7320 SW Hunziker St., Suite 204 · Tigard, OR 97223|(971) 222-8166|contact@discovercounseling.com
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions answered
before you ask them.

Starting therapy brings up a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often — answered honestly. If yours isn’t here, reach out and we’ll reply within one business day.

Getting started

Starting therapy

How do I get started?

Fill out our contact form or call us at (971) 222-8166. Tell us a little about what you’re looking for — what you’re dealing with, whether you have a preference for a specific therapist, and whether you’re interested in in-person or telehealth. We’ll respond within one business day to schedule your first appointment.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No. You can contact us directly without a physician referral. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage — check with your insurer if you’re unsure, but it’s not required to reach out to us.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

We typically respond within one business day and can often schedule a first appointment within one to two weeks, depending on therapist availability. If you have a specific therapist in mind, availability may vary. Contact us for current availability.

What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?

Reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything. Many people contact us before they’re fully sure — that’s fine. You can ask questions, have a brief phone consultation, or schedule a first session and see how it feels. There’s no obligation beyond that initial contact.

The first session

What to expect

What happens in the first session?

The first session is primarily an intake — your therapist will ask about what brings you in, your history, your goals, and what you’re hoping to get from therapy. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for the therapist and whether you feel comfortable. You don’t have to share everything at once — the relationship builds over time.

Do I need to prepare anything for my first session?

No special preparation is needed. You’ll complete intake paperwork through our client portal (SimplePractice) before your first appointment. Beyond that, just show up with an open mind. You don’t need to have your goals perfectly articulated — figuring that out together is part of the process.

How long are sessions?

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Some therapists offer extended sessions for specific purposes (e.g., intensive couples work) — ask your therapist if this applies to your situation.

How often will I need to come?

Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning when building momentum and establishing a therapeutic relationship. As goals are met, many clients move to bi-weekly and eventually monthly sessions. Your therapist will discuss what makes sense for your situation.

How long will I be in therapy?

It varies widely. Some people achieve their goals in 8–16 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term therapy. There’s no right answer — it depends on what you’re working on, your goals, and how therapy is progressing. You’re never locked in, and you’re always part of decisions about your treatment.

Fees & insurance

Paying for therapy

How much does therapy cost?

The initial session is $230. Ongoing sessions are $215 / session. Graduate intern sessions are available at a significantly reduced rate. See our full fees page for details.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Most of our licensed therapists accept insurance, and we are in-network with many major plans including Regence, PacificSource, Providence, Moda, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Insurance participation varies by therapist. Visit our fees page for the full list, and confirm your specific therapist’s participation before scheduling.

What if I want to pay out-of-pocket?

Many clients choose to pay privately rather than use insurance, often to maintain greater privacy or flexibility in treatment. We accept all major credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA cards. We can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

We don’t offer a sliding scale for licensed therapist sessions, but our graduate counseling interns offer significantly reduced-fee sessions for those who qualify financially. If cost is a significant barrier, let us know and we’ll help you explore options.

Telehealth

Online therapy

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Most of our therapists offer telehealth sessions via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. You’ll receive a link before each session — no app download required. Telehealth is available for clients across Oregon and, for some therapists, in Washington and California.

Is telehealth as effective as in-person?

For most conditions, yes. Research shows telehealth therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. For some people, the comfort and privacy of their own space actually enhances the therapeutic process.

Which therapists are telehealth-only?

Rachel Ferguson, LPC and Susie Madison, LPC are telehealth-only. All other therapists offer both in-person and telehealth options. Our therapist directory shows each clinician’s format clearly.

What states do you serve via telehealth?

All of our therapists are licensed in Oregon. Rachel Ferguson, LPC is also licensed in Washington and California. Some therapists may be authorized to practice in additional states — contact us to confirm availability in your state.

Finding a therapist

Choosing the right fit

How do I choose which therapist to work with?

Start by browsing our therapist directory — each bio includes specialties, approaches, format, and a tagline in their own voice. If you’re unsure, tell us what you’re looking for in the contact form and we’ll help match you. The most important factor is usually format (in-person vs. telehealth) and specialty fit, rather than any particular credential.

What if the first therapist isn’t a good fit?

It happens, and it’s okay. The therapeutic relationship matters enormously — you should feel comfortable and respected with your therapist. If after a few sessions it doesn’t feel right, let us know and we’ll help you find a better match within our practice or refer you elsewhere if needed.

Do you work with children and teens?

Yes. Melissa Hendricks, LPC specializes in child and adolescent therapy, including play therapy for younger children. Our graduate interns also see children and adolescents at reduced fees. See our child and teen therapy page for more.

Do you offer couples therapy?

Yes. Aaron Potratz, Amy Gupta, and Rob Huddlestone all work with couples. Amy Gupta is our Gottman Method-trained couples specialist. See our couples therapy page for more.

Logistics

Practical details

Where are you located?

Our office is at 7320 SW Hunziker St., Suite 204, Tigard, OR 97223 — conveniently located off Highway 99W near downtown Tigard. Free parking is available. For telehealth clients, you can be anywhere in Oregon (or WA/CA for eligible therapists).

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged the full session fee. We understand that life happens — please contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel.

What EHR system do you use?

We use SimplePractice for all scheduling, intake paperwork, telehealth sessions, and billing. You’ll receive a client portal link when you schedule your first appointment. Everything is managed securely through the SimplePractice platform.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. What you share with your therapist is protected by law and professional ethics. There are limited exceptions — primarily when there is a risk of imminent harm to you or others, or in cases of child abuse — which your therapist will explain during your first session. See our Privacy Practices for full details.

Still have questions?

We’ll answer them directly.

If your question isn’t here, reach out. We respond within one business day and are happy to answer anything before you commit to a first appointment.

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