FAQs
What if this is an emergency?
If you or someone you know needs help now:
- Call 911
- Go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital
- Call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800.273.8255
How can therapy benefit me?
Therapy is a gradual, collaborative process. It involves thinking on a deep level about your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Working with a professional allows you to talk openly without filtering for social appropriateness, intensity, or fear of oversharing.
Although therapy involves talking, it is more than venting. It is processing painful memories and experiences. Thus, gaining insight and coping skills, and learning about the brain and body. The therapeutic modalities and treatments we use are evidence-based. This ensures they are relevant to the work you’re doing.
What can I expect from in-person and online therapy?
One of the most important things to know about counseling is that it is confidential. Your information is legally private and protected. Without your written permission, we cannot share anything with a partner, a job, a doctor, or any other person or organization. We can’t even confirm or deny that we’ve ever talked with you! There are a few straightforward exceptions to confidentiality, such as related to minors or imminent risk. But, we’ll talk about those in detail in our first meeting.
A primary concern for many people considering therapy is that it will be embarrassing. Therapy does include talking about a lot of difficult things. But, it is our goal to provide a warm and empathetic environment in which you feel heard, respected, and comfortable. This takes time, and we won’t push you to talk about anything before you’re ready.
How long should I expect to be in therapy?
Therapy can last anywhere from a few sessions to several months or even years. This depends on your wants and needs, the types and intensity of symptoms, and the complexity of the issue(s).
Generally, sessions last for about 55 minutes and are scheduled weekly. We offer a range of different appointment times throughout the week covering morning, afternoon, and evening.
Will this be covered by my insurance?
We’re considered “in-network” by most major insurance companies. This enables us to send your insurance the bill for counseling. But, you may have some out-of-pocket costs if you have a deductible or a copay. In those cases, we can take cash, credit card, or even send an invoice. With most insurance plans, we are able to check before your first appointment and let you know what costs you can expect. To do so, we will ask for a copy of your insurance card and driver’s license.
We also accept cash payments if you do not have insurance or prefer not to use it for any reason. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, we offer a sliding fee scale.
Begin In-Person and Online Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI
Our team of caring therapists is happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services. We would be happy to offer support from our Grand Rapids, MI-based therapy practice and answer any questions you may have. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start improving your mental health!
Affordable Mental Health Counseling Options in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Alpena, and Throughout Michigan
Prioritizing your mental health is crucial, but concerns about affordability should never keep you from seeking counseling services. At Unity Counseling, we understand the importance of accessible mental health care. Serving Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Alpena, and offering telehealth services throughout Michigan, we provide a range of low-cost counseling options, including working with interns, sliding scale fees, Medicaid coverage, and utilizing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).