Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that I haven't answered, please feel free to send me a message.
Am I a candidate for therapy?
Everyone is a candidate for therapy. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, etc., you will benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling stuck, aimless, or unmotivated, therapy can help. Even if you feel like life is going well, but there’s just one thing missing that you haven’t quite figured out yet, you are a candidate for therapy.
What can I expect from a therapy session?
The time in your first session will be spent by going over some logistics such as fees, confidentiality, etc., as well as getting to know each other, although it’ll be more about getting to know you. I mean, that’s why you’re there, right? We’ll use our first few sessions to continue to work on our therapeutic relationship. I’ll work to ensure your time in therapy with me is a time that you look forward to because you feel safe and heard. Some sessions may be harder than others. There may be times that you struggle to speak about the hard things and in these times, I’ll reassure you that this is your time to use it as you need to. And that may be a time that we talk about lighter and more fun things. This doesn’t mean you’re not working towards your healing. It means you’re allowing yourself the grace you know you need to momentarily steer away from the hard stuff. And that, my friend, is healing.
How can therapy help me? Can't I just take medication instead of going to therapy?
You could, but then you wouldn’t get to hang out with me every week! Most things are not a cure all, even therapy. But with therapy, the knowledge you gain is long-lasting. As you’re working through the icky stuff, you’ll develop tools to help you deal with not only the current icky stuff, but the future icky stuff as well. While I will never discourage you from taking medication, I will encourage therapy far more. Medication can help to control the symptoms you’re experiencing; therapy helps you to get to the root of the issues. Discovering the cause will help us to find the right solutions to improve your overall well-being.
How do I get started?
Hit me up! I offer a free 15-minute consultation. We can do that over the phone or jump on a video chat, whatever is most comfortable for you. I know that first step towards seeking help can be a little scary so let’s talk about what is most comfortable for you. Complete the contact form on the home page, email me at melissa@melissakcox.com or call or text me at 615.200.7088. Or do all the above. I won’t mind.
Ready to schedule a session? Use the contact form on the left.
How does scheduling work?
Once you’ve decided we may be a good fit as a patient and therapist, we will schedule an appointment for our first therapeutic session. We can do that during our consultation, or you can reach me at any of the above forms of communication. We will find the right day and time that works for us both. I'm available in the evenings and on weekends. I will then send you an email inviting you to set up a client portal. This step is required as it will be the way you’ll receive and complete all required paperwork.
What is your cost of service?
For a 50-minute individual session, the fee is $85 and for a 50-minute couple’s session, the fee is $100.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept all major credit cards, cash, checks, and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards. In order to book an appointment, I require a credit card on file. Payment is required on the day of the session.
Do you accept insurance?
No, I do not accept insurance.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a 24-hour notice to cancel your appointment. You will be charged the full session fee if the notice is less than 24 hours. Sickness and emergencies may be exempted at my discretion.
How does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality means that what we discuss in therapy, stays between you and me. However, there are a few exceptions to this: If you give me written consent to share information with an outside party, if you are a harm to yourself or someone else and if there is suspected child or elder abuse.
How long does therapy last?
There is no set time for therapy because every person and every situation is different. I will never force you to book more or fewer therapy sessions. My goal as your therapist is to help you find your calm in the midst of chaos, improve your well-being, and learn to accept and love all that you are. When these things are accomplished, I think we will both be able to see that it is ok to take a break from therapy. (I say, “take a break” because mental wellness is a lifetime commitment. Checking in a month later, or a year later may be a good idea for you to maintain that wellness.)
How do I know when I'm ready to stop?
It’s more your decision than it is mine. However, as we work together, we will both be able to recommend if you’re ready to end therapy. If I recommend lessening the frequency of therapy sessions or ending them, it’s because of what I see in you and your progress. I believe that you will know as well. When you can apply those coping techniques we talked about before spiraling into a panic attack or when you’re able to ground yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be a good idea to reevaluate your needs.
What happens after therapy ends?
When therapy ends, you’re all fixed, right? Ok, it’s not really that simple. Life is full of ups and downs so sometimes the need for that extra help is stronger. You may want to reach out to your therapist again to work through a specific situation. Maybe you just want to keep that accountability your therapist gives you, so you check back in. Sometimes therapy can give you that “boost” to get through something. Think of it as a mental health “tune-up” that you need from time to time.
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