Frequently Asked Questions:
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Location-specific Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started...
1) Do you offer counseling, coaching, or both?
At Counseling with Amber PLLC, we offer both mental health counseling and life coaching. Counseling is available for clients located in Florida, Maryland, and Ohio, while coaching is available to clients nationwide.
2) What is the difference between counseling and coaching?
Counseling focuses on mental health support, healing, and symptom-based care, and may include diagnosis and treatment planning. Coaching is more goal focused and action oriented, with support for clarity, accountability, routines, and life direction. If you’re unsure which option fits best, I can help you choose through a scheduled consultation.
3) How do I get started?
You can begin by booking either a diagnostic evaluation for counseling or an initial coaching session. We’ll talk through what you’re looking for support with and create a clear plan for next steps. If you’re unsure which option fits best, I can help you choose through a scheduled consultation (fee applies).
4) Do you offer a consultation call?
Yes. We offer a 10-minute consultation for $15. If you book an initial coaching/counseling evaluation afterward, the $15 will be credited toward your evaluation cost (must be applied within 30 days of consultation).
5) What can I expect in the first appointment?
Your first session is a supportive, structured conversation where we clarify what’s been going on, what you want to change, and what support would be most helpful. For counseling, this includes an intake style assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment planning. For coaching, we focus on goals, barriers, and practical strategies you can start using right away.
6) What happens if I need mental health treatment while I’m enrolled in coaching?
If mental health concerns arise that would be better supported through therapy rather than coaching, services may be adjusted and appropriate referrals may be provided.
7) Can your therapists prescribe medication?
No. Our therapists do not prescribe medication. If medication management is needed, appropriate referrals to licensed psychiatric providers will be provided.
8) I am ready to start services at Counseling with Amber PLLC, what do I do?
Getting started is simple. You can request an appointment directly through our online booking system. After scheduling, you’ll receive access to our secure client portal to complete intake forms and prepare for your first session.
9) Do you have a waitlist if appointments are full?
Yes. If immediate appointments are unavailable, you may request to be added to our waitlist. Clients are contacted as openings become available.
10) Is online therapy/coaching as effective as in-person therapy/coaching?
Yes. Research shows that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. Outcomes are influenced more by the therapeutic relationship and consistency of care than by the format of sessions. Online therapy also allows clients to access care conveniently from anywhere in the state where clinicians are licensed. Virtual coaching is expected to have similar results.
Services and Specialties...
1) What ages do you work with?
Counseling services are available for clients ages 8 and up (parent or guardian permission is required for minors). Coaching services are available for adults only (18+).
2) What is counseling for, and what do clients use it to work on?
Counseling supports mental and emotional health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress, emotional overwhelm, grief, and relationship challenges. It can also include diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinically informed care to support healing and long-term symptom improvement.
3) What is coaching for, and what do clients use it to work on?
Coaching is goal-focused and action-oriented support for adults who want help with follow-through, routines, accountability, time management, executive functioning, and life direction. Coaching is often a great fit when you want practical structure and momentum without mental health diagnosis or treatment.
4) Do you provide Neurodivergent (ADHD/Autism/AuDHD) support in counseling and coaching?
Yes. We offer neurodivergent-affirming care for clients who identify as autistic, AuDHD, ADHD, or exploring a possible autism/ADHD diagnosis. Counseling may focus on mental health symptoms, identity, and emotional processing, self-esteem, nervous system regulation, and patterns like shame or burnout. From a coaching perspective, we may focus on practical supports like sensory planning, sustainable routines and building systems, improving consistency, and creating realistic strategies that work day-to-day.
5) How long are sessions and how often will we meet?
Session length and frequency depend on the service you choose and your goals. Most clients start with weekly or biweekly appointments, then adjust over time as progress builds. We’ll choose a schedule that feels supportive, realistic, and sustainable for you.
Rates, Payments, & Insurance...
1) How much do counseling sessions cost?
Counseling sessions range from $125 to $200, depending on session length and the type of appointment.
2) How much do coaching sessions cost?
Coaching sessions range from $150 to $250, depending on session length and the structure of support.
3) How much is the diagnostic evaluation (first session)?
The diagnostic evaluation (your first counseling appointment) is $200 (unless you choose to add-on an ESA or Accommodation letter). This session focuses on assessment for diagnosis, clarity around your concerns, and creating an initial treatment plan. A diagnosis will be provided if and only if clinically appropriate.
4) Do you offer groups, and what do they cost?
Yes. Group sessions are $60 to $80 per session, depending on the group type, participation type, and length. Workshops differ from group sessions.
5) Do you offer a consultation call, and is it free?
Yes. I offer a brief consultation (10 minutes with a maximum of 15 minutes) for $15. This is a great option if you want to ask a few questions and explore whether counseling or coaching is the right fit before booking. If you choose to book an initial appointment afterwards, the fee will go towards your first session. There are no refunds for this booking fee.
6) When is payment due?
Consultations and first appointments (diagnostic evaluations or initial coaching appointments) are paid at the time of booking to reserve your appointment time. Ongoing session payment policies are reviewed during the intake paperwork before the first session, so everything is clear upfront.
7) Do you accept insurance?
At this time, Counseling with Amber PLLC is private pay, and we do not accept insurance directly. We are considered out-of-network. Out-of-network means you may be able to use your insurance benefits for partial reimbursement through your insurance provider directly, even though we are not contracted with your plan. Coverage and reimbursement vary by plan. We do ask that you complete an opt-out form for us to bill self-pay rates. More details are in the initial paperwork prior to your first scheduled session.
**Your individual provider may show up on an insurance contract/list; however, this is not accurate for Counseling with Amber PLLC as we are not contracted with any insurances. Please discuss this directly with your provider if there are concerns.
8) Do you provide superbills?
Yes. If requested, we can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement for counseling services only. Counseling with Amber PLLC does not guarantee any reimbursements and does not provide superbills unless requested in advance.
9) Can I use HSA or FSA to pay for counseling or coaching sessions?
Many clients are able to use HSA or FSA cards for counseling services. Eligibility depends on your specific plan, so it’s best to confirm coverage directly with your provider.
10) How do I get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter? And is there a cost?
ESA letters are offered as an optional add-on service when clinically appropriate and are not guaranteed.
The diagnostic evaluation is $200, and the ESA letter add on is $150, for a total of $350. If an ESA letter is not clinically indicated after the evaluation, 50% of the ESA add-on fee will be refunded. Additional forms or revisions may require an additional fee or session.
11) How do I get an Accommodation letter for work or school? And is there a cost?
Accommodation letters are $150 and include one completed letter and one revision within 14 days if updates are requested. More complex documentation may require an additional fee or a session. There are no refunds for this request. If accommodations are not clinically appropriate, a diagnostic letter will be provided in its place.
12) Do you complete FMLA paperwork?
At this time, we do not complete FMLA paperwork. If you need FMLA documentation, we recommend contacting your primary care provider or medical specialist for support.
Policies & Documentation...
1) Are counseling sessions in person or online?
All therapy sessions are provided through secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms. Counseling With Amber PLLC does not currently offer in person therapy sessions.
2) What are the rules for telehealth sessions (privacy and location)?
Clients must be in a private, quiet, and stationary environment during sessions. Sessions cannot take place while driving, riding in a moving vehicle, in public restrooms, or around other people.
3) Do you offer crisis services or 24-hour support?
No. Counseling with Amber PLLC does not provide 24-hour crisis or emergency services. If you are in crisis, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
4) Is counseling confidential?
Yes. Information shared in therapy is confidential, with legal limits such as risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, or court ordered requirements.
5) How do I communicate with you outside of sessions?
For both therapy and coaching, professional communication and scheduling must occur through the secure client portal or designated platform. Texting, social media, and personal email are not permitted for session related communication. Cancellations and reschedules are only valid when submitted through the portal.
6) What is your social media policy?
Clients may follow Counseling with Amber PLLC’s professional accounts for educational content, but therapy or coaching communication will not happen through social media. Friend requests to personal accounts are not accepted.
7) Do you provide documentation letters (ESA or accommodations)?
Coaching does not include mental health treatment or clinical documentation. Therapy may include documentation when clinically appropriate, and documentation requests are handled through professional boundaries and approved communication channels. They may incur a fee as well.
8) Do you provide intensive behavioral services, custody evaluations, or court-involved therapy?
No. Counseling With Amber PLLC does not provide intensive behavioral services, custody evaluations, or court-involved therapy. Documentation for such services will also not be provided.
9) What are your coaching boundaries around confidentiality?
Coaching information is treated with discretion, but coaching is not HIPAA protected and is not a legally protected therapeutic relationship.
10) What are your payment and cancellation expectations?
Payments are processed 24 to 36 hours before appointments through the client portal, and cancellation terms are handled according to the practice’s payment and cancellation policy. This policy can be found in the intake paperwork for both counseling and coaching services.
11) Can services be ended or terminated?
Yes. Clients may end services at any time. Counseling with Amber PLLC may also terminate services for reasons like nonpayment, repeated late cancellations or no shows, boundary violations, or if the client needs a different level of care.
12) Do you do custody evaluations and/or court-related tasks?
Counseling With Amber PLLC does not provide court-involved therapy, custody evaluations, legal opinions, or expert testimony. If records are subpoenaed, any required administrative time may be billed based on the complexity of the request. Clients will be notified of the estimated cost prior to completion, and payment must be received before documents are released.
If legally required to appear (virtually or in person) for a deposition or court proceeding, a valid court order must be provided to the clinician and the practice with no fewer than 30 days in advance. The requesting party is responsible for associated professional fees, which may include record preparation time, summaries or formal letters, administrative communication, travel time and expenses, and appearance or testimony time. Court involvement is billed at $300 per hour with a 4-hour minimum and must be paid in advance. All court-related fees are non-refundable once payment is received.
Counseling With Amber PLLC reserves the right to consult legal counsel prior to responding to legal requests.
Florida-specific Services...
1) Do you offer online therapy in Florida?
Yes. Counseling With Amber PLLC provides therapy services exclusively through secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms. Providers are licensed in Florida as Licensed Mental Health Counselors and follow state-specific guidelines. At this time, there is no in-person therapy services in the state of Florida.
2) Do I have to be located in Florida for therapy sessions?
Yes. Clients must be physically located in the state of Florida at the time of each telehealth therapy session.
3) Can you provide therapy if I travel outside of Florida?
Therapy services can only be provided in states where the therapist is actively licensed or legally authorized to practice, including potential future authorization through the Counseling Compact. If you travel out of state, your session may need to be rescheduled depending on where you are located. A fee may be required if not enough notice is provided.
4) Are coaching services available in Florida too?
Yes. Coaching services are available in Florida and can be provided virtually, or in-person in approved public or professional settings. Please note that in person coaching sessions held in public are not confidential.
5) What are the rules for attending sessions while in Florida (privacy and safety)?
For both counseling and coaching, clients must be in a private, stationary environment for virtual sessions. Sessions cannot take place while driving, in a moving vehicle, in public restrooms, or around other people. The exception to this is for in-person coaching services.
Maryland-specific Services...
1) Is Counseling with Amber PLLC licensed to provide therapy in Maryland?
Yes. Our providers are licensed to provide mental health counseling in Maryland, and we offer therapy services through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. As long as you are physically located in Maryland at the time of your session and you are in a private, stationary environment to protect confidentiality, therapy will be provided.
2) Can I attend my therapy session from my car in Maryland?
For safety and confidentiality reasons, sessions cannot take place while driving, riding in a moving vehicle, or in the presence of other people. If you are parked and in a confidential location, the car may potentially be an appropriate location for services; however, please ensure a stable internet connection prior to the session.
3) Do you offer coaching for adults in Maryland?
Yes. Coaching services are available to adults nationwide, including Maryland. Coaching is not therapy and does not include diagnosis or mental health treatment. Coaching outside of Florida is virtually only unless otherwise agreed upon.
4) What if I live in Maryland but travel out of state for work or school?
Therapy sessions depend on where you are physically located at the time of your appointment. If you are outside Maryland (or another state where I am licensed), your therapy session may need to be rescheduled. Advance cancelation is requested to avoid a fee.
Ohio-specified Services...
1) Do you offer online therapy for Ohio clients?
Yes. Counseling With Amber PLLC provides online therapy for clients located in Ohio, including areas such as Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and surrounding communities.
2) What types of counseling services do you provide in Ohio?
Ohio clients can book diagnostic evaluations, individual counseling sessions, and treatment planning sessions through telehealth, depending on their needs and goals.
3) Do I need an in-person first session to start online therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio allows counseling services to begin through telehealth without requiring an initial in-person appointment. Telehealth must still be clinically appropriate, and your clinician will assess throughout treatment whether virtual services are a safe and effective fit based on your needs, clinical status, and ability to use the technology. If they are not, a referral will be provided.
Virtual/United States Services...
1) Do you offer online therapy and online coaching?
Yes. Counseling With Amber PLLC offers online therapy through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms and also provides virtual coaching services.
2) Can I do therapy with you if I live in a different state?
Therapy is only available if you are physically located in a state where I am authorized to practice at the time of your session. Additional states may become available through active licensure or the Counseling Compact.
3) Can I work with you through coaching anywhere in the United States?
Yes. Coaching is available to adults nationwide and is designed to support goals, accountability, and practical progress. Coaching is not mental health treatment and does not include diagnosing or treating mental health disorders.
4) Can I attend sessions while traveling (hotel, office, vacation, or out of state)?
You can attend virtual sessions while traveling only if you are in a private, stationary environment. For therapy specifically, you must also be physically located in a state where services can legally be provided. Sessions cannot take place while driving, in a moving vehicle, in public restrooms, or around other people.
5) Is coaching confidential like therapy?
Coaching is treated with discretion and professionalism, but it is not covered under HIPAA and does not create a legally protected therapeutic relationship the way therapy does.