1620 Elton Road, Suite 206, Silver Spring, MD, 20903
Phone: 301-439-7191 Email: ephesians@ephesians.org Map
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Q: What kind of counseling does Ephesians provide?
A. We work with individuals, couples, and families to address problems such as depression, anxiety, marital conflict, addictions, anger, trauma, work and school related problems, grief and loss. In addition to regular “talk” therapy, we encourage people to do a variety of things to enhance their health. A client’s program may include a therapy group, educational workbooks, and/or a 12-step support group.
Q: How is Christian counseling different from other counseling?
A: The primary difference is that the client and the counselor share the same faith and the same reliance on Christ as the divine healer. The client may bring spiritual issues and struggles into the session and prayer and scripture may be used. All of our counselors are practicing Christians.
Q: What if I am not a Christian or I don’t want any “God talk”?
A: We would still be happy to work with you and would meet you where you are. Although all of our providers are Christian, we have clients of many faiths. Some of our Christian clients are not comfortable having faith incorporated in the counseling, and we respect that. It is up to you.
Q: What credentials do your counselors have?
A: All Ephesians counselors have a minimum of a masters degree and are licensed in their profession. We have clinical social workers, professional counselors, nurse specialists, and marriage and family therapists. Many also have advanced degrees and/or specialized certification in areas such as addictions counseling, marriage counseling, trauma, and recovery. We provide regular supervision and continuing education for all of our counselors.
Q. What if someone needs medication?
A. If the counselor determines that medication may be indicated, the client will be referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation. Ephesians counselors cannot prescribe medications, but they will work closely with the psychiatrist to ensure coordination of services.
Q: What is the fee for your services?
A: Our fee for individual counseling is $120/hour. An individual who cannot afford the fee will be asked to complete a financial statement and charged according to household income. We take seriously our role as a ministry in providing service regardless of ability to pay, but we are not funded in a manner to allow us to provide extensive free services. A percentage of paying clients is necessary for us to keep our doors open.
Q: Will health insurance cover your services?
A: We participate with all of the major insurance programs and work with clients to enable them to use their benefits. We take insurance information during intake and verify eligibility prior to assigning a therapist. Coverage varies with each individual health insurance policy.
Q: How often do you see clients? What are your hours?
A: Clients are generally seen once a week, but may be seen more or less often as individual situations warrant. We have day, evening and weekend hours available.
Q: How long is an appointment?
A: The initial session is generally 75 minutes. Thereafter, sessions are 50 minutes.
Q: How does someone get started with counseling?
A: The counseling process begins by contacting our office and asking for services. Your therapist will then facilitate your completion of the registration form prior to your fist visit. The registration process includes completing the registration form and submitting it to your counselor prior to your first appointment. The individual seeking counseling calls the office and provides basic information over the telephone or via fax that includes: name, address, date of birth, social security number, phone number(s), insurance information, availability for appointments, and a brief summary of the issues for which he/she is seeking help. If the client is a minor child, the parent or legal guardian must call.