| Frequently asked questions - and answers. |
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eCounseling.com exists to be an excellent information resource for consumers, and to connect prospective counseling clients to licensed counseling professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are committed to setting standards for phone and online counseling care as well as providing a quality resource for persons to find excellent mental health professionals in their local areas.
What is eCounseling.com's editorial board?
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Our mission is to supply the most objective, dependable, and accurate mental health information on the web. Our daily goal is to ensure that eCounseling.com is your useful and relevant content source for Counseling.
The information on eCounseling.com is reviewed and edited by
Anthony Centore Ph.D. Tim Clinton Ed.D.
The Editorial Board can be reached at Support@eCounseling.com
An abridged bibliography for the preparation and review of information provided on ecounseling.com
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What type of counseling is available?
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Mental health counseling services are available by phone, email, online chat, as well as in-person. Depression, anxiety, relationship problems, eating disorders, and career issues are just a few of the many common reasons persons seek counseling services.
Can I get help right now?
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Yes. Counselors are available right now! We connect persons with counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply find a counselor who is “online now,” or call us at 1-866-COUNSEL (1-866-268-6735).
How do I acquire services?
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Simply call our toll-free number 1-866-COUNSEL (1-866-268-6735) to be connected with a mental health professional, or follow the links on our website to be immediately connected to a counselor.
Are the counselors licensed?
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All counselors listed on eCounseling.com have stated that they are fully licensed, are in good standing with their licensure boards, and have professional liability insurance. In addition, many counselors undergo the eCounseling.com “Verification” process. This means we double-check the counselor’s license and credentials. Look for the “Verified” logo when selecting a counselor (or be sure to check you counselor’s credentials). Lastly, eCounseling.com removes counselors who are found to not have proper credentials, who do not receive positive client feedback, and who do not maintain the high ethical standards of eCounseling.com.
Are there different Counseling Licenses?
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Yes. There are several counseling licenses. Licenses can differ depending on counselor areas of expertise, academic background, and the state in which the counselor is licensed. Counselors who are licensed need to have a minimum of a master’s degree, and experience in a wide range of mental health issues. Please feel free to ask your counselor about their education and experience. Want to know more? Click here for details about different counseling degrees and licenses:
Is eCounseling confidential?
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eCounseling.com is committed to ensuring client confidentiality, and implements many securities to make sure your confidentiality is ensured. In most states it is necessary for a counselor to breach confidentiality if a client is considered an immediate threat to him/herself or others. Also, a counselor is mandated to report any disclosed information regarding the abuse of a minor, handicapped, or elderly person. In some instances client files can be subpoenaed by a court of law. Feel free to speak with your counselor in regards to your rights of confidentiality.
Is this a crisis line?
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Though some persons who use our service are in crisis, many are not—and we do not consider ourselves a “crisis line”. Unlike a crisis line, eCounseling.com lists only professional counselors, and strives to help persons build an ongoing client-counselor relationship. If you are suicidal and are looking for immediate crisis help, please contact your local services by dialing 911.
What if I am suicidal?
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This is NOT an appropriate service if you are seriously considering suicide. Help is available however! Call 1-800-SUICIDE for immediate assistance, or call 911 to contact your LOCAL authorities. Emergency professionals in your area are best equipped to provide affective treatment.
Will I have a counseling file?
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It is an ethical standard that whenever someone visits a professional counselor, that counselor creates a counseling file. In this, the counselor includes important information such as the client’s history, social support, presenting problem, treatment goals and progress. This file is strictly confidential to the greatest extent of the law. For more information, feel free to talk personally with your counselor.
What does this service cost?
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Rates are set by each individual counselor, so you will need to check the website to find a counselor that meats your budget. In general, eCounseling.com rates are substantially lower than average counseling fees (averaging slightly over $1 a minute). Also, many counselors offer discount rates for clients who are eCounseling.com members.
How do I purchase services?
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Services can be pre-purchased on our website, or you can call 1-866-COUNSEL to purchase and be connected immediately. Major credit cards are accepted.
Does insurance pay for these services?
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Yes. Most of the counselors offering local in-person services accept insurance.
Regarding online and phone services, many insurance companies that provide mental health benefits make provisions for "out of network providers." That is, licensed professionals who are not specifically on your insurance policy's referral list.
eCounseling.com provides clients full access to their counselor's credentials and payment record, so that clients can submit these documents in pursuit of insurance reimbursement.
Too begin the process, contact your insurance company via the phone number located on your insurance card. If there are multiple numbers, call the number designated "mental health". Speak with a representative for details on submitting a reimbursement claim.
Note: applying for insurance reimbursement means your insurance company will have access to very personal information; information that would be otherwise confidential. One may wish to weigh the benefits against the costs before filing an insurance claim.
Who owns and manages eCounseling.com?
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eCounseling.com is owned and operated by _____. The executive administrator/CEO is Anthony Centore. Headquarters is located at ___, Lynchburg, VA 24503. eCounseling.com is funded by ___ and private investors. Additional information may be requested by emailing support@ecounseling.com
