COUNSELING FAQs (and some IAQs as well!)
Q: What should I expect in my first session?
A: Your first session typically involves discussing what brought you to therapy, your goals, background information, and some baseline assessments. We’ll talk about my approach to counseling, discuss confidentiality, and answer any questions you may have. It’s normal to feel nervous on the first session, and so I like to spend some time helping you feel more at ease.
Q: How do I know if I need therapy?
A: You might benefit from therapy if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t serving you. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek help – therapy can be valuable for personal growth and prevention too.
Q: You are listed as being under supervision. What does that mean?
A: I have completed formal educational qualifications (a Master’s degree in Counseling), passed the National Counselor’s Examination, and am now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As a new counselor, I am required (and am happy) to be guided by an experienced supervisor, a clinical psychologist with over 35 years’ experience, and with whom I meet regularly until I complete a certain number of hours. Once those hours are complete, I will apply to become an independently licensed Counselor. More information about my supervisors can be found on the Intake and Informed Consent documents.
Q: How long does therapy take?
A: This varies. Some people find relief in a few sessions for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term work. Initially, I will schedule 4 to 6 sessions, then we can re-evaluate at the end of that time to see if you might benefit from additional sessions.
Q: Will everything I say be confidential?
A: Overall yes, but there are exceptions. Therapists must break confidentiality if there’s immediate danger to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or if court-ordered. Otherwise, what you discuss remains private and cannot be shared without your written consent. More information can be found on the Informed Consent document.
Q: What if I don’t feel like my therapy is working?
A: It’s important to have a good therapeutic relationship, and it’s a reality that not every client/counselor match is a good one. While it’s normal to feel a bit awkward at first, if after a few sessions you still don’t feel comfortable, discuss this with me. We can directly address those concerns or I will help you find a different therapist with whom you might feel more comfortable.
Q: How much does therapy cost?
A: Please see the Fees page.
Q: Do you have a sliding scale for fees?
A: I strive to keep my rates as affordable as possible, and do not offer sliding scale fees as my standard rates are already set at a fee that is considerably lower than the range of private-pay services. I also provide significant pro bono services to the community.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I can take Medicaid and a number of other insurances for Counseling and Equitherapy when clients connect with me through the Center for Dynamic Practice in Santa Fe. For clients who see me in my private practice, I do not work with insurance providers, and am not a Medicare enrolled clinician. Provided you are not in receipt of Medicare, I can provide a “Superbill” on request for presentation to your insurance provider and/or HSA for possible partial reimbursement. You are strongly encouraged to first discuss this as a possible option with your insurance provider as I cannot offer any guarantee about any reimbursement for private-pay clients.
Q: What types of therapy do you do?
A: While I do incorporate some talk-based therapy in my counseling, I often use writing (narrative and/or journaling work) and analysis of symbols and metaphors as scaffolds around topics for reflection — which I term “topic trails”© — whether spoken or written.
Q: Can I do therapy online or does it have to be in-person?
A: Both options are available and can be equally effective. Online therapy, or Telehealth, offers convenience and accessibility, while in-person sessions provide face-to-face connection.
Q: What should I do to prepare for therapy?
A: Come with an open mind and think about what you’d like to work on. It’s helpful to consider your goals, though these can evolve over time. Be prepared to be honest about your experiences and feelings, as this helps me understand how to best support you.
EQUITHERAPY FAQs
Q: Do I need horse experience to participate in Equitherapy?
A: No prior horse experience is needed. The focus is on interacting with, caring for, and observing horses rather than equestrian skills.
Q: Will I be riding a horse if I do Equitherapy?
A: No. Equitherapy is conducted on the ground only.
Q: What is Equitherapy and how does it work?
A: Wilderwood’s Equitherapy program involves interactions with a horse as part of a therapeutic process guided by a licensed mental health professional. Horses are naturally sensitive to human emotions and body language, providing immediate feedback that can help clients develop self-awareness and greater emotional regulation.
Q: What conditions or issues can Equitherapy help with?
A: It can be beneficial for anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, ADHD, grief and loss, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and behavioral challenges. It’s particularly effective for people who struggle with traditional talk therapy.
Q: Is it safe? What if I’m afraid of horses?
A: Safety is the top priority. Sessions are conducted with well-trained therapy horses under the supervision of a qualified professional. Many people start with a fear of horses, and working through this fear often becomes part of the therapeutic process.
Q: How long are sessions?
A: Each session typically last for one hour.
Q: What should I wear and what happens during a typical session?
A: Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty because activities take place outside. Sessions might include grooming horses, leading exercises, obstacle courses, or simply observing horse behavior while processing emotions.
Q: Do you work with children?
A: Occasionally I work with children if there is a good therapeutic fit.
ASSESSMENT FAQs
Q: What is the first step in the assessment process?
A: Contact me using the form on the Contacts page.
Q: How far out are assessments being scheduled?
A: Once you have submitted all the required documentation (and that timeframe depends entirely on you), an assessment can usually be scheduled within a week or two.
Q: If I do receive a diagnosis, can it be kept private?
A: For private-pay clients, because I do not work with insurance I do not report your diagnosis, if forthcoming, to any insurance company or government agency. The only person I report out to, unless I have your express written consent and directive to do otherwise, is you.
Q: Do you assess men or children?
A: I can assess adult males, though my practice is focused on assessments for adult women. Adult AFAB nonbinary people and transgender adult women are also welcome.
Q: Do you have a sliding scale for assessment fees?
A: The cost of assessments are already calculated to be as affordable as possible given the work involved in an assessment. The average cost for a private autism assessment, for example, is $3,500. If you are a private-pay client (and not in receipt of Medicare), I can provide a “Superbill” for possible partial reimbursement from your insurance or HSA. You are strongly encouraged to first discuss this as a possible option with your insurance provider.
Q: Can I pay for my assessment in instalments?
A: Yes.
Q: Is a deposit required to start the process?
A: No.
Q: When can I schedule an assessment appointment?
A: Once all the documentation required prior to the assessment has been completed you may schedule your appointment.
Q: How long does an assessment take?
A: An autism assessment can take between 2-4 hours meeting with a subsequent follow-up meeting from 1-2 hours; an ADHD assessment takes about 1-2 hours, again with a subsequent follow-up meeting of about an hour. This does not include the time you will spend preparing the material prior to the appointment, nor the time it takes me to review and evaluate all the documentation.
Q: What is a narrative?
A: It is basically elements of your life story, and you’re encouraged to share the things about your life that are important in terms of why you think you may be autistic. Rather than me, as the clinician, deciding what questions I want to ask you in an interview-based assessment where you may feel put on the spot and don’t know what I’m going to ask, with the narrative you choose how and what you want to tell me about.
Q: What is involved in the narrative portion of the assessment?
A: Unlike a traditional essay, you do not have to have a formal introduction, body, and conclusion. I suggest you start with one point in your life and move backwards and forwards from there, reflecting on experiences in your childhood as well as adulthood. The narrative does not have to be in chronological order. I require a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 single-spaced pages.
Q: Can I use my Health Spending Account funds to pay for the assessment or for therapy?
A: You are encouraged to verify with your HSA plan first to see if the assessment and/or therapy is considered an eligible expense.
Q: Can I use ChatGPT or Ai to write, draft, or edit my narrative?
A: No. It’s important that you do not use ChatGPT or other AI-supported software to generate your narrative. In order to safeguard the integrity of the assessment, your narrative must be written entirely by you, and you alone. You will be required to attest that you have not used or otherwise incorporated any form of artificial intelligence, including, but not limited to, ChatGPT and that you have written your narrative yourself.
Q: Does anyone else have to be involved in the assessment process?
A: A statement regarding observed strengths and challenges about you is required from a third party. This is not optional. This person (or persons, if you wish to include more than one statement) can be a parent, partner, former partner, spouse, sibling, child (provided that child is old enough to make a valid observation), colleague, friend, therapist, neighbor, counselor, or pastor – anyone who knows you well enough to be able to make a legitimate third-party observation about your strengths and challenges.
Q: I can’t afford to pay for an assessment. Where else can I look?
A: Whether you are in New Mexico or outside the State, try contacting a large local teaching hospital in your area and inquiring if adult assessments are done. You could also contact your local Autism Society. Another avenue is to follow reputable online autistic advocates, such as Taylor Heaton (Mom on the Spectrum) who has several resources including the Big Autistic Research Guide (BARG), and here is a link to a directory of clinicians who diagnose autism in adults. Other clinicians may have different fee structures or may work with your insurance.
Q: Is it true that only a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist can diagnose autism in adults?
A: No. Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors, and Social Workers are among professionals who diagnose conditions from the DSM-5, including autism and ADHD.
Q: How can I pay the fee?
A: Fees can be paid by PayPal (see the Fees page) using a credit or debit card, by cash, or by check or money order made out to Wilderwood.
Q: Is there a report?
A: Yes. There is a comprehensive 30+ page written report along with recommendations for school and/or work accommodations, which I can provide if a client requests it.
Q: What does WRADIANCE mean?
A: WRADIANCE© stands for Wilderwood Reflective Assessment and Diagnostic Indicator of Autistic and Neurodivergent Cognitive Expression. It is an assessment instrument and protocol that was developed through Wilderwood’s Research program. Wilderwood holds all ownership and rights to it.
Q: Can the diagnosis, if made, be used for workplace or school accommodations?
A: Yes. Accommodation recommendations, if a diagnosis is made, is included as part of the assessment.
Q: I don’t live locally. Can I still access a diagnostic evaluation?
A: At this time, you must be physically located in New Mexico to be considered for an assessment. Any prospective client physically located in New Mexico, or who is willing to travel to be physically located in New Mexico, however, can be evaluated as assessments are also conducted via Telehealth.
Q: Do you provide ongoing therapy or counseling as part of the assessment?
A: No, not as part of the assessment, which is separate from the Counseling and Equitherapy programs. If there is availability for a new client for either Counseling or Equitherapy, however, you would be welcome to apply to see if it is a good fit for both client and counselor. You will also be given the names of other counselors or therapists as part of the assessment report to help you identify potential ongoing support resources.
Q: Will the assessment potentially diagnose other conditions apart from autism and/or ADHD?
A: While it’s recognized that autism and/or ADHD can be accompanied by other conditions, this assessment is solely for assessing autism and/or ADHD. If the assessment instruments used in the protocol indicates the possibility of other diagnoses, a recommendation will be made for you to seek further assessment with your own clinician or health care provider.
FEES FAQs
Q: If I have paid for an assessment and decide not to go through with it, can I get a refund?
A: Yes, provided an assessment appointment has not been scheduled, fees are 100% refundable. After an appointment has been set, due to the amount of clinician work involved in reviewing, reading, and evaluating the pre-appointment assessments, the narrative, and other related documentation, for cancellations and no-shows, fees are refunded at 50%. Appointments can also be rescheduled.
Q: What is the payment policy for assessment services?
A: Payment of fees is required no later than the start of or prior to your appointment. If paying in instalments, the total fee must be paid no later than the start of your appointment. Forms of payment include major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, cash, money orders, or personal checks.
Q: What happens if I need to reschedule my appointment?
A: Appointments can be rescheduled at no additional charge and we will work with you to find a mutually convenient alternative appointment time. Please note that rescheduled appointments are subject to clinician availability.
Q: If I have paid for an assessment ahead of time and decide not to go through with it, am I eligible for a refund?
A: Full refunds after payment of an appointment ahead of time may be considered in exceptional circumstances such as documented medical emergencies, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. Each request will be reviewed individually and supporting documentation may be required. There is no refund under any circumstances once you have attended and gone through with the appointment.
Q: How are refunds processed and when will I receive my refund?
A: Refunds are processed back to the original payment method within 5-7 business days of approval. Please note that depending on your financial institution, it may take an additional 2-3 business days for the refund to appear in your account.
Q: Can I transfer my paid assessment to another person?
A: Assessment fees are non-transferable between individuals as each assessment is specifically tailored to the individual client. If you need to cancel your assessment, please refer to the standard refund policy outlined in these FAQs.
Q: What if I have insurance coverage for assessment services?
A: If you have insurance coverage, it’s strongly recommended that you inquire and verify your benefits with your insurance provider prior to your appointment. Reimbursement is between you and your insurance. Our standard payment and refund policies apply regardless of insurance coverage status.
Q: What do I do if my question is not listed here?
A: Please contact rebecca@wilderwoodcounseling.org