What happens at my first appointment?
Before your first appointment, you’ll complete a questionnaire as an individual or as a couple. It gives me an initial sense of what brings you to counseling and what you hope to address.
Your first session is tailored around that information. We’ll talk through the specific concerns that matter most to you and begin identifying a helpful direction for the work. For many couples, we may begin practical communication work right away.
Your first appointment is a regular, paid counseling session—not a free consultation.
How do I know whether this is a good fit?
You do not need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. But it helps to come with a sense of what feels difficult and what you would like help with. Your perspective helps guide our conversation, so I can understand what matters most to you.
Part of the first appointment is determining whether my approach and experience are a good fit for your needs. I will be straightforward if I believe another kind of support or a different provider would serve you better. Sometimes that becomes clear for one or both of us as we talk.
The first appointment is scheduled as a regular, paid counseling session—not a free consultation. In the rare situation where it becomes clear that I cannot provide the help you need, I will let you know and will not charge for that appointment.
What do I need for a telehealth appointment?
You do not need a perfect setup. The most important thing is that you are somewhere you feel comfortable speaking openly and can give the conversation your attention. A dependable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone are helpful, but the setting itself can be flexible.
Telehealth can make counseling more workable in everyday life. For some parents, that may mean attending from home while young children are nearby, rather than having to arrange childcare just to make an appointment. If distractions or privacy become a concern, we can talk together about what will help the session work best.
Telehealth can also fit around the realities of life in Alaska. Sessions do not have to happen in a traditional office. Some clients meet from home, work, or while traveling—setting aside an hour in a safe, comfortable place to focus on the conversation.
Who can help with insurance questions?
Karen manages the business office and can help answer questions about insurance, benefits, and whether your plan may cover counseling. Alaska Family Counseling accepts most insurance plans. For specific coverage details, please contact the office before your appointment.
What if I need help outside an appointment?
Alaska Family Counseling is not an emergency or crisis service, and I am generally not available outside scheduled appointment times. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
At the start of counseling, you will provide an emergency contact as part of the intake process. As we work together, we will also talk about the people and local resources you would genuinely want to turn to if an urgent situation arose. Because counseling is provided by telehealth and I may not be physically nearby, having that plan matters.
How often will we meet, and how long will counseling take?
Appointments are scheduled according to your needs and goals. Some people meet weekly, while others meet every other week or about once a month. In my practice, twice a month is common.
The length of counseling also varies. Some concerns can be addressed in a relatively short period of time, while others benefit from longer-term work. On average, many clients meet with me for about eight sessions, though some work together for less time and others continue for much longer.
We will talk openly about what makes sense for you, rather than assuming there is one right timeline.
Is what I share in counseling confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is central to counseling. What you share is kept private and will not be released without your written permission, except in the limited situations required by law—such as suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or elder, or a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
We will review the full confidentiality policy before counseling begins.