DEMYSTIFYING THE COUNSELING EXPERIENCE
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

If you've never been to counseling before, you probably have questions about what to expect from it. You may also be nervous and concerned about going for counseling. You're not alone if that's the case. Many people who come to Peninsula Counseling Center for the first time are a bit apprehensive and have questions about the process. The professionals at Peninsula Counseling Center understand your concerns and will try to put you at ease. We hope that the answers to the questions below will take the mystery out of counseling and make it easier for you to get the help you or your loved one needs. If you have additional questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call Peninsula Counseling Center at (516) 569-6600.

What will happen during my first appointment?
You will be asked to provide information about yourself and your situation. From the information you provide, your situation will be evaluated and you will be assigned to a therapist who is best suited to help you resolve your problem.

Do therapists specialize in a particular field?
Yes. Peninsula Counseling Center offers a wide range of programs to meet a variety of needs. The therapists working in each program are specially trained to meet the needs of those seeking help in their area. The agency has therapists who specialize in working with children, teens, adults and seniors. Peninsula Counseling Center also has a diverse staff to meet the needs of people from different cultural backgrounds.

What if I do not speak English well?

We have therapists on our staff that are fluent in 10 foreign languages. Clients can receive therapy in Gaelic, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Yiddish.

Will I receive individual or group counseling?
Peninsula Counseling Center provides individual, couple, group and family counseling. The professionals who evaluate your situation will recommend the type of therapy they believe will be most helpful to you. It may consist of individual, couple, group or family counseling or even a combination of these.

How long will I have to wait to be assigned a therapist?
Your first session will be scheduled within one to five days of your call. If your situation is an emergency, you will be seen the same day you call. Peninsula Counseling Center has hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Appointments can usually be scheduled sooner for day sessions than evening sessions.

Does everyone see a psychiatrist?
No. People are referred to the psychiatrist on an individual basis depending on the severity of their symptoms and how well they are functioning in their everyday lives. The psychiatrists at Peninsula Counseling Center primarily work with individuals who require medication as part of their treatment.

How often will I need to meet with a therapist?
How often someone sees a therapist varies according to individual needs. Appointments may be scheduled anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on the nature of the problem.

What if I don't like my therapist?
If you are unhappy with the therapist you've been assigned to, speak to him or her about making a change. Having a good relationship with your therapist is important so that you will feel comfortable enough to do the problem solving necessary to complete your therapy. If you continue to be unhappy, you may speak with your therapist's unit administrator about making a change.

How long will my therapy take?
At Peninsula Counseling Center, we concentrate on a short-term, focused approach to treatment. However, many factors are taken into consideration when determining how long your treatment will take. You and your therapist will be able to determine a time frame for your therapy.

How will counseling help me?
The words of someone who has been helped by Peninsula Counseling Center will probably best answer this question. Here is what three people who completed counseling had to say:
"Therapy helped me understand my situation better, have more control over it and deal with it more effectively."
"My therapist was helpful in enabling me to see why I was in the situation I was in."
"What made a difference was the knowledge and skills of the therapist to see what the problem was and to come up with easy, workable solutions."

If I'm in therapy to resolve marital problems, must my spouse also attend?
Marriage counseling works best when both husband and wife participate, but that is not always possible. Your spouse may not be ready for counseling, but that shouldn't stop you from getting the help you need. Your spouse may decide to join you once you have begun therapy.

What is the fee for services?
Fees are based on a sliding scale according to your income. Peninsula Counseling Center accepts most forms of insurance, including managed care, Medicaid and Medicare. Many insurance companies require a co-payment for services that may not be waived.

Is counseling confidential?
Yes. Peninsula Counseling Center understands that the issues you seek counseling for are very sensitive and private. It is very important to us to treat you with the respect and privacy that you deserve. Information about you or your treatment will never be given to anyone without your written consent. However, if any mental-health professional receives a subpoena from a court of law, they are legally required to provide the requested information.

Call us when you need help, advice or a referral:

516-569-6600

Peninsula Counseling Center
124 Franklin Place
Woodmere, NY 11598

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(Page updated 3/06)