F.A.Q.

How often do I come to sessions, and how long do they last?

Please call (859) 809-2712 or email me at martin.beck@woodlandgroup.org to schedule a consultation. You may ask me any questions about the counseling process during this call. You can also go directly to my client portal

If you choose to schedule an appointment with me, I will send you an email containing a link to our client portal and intake paperwork. This paperwork can be easily completed online through our HIPAA-secure portal. Please complete this paperwork at least 48 hours before your first appointment. After completing your intake paperwork, you will receive an email and text reminder about your first session 24 hours before the appointment.

Your first therapy session, often known as an intake or initial consultation, is predominantly a getting-to-know-you session. It provides a safe space to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations. During this session, your therapist will ask questions about your background, mental health history, and current challenges to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation. It's also a time to gauge if you feel comfortable with the therapist, as a solid therapeutic relationship is crucial for successful therapy. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions—nervousness, relief, hope—during this first encounter. The aim is to begin a journey of understanding and finding meaning in your experiences.

My office is ADA accessible, near downtown Lexington, at 201 Price Road, Ste 106, at the Lorillard Lofts.Yes, I offer virtual appointments! I use a HIPAA-compliant platform with simple instructions for easy and quick connections. Currently, counselors cannot see clients across state lines, so you must be a Kentucky resident to meet with me online.

I choose not to bill insurance companies for therapy for several reasons. First, in order for insurance to cover your therapy, I am required to diagnose you with a mental disorder, which doesn't align with my therapeutic approach. Also, depending on the insurance provider, I may need to submit detailed progress reports every 5-10 sessions, and these reports are evaluated by an insurance representative who is unfamiliar with us and might have no training related to psychotherapy. I believe that the success of our therapy should be determined by us, not by an outsider. Finally, having a mental disorder diagnosis on your record can potentially increase the cost of health insurance. I can provide you with a superbill for you to submit to your provider.

There is no fee if you cancel 24 or more hours before an appointment. Late cancellation charges are $70.00. If you miss your appointment, you will be charged a “no-show” fee equal to the cost of the session.

Therapy sessions are 50-60 minutes long. Therapy is most effective when you come once a week. The frequency of your sessions, however, is a collaborative decision. The process must make sense for your life and your finances.

The benefits of therapy are extensive and can vary greatly depending on the individual's unique needs. However, some universal benefits include understanding oneself better, developing self-awareness, and finding meaning in life experiences.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process. It means that everything you discuss with your therapist remains private, fostering an atmosphere of trust and safety. This confidentiality is protected by law, with some exceptions, such as if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others. Having this knowledge can empower you to open up, explore your feelings, and find meaning in your experiences with the assurance that your information remains confidential.

Therapy examines the root causes of emotional challenges, while medication can alleviate symptoms and might only provide temporary relief. To achieve sustainable growth and enhanced well-being, a holistic approach to health is essential. Collaborating with your physician can help you determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include a combination of medication and therapy.