frequently asked questions
At Research Triangle Counseling, we understand you might have questions before beginning your journey with us. Here’s everything you need to know about our services, rates, and how we work to help you become the best version of yourself.
Is counseling right for me?
You might be wondering if therapy is what you need. Counseling can be helpful for many reasons, such as:
- Navigating a tough phase of life like job changes, relationship challenges, or major transitions.
- Addressing patterns in your relationships or behavior that keep you from having healthy connections.
- Learning tools to manage depression, anxiety, or mental health concerns—whether you’ve struggled for years or recently noticed a change.
- Healing from traumatic events or deep emotional wounds.
- Gaining self-awareness, understanding your patterns, or exploring spiritual growth.
Whatever your situation, we’re here to listen and guide you toward clarity, healing, and progress.
What is career counseling?
If you’re unsure about your career direction, our career counseling services can help you clarify your path. Here’s what we offer:
- Career exploration and assessments to align your personality and interests with meaningful opportunities.
- Guidance on educational or vocational training options that fit your goals.
- Support in identifying and pursuing career ideas you may not have considered.
- Help navigating the job market and building confidence in your professional journey.
We provide a safe, supportive environment to explore your next steps.
What is the therapy style at Research Triangle Counseling?
Our therapy approach is compassionate, yet results-driven and solution-focused. We value understanding your challenges while empowering you to grow and change. Here’s what you can expect:
- We’ll support you in uncovering the patterns and past experiences that influence your life today.
- We’ll help you make sense of complex decisions and take steps toward positive change.
- If you’re ready to work hard and embrace personal growth, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Our goal is to help you harness your strengths, overcome doubts, and create a life that aligns with your values.
Investment: Rates for Self-Pay Clients
Our rates are designed to reflect the expertise and experience of our providers:
- Fully Licensed Clinicians
$250 for initial assessments | $200 per session - Associate-Level Clinicians
$150 for initial assessments | $125 per session - Student Counselor Interns
$50 per session - Student Counselor Interns (Practicum Semester)
Free Sessions
For clients using insurance with in-network providers, these rates do not apply. Please note that student counselors are not in-network with any insurance provider.
Payment Options
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due in full at the time of your session unless prior arrangements have been made. We also offer sliding scale payments based on income, so feel free to discuss your needs with us.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that life happens. However, appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged up to the full session cost. Exceptions for emergencies or extenuating circumstances are at your therapist’s discretion.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, some of our clinicians are in-network with select insurance providers. Here is the breakdown of which providers accept which insurances:
- Khalilah Slade: In-network with BCBS, AETNA, Cigna, and UMR
- Amelia Diane Glenn: In-network with BCBS, AETNA, and Cigna
- Sharon Locklear: In-network with Cigna and AETNA
For all other providers, or if we are out-of-network with your plan, we can provide a detailed invoice (superbill) for submission to your insurance company for possible reimbursement under out-of-network benefits.
Helpful Insurance Tips
Before your first session, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your mental health coverage and benefits. Some questions to ask:
- Do I have in-network coverage with my chosen provider?
- What are my mental health benefits, including co-pays or deductibles?
- Do I have out-of-network benefits if I choose a provider not in-network?
- Are there any limits or pre-authorizations required for therapy services?
If your provider is out-of-network, many clients successfully use their benefits to receive partial or full reimbursement for services.
Benefits of Paying Privately for Therapy
At Research Triangle Counseling, we believe that therapy should prioritize your unique needs and not be limited by the constraints of insurance plans. Choosing private-pay therapy offers several advantages:
No Mandatory Mental Health Diagnosis
Insurance companies often require a formal mental health diagnosis to approve coverage, even if you’re seeking therapy for personal growth, relationship challenges, or life transitions that don’t warrant a diagnosis. Paying privately means therapy can focus on your goals—not a diagnosis.Freedom to Tailor Your Treatment
Insurance often dictates the type, length, and number of sessions you can have. With private-pay therapy, your treatment plan is fully customized based on your needs, allowing for more flexibility and personalized care.Enhanced Confidentiality
When using insurance, sensitive details about your mental health are shared with insurance companies and may become part of your permanent record. Paying privately ensures that your sessions remain confidential between you and your therapist, providing a greater sense of privacy.Fewer Restrictions, Greater Progress
Therapy is most effective when it’s client-centered, not constrained by external rules. Our private-pay model allows us to focus entirely on your growth, healing, and progress without worrying about insurance limitations or approvals.
Investing in private-pay therapy is an investment in yourself, your well-being, and the freedom to focus on what truly matters—your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
Ready to start?
Whether you’re seeking therapy for personal growth, healing, or career development, our team of skilled clinicians is here to help. Contact us to schedule your first session or learn more. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more fulfilling future.
