Talk With A Therapist Today

Life can present us a series of challenges and at times it can feel overwhelming. Therapy can help provide a place for you to discuss your concerns, develop more self-awareness and learn new skills to better manage the stresses in your life. It can also be a support as you deal with anxiety, grief, family crises, depression, self-esteem issues as well as other perplexing concerns. It can be helpful to take the time to talking to a counselor when you feel you have been feeling more down than usual, an increase in anxiety, you feel overwhelmed, and you feel out of balance.

The benefits of counseling can be recognized when you are willing to put in the work necessary and apply skills you learn. Benefits include:

• A feeling of more control over one’s life and better life balance
• An increase in feelings of happiness
• Overall satisfaction in one’s relationships
• Increased personal awareness
• Improvement of techniques to cope with stress
• More clarity and understanding of yourself, your goals/intentions & your values

Typically sessions last about 55 min and your initial session will be one hour. Some problems or concerns can be addressed in as few as 6-10 sessions, however the time needed is strongly based on the individual’s needs, and willingness to change. I require clients to come weekly for at least 3 weeks and then clients can come biweekly. Depending on the severity of the issues, some clients come to therapy just once a month for less serious concerns or for maintenance.

Chris McDonald is a Holistic Therapist. As a Holistic Therapist, she treats the whole person, mind, body & spirit. Depending on your needs and what you want from therapy she may offer cognitive strategies to help you overcome negative or unhelpful thinking. She may assign exercise if you aren’t currently engaged in an exercise routine. She is also available to talk about spiritual concerns if you are open to it. Some people benefit greatly from creating some kind of spiritual practice which could be simply being in nature or engaging in daily meditation. Its going to differ for each individual based on your personal beliefs.

During session she may do some mindful movements, breathing exercises or yoga asanas (postures) during sessions to help you better regulate your nervous system and emotions. She can guide you through some meditation and help you find ways to develop a daily meditation practice.

You will receive a link to the patient portal before your first appointment. Please complete before at least 24 hours before your session so your Therapist and review your answers. Your initial session will last up to 60 minutes. During this session your therapist will ask questions about your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. You will be asked questions about your background as well as symptoms and issues you are having. This is also the time for the Therapist and Client to get to know each other and determine if you are a good fit with the Therapist.

Rates for Services

Initial Intake Sessions $170.00 Chris McDonald
53 Minute Office Session $155.00 Chris McDonald

No Show Or late cancel Fee $80.00

Written letter $25.00 each for one page

Any other written documentation $50.00/ hour (disability, Etc.)

In compliance with the No Surprises Act starting January 1, 2022, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) before you start services.

Depending on your particular health insurance plan, counseling services may be covered! Please contact your plan by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Here are some questions to ask:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• Do I have a deductible? If so have I met it?
• Is there a limit to how many sessions per year?
• Do I need prior approval from my primary care Dr. in order for services to be covered?

We Are In-Network Providers For: 

Aetna
BCBS (the only exceptions are we cannot accept are: Blue Local. Blue Home or Blue Value)
BCBS State Health Plan
Optum
United

We Are Out of Network for plans such as Cigna, Medicare and Medicaid

You will be responsible for the balance and we can give you a Superbill receipt to submit to your insurance for reimbursement based on what your out of network benefits are. If you are not sure what they are, be sure to call the number on the back of your card and ask for what are your out of network benefits for mental health. Some can be a certain percentage of our full fee and you will be responsible for the rest. Some plans it turns out to be the same price as a regular copay.

We also accept FSA & HSA cards.

EAP plans Accepted:   WellSpring

All payment for co-pays and fees is expected on the day of service. I accept cash and credit card

Cancellation and No Show Policy

If you cannot attend an appointment, be sure to cancel at least 24 hours ahead of time or I do charge a $80 fee.