Frequently Asked Question’s

Licensed

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a fully licensed mental health professional who has completed all the necessary requirements set forth by their state licensing board. LPCs have typically completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, accrued all of their supervised clinical hours, and have passed a licensing exam.

Associate

A Registered Counseling Associate is an individual who has completed the required education and training to become a licensed professional counselor but has not yet obtained full licensure. Associates have completed their master’s in counseling or a related field and are accruing supervised clinical hours required for full licensure. Associates are required to practice under supervision and may have limitations on the scope of their practice until they obtain full licensure.

Intern

A Counseling Intern is still in training and completing their graduate program in counseling. Interns may provide counseling services to clients while being closely supervised by licensed professionals. Interns may have limitations on the types of clients they can see and the services they can provide in order to gain practical experience at their level of expertise. Upon completing their graduate program and fulfilling all requirements, counseling interns become eligible to apply for licensure as a professional counselor associate.

Counseling Interns often have a fresh perspective and enthusiasm when working with clients. They are often the most up to date in their training, research, and therapeutic techniques. Interns often have the most enthusiasm about working with all clients and concerns due to their excitement to officially join the counseling field.

Counseling interns work under the supervision of licensed supervisors and often gain weekly support. This means that clients working with interns not only benefit from the intern’s expertise but also receive oversight and guidance from experienced therapists.

Working with a counseling intern can be a mutually beneficial experience because there is ongoing growth and development in more up-to-date skills. Clients have the opportunity to contribute to the intern’s learning and development while also gaining insights and support for their own personal growth.

Counseling interns at Sakura Counseling come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This can provide clients with the opportunity to work with someone who understands your unique cultural, social, or personal experiences.

Counseling interns may have more flexible scheduling options and availability, making it easier for clients to schedule appointments around their busy lives.

Overall, while counseling interns may still be in training, they can offer valuable support and guidance to clients while also gaining essential experience and skills as they work towards becoming licensed therapists.

Step One: Reach Out

Reach out to us via website inquiry. Contact Us!

Step Four: Paperwork

Once you and your therapist finish the consultation and establish a time to continue therapy, the intake team sends a link to activate your client portal in TheraNest which is where paperwork and scheduling information will be found. Prior to your first appointment, it’s vital that you complete the entirety of the paperwork and assessment via this portal to align with insurance requirements. Please have this submitted no later than 24 hours before your session. Please ensure that the status of your submission is “sent” and not “pending.” If the paperwork is not filled out in time, the session will be postponed until the following week.

Step Two: Intake

Schedule a time to do our intake assessment. The intake helps our specialists gather your information regarding contact, demographic, insurance, screening, and desired service. At that time, we will gather additional information that will aid us in making a great match with one of our therapists and will set up a consultation.
Do We Take Insurance?

Step Five: First Session

Your first session with your therapist will be a time for you and your therapist to begin working on building a therapeutic relationship. During the first session topics discussed often involve informed consent, current mental health symptoms, coping skills, goals for therapy, and other possible background information that might be helpful for your therapy experience.

Step Three: Consultation

You’ll begin with us by having a free 15 minute consultation with your preferred therapist. The consultation is often utilized to ensure you and your therapist are a good match. This will be a time not only for them to get to know you and your needs, also a time for you to interview them and their style.
Meet our Therapists!

Step Six: Ongoing Sessions

During your first session, you and your therapist will determine scheduling future sessions. Clients that choose to continue therapy are required a minimum of four sessions and then may choose to continue weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Clients and clinicians will routinely review goals and ensure your process is going at a pace you’re comfortable with.

Demographic Information

Assessment Form
Family Information Form (if applicable),
Release of Information,

Payment

Updated Credit / Debit Card Payment Consent,

Informed Consent

Notice of Privacy Practices,
Notice of Our Privacy Practices & Client Rights,
Technology Consent Form, Telehealth Treatment Consent,
Sakura Counseling Psychotherapy Informed Consent,
Professional Disclosure Agreement of Your Therapist