Frequently Asked Questions

We know starting therapy comes with a lot of questions. Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common things people ask when they’re considering beginning care at Crescent Counseling.

General Therapy

Therapy is a safe and supportive space to talk about what you’re going through with a trained professional who listens without judgment. Together, you and your therapist explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and work on practical strategies for coping, healing, and growth.

We believe therapy isn’t about being “broken” or “fixed.” At Crescent Counseling, you have a partner to walk alongside you while you sort through challenges, discover new perspectives, and build tools that help you live with more balance and clarity.

How therapy works depends on your goals. For some people, that might mean learning skills to manage anxiety or stress. For others, they may come to therapy for help processing past trauma, improving relationships, or finding support during big life changes. Sessions typically happen once a week, either in person or through telehealth, and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Many people wonder if what they’re going through is “big enough” for therapy. The truth is, therapy isn’t just for crisis; it’s for anyone who wants support, clarity, or tools to handle life’s challenges.

You might benefit from therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or down, but also if you simply want to understand yourself better or make changes in your life. Some people come to therapy during transitions (like starting a new job, relationship changes, or loss), while others seek help with long-term struggles like trauma, ADHD, or depression.

If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t keep carrying this on my own,” or “I wish I had someone to talk to,” therapy could be the right step for you. Even if you’re unsure, scheduling an initial session can help you explore whether it feels like a good fit.

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. You don’t have to dive into your deepest struggles right away unless you want to; this is your space, and we’ll go at your pace.

In that first meeting, your therapist will ask some gentle questions about what brought you to therapy, what you’d like to work on, and any important background information (like past experiences with counseling, health concerns, or major life events). You’ll also have the chance to ask questions of your own, about how therapy works, what approaches we use, or anything else that helps you feel comfortable.

Think of the first session as a conversation. It’s about building trust, exploring your goals, and deciding together how we can best support you moving forward. By the end, most people leave with a sense of relief, knowing they don’t have to carry everything alone anymore.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of therapy depends on your goals, your needs, and the pace that feels right for you. Some people come for a few sessions to work through a specific challenge, while others stay longer to process deeper issues or create lasting change.

In general, many people start with weekly sessions. Over time, as you make progress, you and your therapist may decide to meet less often or wrap up when you feel ready. Some clients return to therapy during new seasons of life, knowing they have a safe place to come back to when they need extra support.

We’ll check in regularly about your progress so therapy remains meaningful, flexible, and tailored to you.

Most people start with weekly sessions. Meeting regularly helps build momentum, deepen trust with your therapist, and give you space to practice new tools between sessions.

Over time, you and your therapist may decide to adjust the schedule. Some clients shift to every other week once they feel more stable, while others stay weekly for longer-term support. There’s no “right” schedule. Session frequency is about what feels sustainable and supportive for your goals.

We’ll check in together and make adjustments as needed, so your therapy pace matches your needs and your life.

Yes. Research consistently shows that therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. But beyond the research, many people simply find it life-changing to have a space where they don’t have to carry everything alone.

In therapy, you’ll learn practical tools to calm your mind and body, uncover the patterns that may be fueling your struggles, and find healthier ways to cope. You’ll also have the support of someone who listens without judgment and helps you make sense of what you’re experiencing.

At Crescent Counseling, we use approaches that are evidence-based and trauma-informed, while always tailoring the process to you. Whether your challenges are recent or long-standing, therapy can help you feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your life.

Finding the right therapist is a lot like finding the right pair of shoes – it has to feel comfortable and supportive for you. Sometimes it takes meeting a therapist or two before you find the one that feels like the best match.

If you start with a therapist at Crescent and realize it doesn’t feel quite right, that’s okay. We encourage open conversations about fit, and we’ll gladly help you connect with another therapist, either on our team at Crescent or elsewhere, who may be a better match for your needs, personality, or goals.

Therapy works best when you feel safe and understood. You deserve that, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you find the right support.

Insurance & Access

Yes, Crescent Counseling is in-network with many major insurance providers. Currently, we accept:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Blue Care Network (BCN)
  • Blue Cross Complete (BCC)
  • ASR Health Benefits
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid & Managed Health Plans
  • Tricare
  • Priority Health
  • United Health Care (UHC)
  • McLaren Health Plan
  • Meridian
  • Molina
  • Optum
  • HAP

If you don’t see your plan listed, it’s still worth reaching out. Sometimes we can bill out-of-network or help you check your out-of-network benefits. We’re also happy to provide you with a “superbill” (a receipt for services) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

For clients who choose to pay out-of-pocket, our rates are:

  • Intake session (first appointment): $200
  • Ongoing sessions (53+ minutes): $160

Some clients prefer self-pay for privacy reasons or because their insurance plan doesn’t cover mental health services. If you’re considering this option, we can talk with you about what feels sustainable and help you plan your care in a way that matches your goals and resources.

Yes. Crescent Counseling offers secure telehealth sessions to clients anywhere in Michigan. All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a computer, tablet, or phone.

Telehealth allows you to access therapy from home, work, or wherever you feel most comfortable. It’s a great option if you have a busy schedule, don’t live near our office, or simply prefer the flexibility of meeting online.

Our telehealth platform is easy to use and HIPAA-compliant, which means your sessions remain private and confidential. Whether in person or online, you’ll receive the same compassionate, personalized care.

Yes. Our office is conveniently located on Saginaw Street in Grand Blanc, making it easy to reach from Genesee, Oakland, and Lapeer counties. Many of our clients live nearby, while others choose to travel because they value the inclusive, compassionate care we provide.

Our office is designed to feel welcoming and calming, a space where you can exhale, take a breath, and focus on yourself without distractions. If you’re not sure whether in-person or telehealth is the right fit, we’re happy to talk through the options with you.

Getting started is simple. You can call or text us at (810) 214-2884, or email us at connect@crescentcounselingllp.com.

Our Client Services Coordinator, Abbie, will connect with you directly to answer any questions, talk through your options, and help you schedule your first session. From there, we’ll match you with a therapist who best fits your needs and goals.

We know reaching out for the first time can feel intimidating; that’s why we keep the process warm, personal, and easy.

Before your first session, please contact our main office by phone, email, or text if you need to cancel or reschedule. After you’ve started working with your therapist, you’ll reach out to them directly for any scheduling changes.

If you need to cancel, we ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or appointments that are missed without notice, will incur a $75 fee.

We know life can be unpredictable. If something comes up, let us know as soon as possible so we can support you and keep your care on track.

Specialties & Services

Yes. Therapists at Crescent Counseling practice from a trauma-informed perspective, which means we understand how experiences of stress, loss, or trauma can shape the way you think, feel, and move through the world.

Trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating safety; emotional, physical, and relational, so you can begin to process what’s happened without feeling overwhelmed or retraumatized. We move at your pace, always with transparency and consent, and use evidence-based approaches like ART, CBT, and mindfulness to help you heal and reconnect with a sense of control.

Even if you’re not sure your experiences “count” as trauma, you’re welcome here. Our role is to meet you where you are and help you build the skills, understanding, and self-compassion you need to move forward.

Yes. Crescent Counseling offers therapy for children, teens, and adults, both in person and through telehealth across Michigan.

Our therapists tailor their approach to each stage of life. For children and teens, therapy may include creative, play-based, or movement-oriented activities that make it easier to express feelings and build coping skills. For adults, sessions often focus on managing stress, improving relationships, processing trauma, or finding balance during major life changes.

We also support families and parents who want to better understand and connect with their children. No matter your age or life stage, you’ll find compassionate, personalized care that meets you where you are.

Many of our therapists have training and experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including those with autism and ADHD.

We understand that the world isn’t always built with neurodivergent people in mind. Our approach focuses on reducing shame, honoring individual strengths, and helping clients build systems that actually work for how their brains function, not against them.

For children and teens, therapy often includes emotional regulation, executive functioning support, and communication skills. For adults, we focus on navigating burnout, masking fatigue, sensory sensitivities, relationships, and workplace stress.

At Crescent Counseling, we celebrate neurodiversity. Therapy here isn’t about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you understand yourself more deeply and create a life that fits you.

Yes. Crescent Counseling provides LGBTQ+ affirming therapy for people of all identities and life stages. Our therapists are trained to understand the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ clients, including the impact of coming out, family acceptance, gender transition, relationships, and navigating discrimination or minority stress.

Affirming therapy means you never have to educate your therapist about your identity or defend your experiences. We create a space where your story, pronouns, and lived realities are respected.

Whether you are exploring your gender, processing past experiences, or simply looking for a therapist who understands you, Crescent Counseling offers a place where you can show up fully as yourself and be met with compassion, care, and understanding.

Yes. Crescent Counseling offers therapy for couples and families who want to improve communication, strengthen connection, or work through conflict in a supportive setting.

In couples therapy, we help partners learn to listen with empathy, rebuild trust, and understand one another’s needs more clearly. In family therapy, we focus on improving patterns of communication, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering understanding among all family members.

Our therapists use evidence-based approaches, adapting each session to your specific goals and family dynamics. Whether you are navigating relationship stress, parenting challenges, or major life transitions, therapy can help you reconnect and move forward together.

Yes. Grief is a natural but deeply personal experience, and it can affect your emotions, body, and sense of self in unexpected ways. At Crescent Counseling, we provide a space where you can talk openly about your loss and find ways to move through it at your own pace.

Grief therapy can help you understand the waves of emotion that come with loss, reduce feelings of isolation, and find ways to honor your loved one while beginning to heal. Our therapists are experienced in supporting people who have lost partners, family members, friends, or other meaningful connections, as well as those grieving non-death losses such as identity changes, relationships, or life transitions.

You do not have to face grief alone. We will walk alongside you with compassion, helping you find steadier ground as you navigate what comes next.

Yes. Many of our clients come to therapy because work has become overwhelming or exhausting. You might be feeling stretched too thin, struggling to set boundaries, or noticing that stress from work is starting to affect your sleep, relationships, or health.

Therapy can help you understand the patterns contributing to burnout, rebuild balance, and find sustainable ways to care for yourself. Together, we look at your values, boundaries, and stress responses so you can create changes that actually last.

Our therapists have experience supporting educators, healthcare workers, first responders, small business owners, and others in high-stress roles. Whether you want to make changes at work or simply recover from chronic exhaustion, we will help you find space to breathe again.

Safety & Confidentiality

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is private and protected by law. Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of building trust between you and your therapist.

There are a few specific exceptions required by law. Therapists must break confidentiality if there is reason to believe you intend to harm yourself or someone else, or if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult. In rare cases, a court order can also require disclosure.

Outside of those situations, your information stays between you and your therapist. At Crescent Counseling, we take your privacy seriously and will always explain your rights and limits of confidentiality clearly so you know exactly how your information is protected.

It is okay to talk about suicidal thoughts in therapy. In fact, bringing those feelings into the open is one of the safest things you can do. Many people have thoughts of not wanting to be here when life feels unbearable, and talking about them helps your therapist understand what you are going through so you can work together on ways to stay safe and find relief.

At Crescent Counseling, our goal is not to punish or hospitalize clients for sharing honestly. Hospitalization is only considered if you are in immediate danger and need a higher level of care to stay safe. Most of the time, your therapist will help you create a safety plan, identify coping strategies, and build support so you are not facing those thoughts alone.

Therapy is a space for honesty and safety. You do not have to hide your pain here.

If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please reach out for support right away. Crescent Counseling is not a 24-hour crisis center, but there are several ways to get help when you need it most:

    • Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
    • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line

If you are in danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you are not in an immediate crisis but need extra support between sessions, contact your therapist to let them know what is happening. Together, you can create a plan to help you stay safe and connected to care.

You do not have to face hard moments on your own. Help is available 24 hours a day.

Your privacy and security are just as important online as they are in person. Crescent Counseling uses a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that protects your information and keeps your sessions confidential.

Before your appointment, you will receive a private link to your video session. Only you and your therapist have access to that link, and sessions are never recorded without your consent. We recommend finding a quiet, private space and using headphones if possible, to help you feel comfortable sharing openly.

We take care of the technical side so you can focus on what matters most; feeling safe, supported, and heard.

First-Time Therapy Questions

Starting therapy for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but you do not have to have everything figured out before you begin. Your therapist’s role is to guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace.

In the first few sessions, you will talk about what brought you to therapy and what you would like to work on. Your therapist may ask questions to better understand your history, current stressors, and goals. Together, you will decide what feels most important to focus on and how therapy can best support you.

You can expect your therapist to listen without judgment, offer perspective, and help you develop practical tools for coping and growth. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will move forward together at a pace that feels right for you.

Yes. Once your intake is scheduled, Crescent Counseling will email you a secure link to complete your new client forms. These forms help your therapist understand your background and ensure that we have everything needed to start your care smoothly.

You will receive:

  • Client History Form
  • Client Information Form*
  • Client Insurance Form (with photos of your insurance cards)*
  • Notice of Privacy Practices*
  • Consent for Services*
  • Emergency and Other Contacts Form
  • Payment Authorization Form (for all non-Medicaid or direct-pay clients)*

Forms marked with an asterisk (*) are required to be completed at least 4 days before your scheduled intake session. Completing them early helps us verify your insurance, match you with the right therapist, and make the most of your first appointment.

If you have questions or need help with your forms, our Client Services Coordinator, Abbie, is happy to assist.

That’s completely okay. Many people feel unsure about what to say at first, especially if they’ve never been in therapy before. Your therapist will help guide the conversation so you don’t have to plan or prepare what to talk about.

You can start wherever you are. Some clients begin by describing what brought them in, while others talk about what their week has been like or how they’ve been feeling lately. It’s also perfectly fine to tell your therapist that you’re not sure where to start  part of their role is helping you find words for what you’re feeling.

Therapy is not about performing or having the “right” answers. It’s about showing up as you are and working together to make sense of things over time.

The best way to know if a therapist is a good fit is by how you feel in their presence. You should feel safe, understood, and respected. A good fit means you can be yourself, even when talking about difficult things, and feel that your therapist is genuinely listening and supporting your goals.

It can take a few sessions to get a sense of comfort and connection, and that is completely normal. If something feels off or you are unsure whether the relationship is working for you, it is okay to talk about that with your therapist. They can help you explore what is missing or connect you with another therapist on our team who might be a better match.

At Crescent Counseling, we believe that finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of healing. You deserve a relationship where you feel heard, valued, and supported.

Community & Inclusivity

Yes. Crescent Counseling provides therapy for veterans, first responders, teachers, and other helping professionals who carry the weight of demanding and often high-stress roles. Many people in these professions face burnout, compassion fatigue, and exposure to trauma that can take a toll over time.

Our therapists are experienced in supporting those who serve others. We offer a space to process difficult experiences, rebuild balance, and develop healthy ways to cope with ongoing stress. Therapy can also help strengthen relationships, improve sleep, and restore a sense of purpose that may feel lost under pressure.

You spend your days caring for others. Here, you will have a space where someone cares for you.

Crescent Counseling is committed to providing inclusive, culturally responsive care for people of all identities and experiences. We recognize that culture, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and lived experience all shape how people understand and approach mental health.

Our therapists actively work to create an environment where every client feels respected, valued, and understood. We continue learning through professional training, consultation, and community engagement so our care reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

Whether you are seeking therapy that acknowledges systemic stress, identity exploration, or cultural values that are important to you, we meet you where you are. Our goal is to help you feel safe, seen, and supported exactly as you are.

The building Crescent Counseling is located in is ADA accessible, and some of our therapy offices can accommodate wheelchairs. Because each space within our suite is a little different, we encourage clients who use mobility aids to contact us before their first appointment so we can ensure the right accommodations are in place.

We are happy to answer questions about accessibility, parking, or room setup to help make your visit as comfortable as possible. Accessibility is an important part of our commitment to inclusive, welcoming care for everyone.

Do you have a question we haven’t addressed? Call or text (810) 214-2884 or email connect@crescentcounselingllp.com, and our team will make sure you get the information you need.