Frequently Asked Questions

About Christian Counseling

  • Christian Counseling is therapy that sees through a Christian lens as we provide clinically excellent care. At Living Hope all of our clinicians hold a high view of scripture that informs how we practice therapy. Our view of grace and compassion shapes how we see our clients, and our view of suffering and redemption allows us to understand the pain our clients’ face and meet it with the hope found in Christ. Our understanding of who Jesus is guides how we see and treat others, and how we help individuals and families navigate grief, pain, trauma, relationship issues, illness, and mental health and life’s challenges.

  • All of our therapists are mental health professionals who have a strong faith and allegiance to Christ, and we are all licensed and governed by professional bodies. Pastoral counseling is different in that it is overseen by pastoral staff and not necessarily a licensed therapist.

  • No you do not. We have the ability to integrate faith but some folks come to us because they trust our abilities or have received a recommendation from a friend. Some individuals want to leave the possibility open to integrate faith but are not yet ready to do so, and that is also ok. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you will receive care from a highly trained clinician who honors your worth and value, regardless of faith profession.

  • That depends.  If you have a strong preference we want to hear about it, and we want to make sure you are comfortable. Our therapists have and utilize a scriptural framework which influences the way we think and interact, and at times this will be talked about and referenced. Prayer is at times utilized with the client but the counseling session is not a prayer session.

  • The practices we use as clinicians are evidenced based. Each of our therapists is licensed and trained to provide therapies that help our clients create desired change.

Getting Started

  • Call us or request an appointment online! After we confirm an available appointment time we will send you necessary paperwork to complete prior to the first session, and answer any questions you have.

  • During the first session we will complete an intake where we get to know your story and gain a better understanding of what you need. As part of this first session we will make recommendations for your course of treatment, develop a treatment plan with clearly identified objectives, and a plan for meeting those objectives, including interventions and frequency of sessions.

  • Length of therapy varies depending on what brings the person or couple to counseling. Often this can involve more frequent sessions beginning of the therapy process, and decreasing frequency as acuity of symptoms decreases and functioning improves.

  • Yes we do!  Most of our clinicians prefer to meet in person, but we all utilize telehealth as needed or when it is beneficial to the client.

  • We want to get you connected to the right clinician at an office that is convenient for you. When you call or request an appointment online, you will talk with our assistant who can help connect you with the best therapist to address your needs and we will do our best to make this as convenient as possible.

Cost and Insurance

  • Yes, we accept insurance! We are in network with Aetna, Blue-Cross Blue Shield, and Meritain. We can also file out of network with Cigna. If you have another insurance, we can provide you with paperwork so you can file for reimbursement.

  • When you call to make an appointment we will get insurance information from you, including your insurance card. After you come in to see your counselor we will file your insurance claim, much like your doctor’s office. Insurance then tells us what you owe for the session and we charge you the copay or deductible amount as prescribed by your insurance policy.

  • Our cash rates for those who do not have insurance are $175 for the initial intake and $150 for follow-up sessions.

  • We don’t offer a sliding scale fee. However, Living Hope does work with churches who often help their members seek therapy as part of the way they care for their congregation. We are glad to partner with churches and are happy to talk with you more about this process.

Practical

  • We have two offices in our Asheville location, and one office in Marion.

  • Hours are set and vary by clinician. You can see available hours listed by each counselor online, or you can give us a call and we are glad to talk more about availability.

  • We request 48 hours notice, after which we charge a $75 cancellation fee. This policy allows us to hold time for you!