you with the documentation you will need. (We recommend that you contact your insurance company in advance to see if they will reimburse you for counseling and psychological services provided by an out-of-network provider.)
With So Much at Stake ...
... choosing the right therapist is
more important than ever!How important is it to you to work with a Christian counselor?
You don't have to keep struggling alone.
Schedule your appointment online now!
"I/We live outside Southern California. Can you refer me/us to someone?"
Christian Psychology Resources is an internet ministry provided by OC Christian Counseling. Counselors listed in the Directory acknowledge their believe in:
- God the Father, who creates and sustains us;
- Jesus Christ, the Son, who redeems and rules us; and the
- Holy Spirit, who guides us personally through God's inspired Word, the Bible, which is our infallible guide of faith and conduct, and through the communion of Christians.
Persons who use Christian Psychology Resources for help in seeking a Christian counselor or mental health professional are urged to be wise consumers and to inquire directly about a particular counselor's qualifications. Factors which may be important to ask about include the counselor's
o education and training,
o licensing or certification,
o professional experience,
o area(s) of specialization,
o Christian perspective,
o fees and eligibility for insurance payments.By using Christian Psychology Resources to find a professional Christian counselor, you are indicating your understanding and acceptance of full personal responsibility for your own care.
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