Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know therapy is right for me?

• There are many reasons why people come to therapy. People find help at Lakeshore who have struggled with personal and emotional difficulties for a long time. Sometimes it is a current situation, or crisis, where help is needed. Working with a therapist can help encourage insight, support, and new coping strategies for life’s challenges. Seeking additional support is a very positive and courageous step to take!
• Therapy addresses many types of issues including:
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • marital issues
  • relational brokenness
  • parenting
  • child and adolescent concerns
  • addictive behaviors
  • conflict resolution
  • grief
  • stress management
  • life transitions
  • work related pressures

2. What can I expect to get from therapy?

• Some of the benefits of therapy include:
  • Better understanding about yourself, others, and/or a situation.
  • Develop skills and coping strategies to manage, or solve, life’s challenges.
  • Reduce stress related to the problems you are experiencing.
  • Improve communication with others.
  • Develop new behavioral patterns to reduce addictive and old habits.
  • Improve the view you have of yourself and your future.
  • Redefine personal values and goals.
  • Someone to listen and genuinely care about you and your struggles.

3. What will it be like when I meet with my therapist?

• Together you will determine your personal goals and frequency of therapy sessions. It is common to schedule weekly sessions so you are able to work through your concerns as quickly and effectively as possible. Sessions are typically 45-55 minutes in length, depending upon your insurance. Therapy may be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or long-term where there are more complex issues. As goals are reached, it is common to space out sessions and continue as long as needed to maintain the personal growth, or changes, you desire.

4. What credentials do your therapists have?

• All Lakeshore therapists are professionally licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Therapist Board. Our therapists practice independently, or practice under the supervision of an independently licensed therapist.
  

5. Do you prescribe medication?

• If an evaluation is needed for medication, a medical doctor will need to be seen. You may talk with your Physician, or contact your insurance company for a provider within your network. This could be a Physician, or a Psychiatrist, who specializes in mental health. If medication is needed to reduce symptoms, it is recommended that therapy is also scheduled to explore the cause for your distress. This will help you experience changes in behavioral patterns and sustain personal growth. Medication is not a substitute for therapy.

6. Do you accept insurance? Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’S)?

• Yes, Lakeshore accepts insurances and EAP’s. When you schedule your appointment, we will ask for this information. As a courtesy to our clients we check your benefits, so you know in advance if there is a payment due for deductibles, or co-pays. We will also process claims for you and follow up with insurances for payment. If you are using your EAP services, you will need to contact someone in your company who handles EAP’s to receive authorization for the number of sessions allowed. If you do not have insurance, or an EAP to use, a self-pay arrangement will be made. All payments are due at the time of each appointment.
  

7. Is therapy confidential?

• The law protects the privacy of individuals, although a release may be signed by you to give your therapist permission to discuss your circumstances with others. This may include school personnel, other professionals involved with your care, a family member, the courts, or anyone else you would like to have involved. There are some exceptions to privacy required by law which include:
  • Suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse.
  • If a client is threatening bodily harm to another person.
  • If a client intends to harm himself, or herself. The therapist will do what is necessary to ensure a client’s safety.

8. How do I schedule an appointment?

• We will do everything we can to provide an excellent and professional service, from the first call to the last appointment. You can begin the counseling process by calling 440-963-0402. You will be asked the  following:
  • General contact information.
  • Preferred office location: Vermilion 
  • Insurance or EAP information, if applicable.
  • Convenient times and days to schedule an appointment. Lakeshore is open days, evenings and Saturdays.
  • You are welcome to request a specific therapist, or we will schedule you for the next available appointment. We will always select a therapist who has available times and days convenient for you, accepts your insurance/EAP and is well trained to address your expressed concerns.
  • Please ask any questions you have so we may competently assist you, as you take this important step to receive professional help.