FAQ

They vary by day and include some evening hours.

You may call me at (770) 750-5077, email me at philip@crosswalkcounsel.com, or simply fill out the Contact Form.

In addition to a free 20-minute consultation, I offer a free 50-minute, in-person consultation so that we have an opportunity to get to know each other and determine if we are a good fit for one another. I want to make sure you’re getting the best care possible, even if it’s not with me.

CrossWalk is a non-profit 501(c)3. As a result, I offer much lower rates than others in the area. Currently others charge $140 – $150 or more per session. I currently charge $100 per session, and I keep a few openings for clients on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.

We do have a minimum fee of $40 per session, as it is important that each person take some responsibility for their care. Anything you choose to give above $100 is considered a tax-deductible gift with the IRS and helps to provide services for others who may not be able to afford them.

When you come in the door, I will greet you and make sure you are comfortable – and offer you some water, coffee, or tea.

We will explore what brought you in, what you want to set as goals for your time in counseling, and prepare to get to work in our next session.

We create a plan based on your unique needs. We will meet for 50-minute sessions on a weekly basis. Over time this may change to once every two-three weeks or monthly. After an initial period of weekly meetings, we flex over time based on your plan of care, ability to pay, etc. We discuss this regularly to ensure your needs are being met.

Standard Operating Procedures here: Call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel. Otherwise, you will be charged for the appointment (barring true emergencies).

I accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, HSA cards, as well as checks and cash.

No, for many reasons. Insurance companies are often large, impersonal for-profit organizations who create unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork, who require too many middle persons, and artificially inflate costs.

They require a formal DSM diagnosis which becomes an unhelpful label on your permanent record and travels with you throughout your life. They unnecessarily invade your privacy and cause counselors to spend far too much time doing tasks that prevent us from doing our best work in the counseling room. Increasingly, counselors and therapists are opting out of insurance billing for all the reasons above.

Yes, and with parent(s) as well.

No, not for individual counseling, unless we both determine it would be helpful. Yes, if it is for pre-marital, marital or parents counseling.

From ninth grade “to infinity and beyond.”

Absolutely. Please rest assured that I keep all matters completely confidential. The only exceptions are if you are a danger either to yourself, someone else, or in cases of child or elder abuse.

Sometimes it can be difficult to take this first step. I assure you that once we talk, you will feel at ease and be able to make a wise, well-informed decision.

Quality counseling will change your life forever! In the context of a caring, compassionate relationship and to the extent you are willing and able, you will have the opportunity to share your life story, “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” You will discover deep care, concern, and wisdom, as we work together to resolve the issues that you identify as needing attention.

You will find renewed hope, joy and direction for your life.

No couches in this office – but I do encourage you to kick off your shoes at the door, bring a cup of your favorite java or hot drink, relax, and “sit a spell.”

Perhaps you already feel quite well; perhaps not. It all depends upon what you are dealing with and what your needs are. I am confident that in a matter of weeks you can experience significant life change, as you move away from old patterns of thinking and behavior, and begin to experience renewal in your personal relationships.

Our hearts and minds, even our bodies are far more resilient than we sometimes imagine. Getting back on the road and heading in the right direction is not just for the future. It happens as we learn the discipline of living one day at a time.

Each person’s process may take anywhere from two-to-three sessions for career assessment to six-to-ten sessions or more depending on your needs and goals. We will discuss your care plan during the first visit and on regular intervals afterwards.

My clients and friends tell me that I am a warm and friendly person. They also say (when I pay them enough) that I have a wonderful sense of humor, that I am a very good listener, a deeply compassionate and gifted person with a wealth of insight into human nature. “Humble, too!”

I see myself as one…who comes alongside of you to help you live with all the joy, peace, hope, and clear direction that life can afford. Think of me as a very good friend with specialized knowledge and wisdom.

I am a uniquely created and designed person. I have specialized skill sets and training in psychology, counseling, theology, medical chaplaincy and pastoral care. So, for those looking for it, I bring a very different perspective to the table.

I will never talk to you about anything you do not wish to discuss. You are safe with me. That comes from my chaplaincy background, both in hospitals and hospice. I respect everyone’s right to believe as they choose and am ever grateful for the freedoms we share in America.

I have worked with persons from every imaginable faith background and none. I deeply respect your right to privacy. I will not judge you. That is not my role. I am able, for those who desire it, to integrate your unique worldview and faith into the process of counseling.

I personally believe that we are whole beings, made of one cloth. We are by nature, physical, spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and relational beings. As we come to experience good health in each of these areas of our lives, we find true, meaningful, and lasting peace!

See my “About” page to learn all the really juicy stuff!

I am – one who tries to practice love for God and others as priorities in my life. That means acceptance, compassion, and treating others as I would like to be treated. I work with persons from all faiths and non-faith backgrounds. Atheists and agnostics, doubters and skeptics are all welcome at my door.

Please see my Chaplaincy page as well as Pastoral & Biblical Counseling specialties for more information.