Frequently Asked Questions:
Click on the icons or text below to go to specific sections of this page
Location-specific Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started...
1) Do you offer counseling, coaching, or both?
At Counseling with Amber PLLC, we offer mental health counseling and goal-focused Support Services that use a practical, coaching-style approach. Both are provided within the scope of licensed mental health counseling. Counseling and Support Services are available to clients located in Florida, Maryland, and Ohio, while self-guided Support Resources may be available nationwide.
2) What is the difference between counseling and the support services offered?
Traditional counseling may be more open-ended and focused on ongoing mental health support, emotional processing, symptom management, and longer-term treatment goals. Support Services are also counseling, but use a more structured, goal-focused, and action-oriented approach that may include intensives, practical strategies, accountability, routines, executive functioning support, or other targeted areas of growth. If you’re unsure which option fits best, I can help you decide through a scheduled consultation.
3) How do I get started?
You can begin by booking either a Diagnostic Evaluation for traditional counseling or a Goal-Focused Counseling Intake for Support Services. During the first appointment, we’ll discuss what you’re looking for support with, identify your goals and needs, and create a clear plan for next steps. If you’re unsure which option is the best fit, you can also schedule a consultation to help determine the most appropriate starting point.
4) Do you offer a consultation call?
Yes. We offer a 10-minute consultation for $15. If you book an initial 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 hope to change, and what type of support may be most helpful. For traditional counseling, this includes an intake-style assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment planning. For Support Services and intensives, the intake is more focused on your specific goals, barriers, priorities, and the practical strategies that may best support your next steps.
6) What happens if I need a higher level of mental health treatment while I’m enrolled?If your needs change and a higher level of care becomes appropriate, we will discuss this together and determine the safest next step. This may include adjusting your current treatment plan, transitioning from Support Services to more traditional counseling, coordinating with another provider, or providing referrals to a specialist or higher level of care when needed.
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/counseling as effective as in-person therapy/counseling?
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.
Services and Specialties...
1) What ages do you work with?
Counseling services are available for clients ages 12 and up (parent or guardian permission is required for minors).
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 are Support Servies, and what do clients use them to work on?
Support Services are goal-focused, action-oriented counseling options for clients who want more structured support around a specific need or area of growth. Clients may use these services for follow-through, routines, accountability, time management, executive functioning, life direction, relationships, values, or other targeted goals. Support Services use a practical, coaching-style approach while remaining within the scope of licensed mental health counseling.
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 are exploring a possible autism/ADHD diagnosis. Traditional counseling may focus on mental health symptoms, identity, emotional processing, self-esteem, regulation, shame, burnout, and related concerns. Goal-focused Support Services may place greater emphasis on practical needs such as sensory planning, sustainable routines, building supportive systems, executive functioning, consistency, and creating realistic strategies that work in everyday life.
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 $250, depending on session length and the type of appointment.
2) How much do support services/intensives cost?
Support Services and counseling intensives range in price depending on the type of service, session length, and level of support. Most individual Support Services range from $100 to $275.
3) How much is the diagnostic evaluation (first session)?
The diagnostic evaluation (your first counseling appointment) is $225 (unless you choose to add-on an ESA or Accommodation letter or do the Goal-oriented option). 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 $100 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 traditional counseling or goal-focused Support Services are the right fit before booking. If you choose to book an initial appointment afterward, the fee will go towards your first session (if scheduled within 30 days of the phone call). There are no refunds for this booking fee.
6) When is payment due?
Consultations and first appointments (diagnostic evaluations and intakes) 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 for eligible traditional counseling services that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Counseling with Amber PLLC does not guarantee reimbursement, and coverage varies by plan. Support Services, counseling intensives, add-on services, messaging support, body doubling, and other customized offerings are private-pay services and are not provided for insurance reimbursement unless otherwise stated.
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 eligible counseling services. Eligibility can vary based on the service and your specific plan, so we recommend confirming coverage directly with your HSA/FSA administrator.
10) How do I get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter? And is there a cost?
ESA documentation is available only to established therapy clients after sufficient clinical care has occurred. ESA letters are offered as an optional add-on service for established clients when clinically appropriate and are not guaranteed. New clients may request the diagnostic evaluation ($225) and the ESA letter add-on ($150), for a total billed at the start of services of $375. Additional therapy sessions are likely to be required and are billed separately at their usual rate.
If an ESA letter is not clinically indicated after becoming an established client, a diagnostic letter will be provided instead. 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?
Most counseling sessions are provided through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. Limited outdoor or walk-and-talk counseling sessions may also be available in Central Florida based on location, weather, privacy, counselor availability, and clinical appropriateness.
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 counseling and support services, 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/counseling communication will not happen through social media. Friend requests to personal accounts are not accepted.
7) Do you provide documentation letters (ESA or accommodations)?
Documentation such as ESA or accommodation letters may be provided when clinically appropriate and after sufficient clinical information has been gathered. Documentation is not guaranteed and may require additional sessions, evaluation, or fees depending on the request. Support Services and counseling intensives do not automatically include clinical documentation.
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) How does confidentiality work for the walk-and-talk counseling?
Outdoor and walk-and-talk counseling takes place in public or semi-public settings, so privacy cannot be guaranteed to the same extent as telehealth or office-based sessions. Before participating, clients will review additional informed consent regarding privacy limitations, what to do if someone known to the client or counselor is encountered, and other considerations related to the setting. Outdoor sessions are only offered when clinically appropriate and when both the client and counselor agree that the location is suitable.
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 all counseling 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 primarily 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 are limited in-person therapy services in the state of Florida, please refer to the Walk & Talk Counseling on the Support Services page for more information.
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) What are the rules for attending sessions while in Florida (privacy and safety)?
For sessions, 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 Walk & Talk Therapy when approved by clinician.
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) 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?
Yes. Counseling With Amber PLLC offers online therapy and Support Services through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms within states where the clinician is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice. Please reach out if you are unsure whether services are available in your state.
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 support services anywhere in the United States?
No. Support Services are reserved for states where the clinician is licensed, as they are an extension of counseling. However, Support Resources such as self-help guides are available nationwide through our shop. Educational workshops, interviews, and similar public-facing content may also be available nationwide; however, these are educational resources and do not establish a counseling relationship.
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.