top of page

Practice Policies & FAQs

Practice Policies​

 

You are welcome to discuss any questions or concerns you have about any policy prior to signing the Practice Policies Agreement at intake. Existing clients are also encouraged to communicate any changing circumstances or concerns that arise throughout the course of therapy that could impact care.

​

​

Frequently Asked Questions

 

I'm an existing client. What is the best way to contact you?

 
  • Email: recommended for non-urgent questions and scheduling.
  • Text: recommended for time-sensitive scheduling matters.
  • Simple Practice Client Portal: recommended for any communication other than scheduling. You can use the app to message me, view and pay your bills, and join a Telehealth session.
 
 
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
​

Although there are many different theories and approaches to counseling, research shows that the most important factor leading to therapeutic results is the therapeutic relationship. Since the relationship is more important than specific techniques or theories, it is very important that you feel your therapist is a good match for you. I offer a free 15-minute phone session where we can discuss your goals and hopes for therapy and get a sense if our partnership would be the right fit for you. You can also review the Practice Policy Agreement and Standard Consent Form before scheduling a free consultation or Intake session.

​

I see you're based in Illinois and licensed in Illinois and Maryland. Do you still work with Maryland residents?

​

Yes, I can offer Telehealth to Maryland residents. However, face to face therapy is ideal in certain situations. Please review this handout on Telehealth Pros & Cons to help you decide if long-distance Telehealth is right for you.

​

Do you prescribe medication or is there someone in your practice who prescribes? 
​

No, I do not prescribe medication, nor are there any other prescribing providers at Lavina Velasco Counseling, PLLC. I believe medication, when needed and used in combination with therapy, can be extremely helpful. I can work with you and a psychiatrist or general practitioner as part of your wellness team. I can also work with you to find a local prescribing practitioner. 

​

What is the difference between counseling and coaching? 
​

Counseling and coaching are separate and distinct services. I believe both approaches are powerful and effective. I don't believe one is better than the other, they are just different professional spaces to work from. A client could benefit from counseling at one point in life and coaching at a different point in life. A team approach, in which a client works with both an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and a counselor, for example, can also be a great self-care plan.

​

Ethically it is recommend that clients use different providers for different services, rather than using the same provider for both coaching and counseling. If you are just starting out as a new client, it's important to understand the differences between coaching and counseling, some of which are generalized below. If you’re not sure whether to pursue counseling or coaching, feel free to contact me for a free 15-min phone consultation. 

​

COUNSELING

​

  • Counselors typically attend to how the past influences the present, while working with clients on present and future goals.

  • Counselors pays attention to the therapeutic process, in addition to client goals and results. In other words, counselors are trained to include what happens in the "here and now," between the counselor and client, as an agent of change. 

  • Counselors are trained to diagnose and treat clinical symptoms and disorders, in addition to supporting healthy lifestyle goals.

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) are state-licensed and regulated. Counselors can only serve clients who reside in states where the counselor is licensed.

​​

COACHING

​

  • Coaches typically pay more attention to the present and future.

  • Coaching tends to keep a focus on the client's goals and results. 

  • Coaches support health and lifestyle goals. 

  • Coaches are not licensed or state-regulated. Coaches can provided services across state lines or internationally.

​
​
bottom of page