FAQs About Counseling
The Mental Health Counseling programs for adults & children at WTCSB provide person-centered treatment that can help evaluate and treat mental health and/or substance use disorders.
How to Get Started
We’re here and ready to connect 24/7. We make access to professional, high-quality, wrap-around care convenient and easy for you – including same day access for crisis intervention.
When you arrive at your first appointment, you will speak with a staff member, face-to-face. After screening and financial information are gathered, you will receive an initial comprehensive assessment that same day (please plan for this to take approximately two hours). You must bring your ID, Social Security Card, any insurance cards or proof of income and proof of residence. (The absence of any of these documents will impact your ability to receive care)
Counseling for Adults
Counseling for Children
FAQs for Adults
What is counseling for adults like?
In your first session, a counselor will typically spend some time just getting to know you better, and learning about why you’ve decided to pursue therapy, and what you hope to accomplish.
Going forward, counseling sessions may include:
- Talk Therapy or Psychotherapy – Talk therapy provides a safe space where you can talk about their thoughts and feelings. Through talk therapy, your counselor can identify certain stressors and help you to understand how they’re affecting your life, and help you to develop strategies and solutions.
- Learning New Life Skills – Counseling can help you to learn and practice life skills that will help you to manage their emotions, build better relationships, and to overcome difficulties in life.
If I go to counseling, what does that say about me?
Counseling, or talk therapy, is just another part of our overall health and wellness. We should check up on our mental health regularly and take care of any problems, exactly like we go to the doctor and dentist regularly. Going to therapy doesn’t necessarily mean anything is ‘wrong’ with you – just that you want to be the best version of yourself and lead the best life possible, and you’re willing to do what you need to do to make that happen.
How long does counseling take?
There’s no clear cut answer to this question, as it depends on the goals the clnician and you have come up with together. However, most counselors will recommend coming in about once a week, and working until the goals are met or the issues are resolved, probably at least three months. Bigger, more complex issues may take a little longer to resolve.
How can I pay for counseling services?
We’re proud to be your local authority on mental health and to be accessible to all.
We offer several options for paying for services, including:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurance
- Self-pay: Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover
Please contact us if you have more questions about coverage and payment options! Your relief is our priority, and we want to help.
FAQs for Children
What is counseling for children and teens like?
In some ways, counseling for children and teens is a lot like counseling for adults. The counselor will ask questions to get to know your child and to understand the problems they’re having. Then, they can determine what is the best path to take to address those concerns.
Counseling for children and teens may include:
- Talking – Simply talking it out is a great way for kids and teens to express their feelings in a healthy way. Therapy is a safe space, where they can talk about their real thoughts and feelings, and can count on their counselor to be empathetic.
- Activities – For younger children, a counselor may encourage them to draw or play games, as a way to express their feelings. For older children and teens, they may be taught mindfulness, deep breathing, or other exercises to help them manage their feelings.
- Learning New Life Skills – Counseling can help children and teens to learn and practice life skills that will help them to manage their emotions, build better relationships, and to overcome difficulties. Younger children might play games where children have to practice following directions, waiting their turn, sharing, or dealing with losing.
If my child needs counseling, does that mean I’m not a good parent?
Absolutely not! Counseling, or talk therapy, can be beneficial to just about anyone, as it gives patients the life skills they need to manage their feelings and to improve their relationships and school or work performance, and to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. It is a tool that we can use, and is especially helpful when someone is dealing with grief, trauma, or big emotions that may be affecting their life. By getting your child the help they need and deserve, you are being a great parent.
How long does counseling take?
There’s no clear cut answer to this question, as it depends on the goals the clinician, parent, and child have come up with. However, most counselors will recommend coming in about once a week, and working until the goals are met or the issues are resolved, probably at least three months. Bigger, more complex issues may take a little longer to resolve.
How can I pay for counseling services for my child?
We’re proud to be your local authority on mental health, and to be accessible to all.
We offer several options for paying for services, including:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurance
- Self-pay: Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover
Please contact us if you have more questions about coverage and payment options! Your relief is our priority, and we want to help.
WTCSB Services
We provide integrated services and relief for multiple mental health needs, support for individuals with developmental disabilities, and substance abuse help.
Same Day Access
Our exclusive Same-Day Access to care and 24/7 crisis intervention means our caring team of clinicians and counselors are always within reach.
Who We Are
Western Tidewater CSB is the leading authority in mental health and developmental services in Franklin, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County. Learn more about what truly sets us apart.