Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Beginning therapy can be a nerve-wracking process so allow us to help! First, you are always welcome to a free 15 min consultation with any of our therapists! Take a look at our therapists' profiles to see who you might like to work with. Each of our therapists is uniquely trained in a variety of areas so you are sure to find one who best suits your specific needs. You can call, text, or email that therapist directly or call/text 402.205.8998 or email welcome@redcouchcounseling.org to set up an appointment.



How do I know a therapist is right for me?

Each therapist at Red Couch Counseling works with a variety of individuals and issues so you may find that one has more expertise with your experiences than another. Check out each therapists' profile to see if one stands out to you. When you meet with your therapist you should feel comfortable to share your experiences. Sometimes this relationship takes a little bit of time to build trust, and that is ok. We believe great things come when we are out of our comfort zones, but in order to venture out we need a trusted guide. Your therapist should be that guide for you. If you trust them to walk alongside of you as you work through the challenges of life, then you have found a good fit!

If you are unsure if a therapist is right for you, ask for a free consultation where your questions can be answered and we can walk you through what therapy might look like for your unique needs.

Can I schedule a consultation with more than one therapist?

Of course you can! The most important thing to us is that you feel comfortable. If you want to schedule a consult with every one of us to decide, by all means!

What should I expect in the consultation?

Consultations can be done in person, on the phone or through our secure telehealth video conferencing. During a consultation you can share a general idea of what you have been experiencing and your therapist will likely identify what they can do to be of help. You should get a good idea during this 15-20 minute conversation of how comfortable you are with that therapist. They will ask you if you would like to set up an appointment to begin therapy or if you will possibly be needing a referral for another therapist. Either path is ok! The important thing is that you are empowered to take your next steps towards healing.

What should I expect for a first appointment?

When you arrive for your appointment you can check in at the welcome table and then take a seat in the front lobby. While you wait you can enjoy a hot beverage or a bottle of water. Your therapist will come to greet you when it is time for the appointment

During the first appointment your therapist will ask a variety of questions to help gather information which allows them to develop a "big picture" of your life. This assists your therapist in understanding your unique experiences that have helped make you, YOU. They will also ask what prompted you to call for the appointment which helps them identify what specific needs your sessions may be focused on. Plan for this first session to take approximately one hour.

What if I don’t like the therapist I met with?

That is ok! We are human and we do not naturally enjoy everyone we meet. Giving quality care is the number one priority at Red Couch Counseling and our staff recognizes that individual preferences can be foundational in the therapeutic bond. Your therapist will be happy to refer you to another professional who may be a more comfortable fit for you.

Once I set the appointment, what do I do next?

Check your email! Your therapist will share documents with you to sign before your first appointment. You can sign these through the patient portal which will be sent to you via email or via this link: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/redcouchcounseling/.

What do I expect after the first appointment?

You will find that the second session is much more relaxed than the first. For one, you've already been here once and you are getting to know your therapist. You've seen their office and have a good lay of the land. Secondly, the therapist is switching gears from collecting information to understanding you. Their focus will be on understanding your uniqueness and on helping you to identify what goals you want to work on and how the two of you will achieve that. After a while of experiencing their warmth you will be so comfortable with your therapist that it won't even phase you.

"I think I need therapy but don't want anyone to know that I am going."

​Everything you share in therapy is confidential...even the fact that you attend at all! Your therapist will share the specific ethics of confidentiality within the first session but feel safe in knowing that we do not share your information. If you fear someone finding out that you attend sessions, or if this could be a safety matter, please speak to your therapist about this and extra precautions will be taken to get you safely into sessions and out of them with the utmost discretion. This includes allowing you to enter/exit through the back of the building as well as refraining from texting, calling, or emailing you about appointments.

My appointment will be through telehealth, how do I log in for that session?

Some of our therapists use the client portal for telehealth appointments and others use GoogleMeets. Both are HiPPA compliant and secure methods of communication for your privacy and confidentiality. Your therapist will share the method they prefer. If your therapist uses GoogleMeets you will be sent an email with a link prior to the appointment. If your therapist uses the client portal you can click HERE to sign in for your session. If you have any questions just ask your therapist!

How long are sessions?

Sessions can be any length of time. The most typical session length is a little under an hour. Sessions can fit within your schedule and may be of any length. Talk to your therapist about the length of sessions that best works for you.

How many sessions will I need?

We customize therapy to each individual client, and therefore can’t predict how many sessions it will take for each client to reach their goals. At times clients may be motivated to work through one specific issue and end therapy when they find satisfactory resolution. For other clients there are multiple areas of focus or they remain in therapy

We have worked with some clients that come in with one specific issue they want to address, and when these clients are ready and able to complete homework assignments each week, they tend to move through therapy relatively quickly. In other cases, clients may have more complex challenges and/or busy lives, and setting aside even 50 minutes a week to come to therapy is a feat for them. For these clients, therapy may take a longer time. We will work with you at your pace, and our hope is to help you reach your goals and to reap the benefits of therapy as quickly as possible.

How often are sessions?

We generally find that weekly therapy, at least to start is the most effective plan. However, this is always customized to you and what will work will work best for your goals. The most common schedule is weekly hour long sessions until all or most goals are acheieved. Once you have made progress and have met your goals, we will reduce the frequency of sessions in preparation for wrapping up therapy, at which point, we will invite clients to return if they ever need additional support or a “tune-up.”

Do you take insurance?

Yep, we sure do! Each provider is credentialed with various insurance carriers. Visit the therapist's individual page to see what insurances they are credentialed with or reach out to us directly and we'll be happy to walk you through the process.

Are you LGBTQ + affirming?

Yes! All of our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming. We are also affirming of different cultures, religions, gender identity, and alternative relationships, including polyamourous relationships. We are naturally non-judgmental and affirming of YOU.

What is required of me if my child is participating in therapy?

First, as their parent/legal guardian you will sign the intake paperwork sent via the portal. You will attend the first appointment with your child to provide the therapist with necessary information for your child's therapy. This will also allow you to support your child as they begin this process and for you to get to know your child's therapist as well. Your child's therapist will discuss what level of involvement is desired or required for your child. This depends on a variety of factors as no two situations are alike.

I am a teenager, will everything I share in therapy just be told to my parents?

Goodness no! Your therapist will have a conversation with your parents about this. As parents it can be hard to feel that you need to know everything about your child's therapy. This is a good example of the reasoning behind you also building rapport with your child's therapist. Your therapist will have a discussion with the minor client about sharing safety related information with parents.

I am going to be traveling, can I still attend via Telehealth?

Yes! As long as you remain in Nebraska, where your therapist is licensed you can participate in Telehealth. Unfortunately, if you travel outside of Nebraska the appointment will have to be rescheduled.

Can I just do the session over the phone?

Unfortunately, no. Sessions must be synchronous audio and video. Let your therapist know if you have concerns about participating via Telehealth and allow them to support you through this process.