Frequently Asked Questions
Do you Accept Insurance for Online Therapy?
The Heard Counseling is an out-of-network provider.
At this time, our online therapists do not work directly with insurance companies (see below for details about why).
Why Don’t You Accept Insurance?
Reason #1 -It Doesn’t Allow for Therapy to Be Confidential
Insurance companies often require that your personal files or information is disclosed to a 3rd party insurance or technology company. This can increase the risk that your information is accessible to others or leaked. It is also possible that in the future if your job requires a federal background check. A mental health diagnosis that you received in therapy can be released because your insurance company had that information. We find success in therapy is founded on the importance of confidentiality and safety, and often insurance can not offer that.
Reason #2 - You Have to Receive a Mental Health Diagnosis
Many times clients that we see do not need a formal mental health diagnosis. This means their concerns don’t constitute a medical diagnosis that is in the DSM- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. For example, things that are not in the DSM include problems and some issues women experience during the postpartum period. In order to get coverage from your insurance, you have to have a diagnosable mental illness. We don’t agree with this policy at all and that everyone could get access to mental health services through their insurance.
Reason #3 -Insurance Decides What Help You Need
Insurance companies decide how many sessions you can get and how often you can go to counseling. Even if you feel you still need help after their allotted and approved number of counseling sessions, they might not approve you for more. This can be very dis-empowering for clients. Often it leaves them vulnerable to experiencing a crisis mid-treatment. We think it is really important for our clients to decide what is best for them, with the support of their therapist.
Together with your therapist, you get to decide on your treatment and not a system that knows nothing about you personally. You are not a number but an individual with unique needs and desires. If something changes in your life, like the loss of a loved one, we can shift our focus to grief counseling without requesting and waiting for approval.
What are your Counseling Rates?
You can learn more about our rates here.
Do you offer both online and in-person counseling appointments?
At the moment we offer online therapy and in person counseling in Miami, FL. We offer online therapy in Miami, FL, and for anyone who lives in Florida.
How is online therapy different from in-person therapy?
Online therapy in Florida is different than in-person therapy for a few reasons. First, it allows you the ease and comfort of doing therapy at home. You don’t need to travel to an office for an appointment and get stuck in traffic. Therapy online is different because you will be using an online secure HIPAA compliant video software to participate in therapy. It is different because it allows for easier scheduling for yourself because you do not need to factor in travel time.
Do I have to live in Miami, FL to receive online therapy with you?
No, you do not need to live in Miami, FL to receive online therapy with us, therapists at the Heard Counseling. If you are living in Florida than you can receive therapy with us. You can live in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, or anywhere else in the state of Florida.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes, online therapy is effective. Most clients report that they find it just as effective as in-person therapy. Clients with anxiety find that they find online therapy effective. New moms and dads also say that they find online therapy effective. Teens that we work with also say that they enjoy online therapy with their teen therapist.
Is online therapy confidential?
Yes. Online therapy is confidential. We use a HIPAA compliant online software that is both secure and confidential.
How long does therapy usually take?
This depends on the particular case. For cases were the issue is less intense then often people might come to therapy for about 4-6 sessions. Some individuals find themselves in a crisis and feel like they only need a few sessions to get back on their feet. While other people feel like they have a long-standing issue that has been going on for years and years and so they require a longer therapy commitment.
What should I look for in a therapist?
You can check out or blog for a more extensive answer. Consider your connection with your therapist. Are you comfortable talking with them? Also, consider gender and age.
Look for a therapist who specializes in the concerns you’re having and see what training they have to help you.
You might also want to consider if they offer online therapy. Think about rather you would prefer to see them online or in-person. At the moment we are only offering online therapy.
Can I just take medication to treat my mental health concerns?
Research shows that the most effective course of treatment for a mental health disorder is to supplement medication with therapy treatment- for those that are taking medication. Therapy alone can also be very effective. Medications can be a great useful tool when needed and there should be no shame in needing the extra help. We are hear to support you in deciding what is best for your mental health.
Do you prescribe psychiatric medication?
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I can not prescribe medications. No psychotherapists can prescribe medication. Only a doctor, such as a psychiatrist, can provide you with medication.
What if my problems are too serious for online therapy?
During our 20-minute free chat, we will discuss the severity of your case. If it is too serious for online therapy then I will either refer you to another therapist that is in person ( I generally offer 3 referral options for you to select from). If your concern requires immediate attention, then I will discuss with you how you can receive immediate help to keep yourself safe.
Will I need to do work outside of sessions?
Therapy is effective when you build on what you learn in the sessions and apply it to your life. Think of a therapist as a guide or mentor. They will help you find the best solutions and tools to feel better, but then you have to implement what you have learned.
Therapy and the work done in therapy, can be very challenging. It can also bring up things that make you feel uncomfortable at first. For change to happen, there has to be work. Though, you are not going through this alone. We will be there for you as you navigate the ups and down, and support you towards feeling better and living the life the life you want and deserve.
Begin Online Therapy in Florida:
If you are ready to begin online therapy and live in Miami or anywhere in the state of Florida, we would be honored to speak with you and discuss the many ways we can help you live well. To begin online therapy in Florida, follow these steps:
Contact our South Florida counseling center,
Request an initial consultation appointment with an online therapist
Begin online therapy and work on the issues that matter most to you
Counseling Services Offered at the Heard Counseling in Miami:
The Heard Counseling offers mental health services tailored to meet the needs of adults at our therapy center based in Miami, Florida. Right now, our therapists are offering all their counseling services via online therapy to protect the health of their clients and therapists during the Coronavirus pandemic. Our therapists specialize in offering birth trauma treatment, postpartum anxiety and postpartum anxiety treatment, anxiety therapy, therapy for dads, therapy for moms, infertility counseling and support, therapy for women and families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, and teen counseling, Check out their blog for valuable mental health tips. Contact their counseling office to learn more about the many ways our counselors can help you live well.