You’ve got questions - We’ve got Answers

Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

Who is not a good fit for Healing Retreats?
Some conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, unmedicated bipolar disorder, and dissociative individuals lacking the ability to self-regulate may need more focus on stabilizing before beginning this type of intensive treatment session(s).

Is this a “one-and-done” therapy experience?
Learning about yourself and continuing the healing process is a life-long learning process. No treatment can promise it will mean no further treatment is needed. Each intensive session experience is designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Some individuals continue ongoing therapy to support and maintain the progress they achieve in intensive session(s). Every individual’s needs are personal.

What does the Research Say?
Check out the HEALING RETREAT page where articles discuss the benefits of intensive therapy. Studies show that intensive therapy helps find relief from PTSD symptoms.

Are payment plans available for therapy intensives?
Yes, this is based on individual needs. Please ask for more information. Payment will need to be completed by day of intensive. A deposit will be required to hold an appointment.

What is the cost of a Healing Retreat?
Healing Retreats require a non-refundable deposit of $500 (that will go towards the cost of the service). I offer a complimentary phone/video evaluation. First, you will schedule a 30–45-minute interview with your therapist via phone or video to determine the fit and appropriateness of participating in intensive therapy sessions.

The rates for sessions are broken up depending on the number of days and hours you choose for your treatment plan. You will be given a Good Faith Estimate of the services and costs. Included in the cost is a personalized pre-intensive workbook, a schedule for the week before and during intensive sessions, an outline of assessments your therapist will administer to assist in the progress, and a workbook to utilize during and after your intensive sessions.

Does insurance cover Healing Retreats?
The answer is not really. Insurance companies pay for service codes that do not include extended hours or time with your therapist that last longer than the 55-minute typical session. I am a realist, and value that many clients wish to use their insurance and I don’t blame you. I am currently working with my insurance providers to see what options I might have. At this time, I cannot offer intensives for existing clients through their insurance plans for 2+ hour sessions. Based on my contracts with insurance, I cannot offer longer sessions for existing clients who have insurance. I do recognize that every client has different clinical needs. Please ask for more information. I can do my best to connect you with a referral that may be able to offer these extended services .

How Do I Know the therapist is qualified to meet my needs?
Please ask detailed questions directly to your therapist because every person’s experience is unique. Angie Douglas has more than 15 years of clinical mental health experience. Her professional history— she has more than 6 years of experience in residential and inpatient programs and another 2 years addressing clients’ needs in crisis via phone or online support. Angie has more than 20 years of professional experience working with families and children with behavioral issues. Before she was a licensed professional counselor, she specialized in early childhood education and worked with families collaboratively to find solutions that supported the whole family. Angie has direct experience with clients recovering from kidnapping, sexual trauma, childhood sexual abuse, rape, sexual coercion, recovery from addiction, religious trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, and more. Angie continues to study and take continuing education courses to ensure she is always learning to meet the needs of her clients. She continues to work with consultants and supervisors who allow her to elevate her standard of care to one of excellence. Angie is a Licensed Addiction Counselor and is completing the final steps to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Why will this work when nothing else has?
That is a great question. A therapist cannot guarantee that this will be the best approach for you, yet you can know that there is a screening process to determine if you are a good fit for intensive therapy.

Is a “healing retreat” better than weekly therapy or other options?
Every person’s need is different. The answer is best answered by attending to what is clinically best for each individual. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I must ensure that I am upholding my client’s needs above all else. My commitment is to my clients and their treatment needs. I’ve had clients tell me that they were struggling so much they had considered an inpatient treatment program and when they learned about my intensive option, it felt like a much better match for their needs. As a trauma-informed clinician, I realize that when triggered, clients’ past trauma can feel debilitating. Sometimes we need the support of a professional and options are limited in our current culture. Inpatient treatment can feel restrictive, fearful (especially for individuals with trauma), and a challenging step to take. I have supported individuals in taking that step when necessary, and sometimes intensives can support other needs that clients feel more in control of the process.

What if I have a Question not posted here?
Please schedule a consultation call. I learn from the questions clients ask. I strive to be transparent. If I don’t have the answer, I will do my best to get you a clear answer.