Frequently Asked Questions

01. Beginning Your Next Chapter

  • You do not need to be experiencing a mental health crisis to benefit from or seek therapy. Sometimes, wanting to better understand yourself is reason enough.

  • Our first appointment will serve as an initial appointment. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, relevant aspects of your history, and what you are hoping to gain from the experience.

    I will also explain the therapeutic process, review important practice policies, and answer any questions you may have.

    You DO NOT need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Part of therapy is exploration!

    In addition, I offer a free 15-minute consultation for those who have additional questions or would like to discuss their circumstances before scheduling.

  • That is completely okay & more common than you might think! You do not need a clearly defined goal or a perfectly organized explanation of your experiences.

    Sometimes, identifying what you want to address is part of the work itself. We can begin with what you have been noticing and build from there.

  • To inquire about availability or begin the scheduling process, please submit an appointment request using the “schedule” button on the top of the page.

    Please allow up to 72 hours for a response to inquires.

    After our initial appointment, appointments can be scheduled at the end of our sessions.

02. The Therapeutic Process

  • I approach therapy with the understanding that behavior does not develop in isolation. Our experiences, relationships, and environments influence how we interpret situations, respond to others, and navigate our lives.

    Rather than focusing exclusively on what you want to change, we’ll also explore how those patterns developed, what purpose they may have served, and whether they continue to serve you today.

    The goal is not simply to recognize patterns, but to understand them well enough to make intentional choices moving forward.

  • There is not a predetermined timeline. The length of therapy depends on your individual needs, goals, and progress.

    Some clients seek support for a specific concern, while others benefit from exploring more longstanding patterns. We’ll revisit your goals throughout our work together and discuss what continued treatment might look like.

  • Consistency of scheduling is solely based on your needs. However, sessions are generally scheduled weekly or biweekly to support consistency and continuity in our work. Frequency may be adjusted depending on your needs, progress, and clinical recommendations.

  • Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. Information shared during therapy is protected by applicable privacy laws and professional ethical standards.

    There are certain legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, including circumstances involving safety concerns or legally required disclosures. These limitations will be explained during the informed consent process.

03. Appointments & Accessibility

  • Yes! Ayala & Associates Counseling Group offers both in-person and virtual individual therapy appointments.

    Virtual sessions provide an alternative for clients who prefer attending therapy remotely or who may have difficulty accessing the physical office.

    At this time, virtual appointments are only offered to those located in the state of Michigan.

  • My office is located in a historic building constructed in the 19th century that does not have an elevator. As a result, the office is not currently wheelchair accessible for individuals who cannot use the stairs.

    Accessibility should not prevent someone from receiving care. Virtual appointments are available for clients who are unable to access the office or who simply prefer to attend session remotely.

  • Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

    Appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments, are subject to a $50 fee.

    I understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and not everything can be anticipated. Exceptions may be made for illness, emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

    Cancellation fees are not covered by insurance.

04. Fees & Insurance

  • Ayala & Associates Counseling Group is working toward participation with select insurance providers.

    Insurance acceptance will depend on credentialing and network approval. Please contact the practice to confirm current participation before scheduling.

    Coverage, copayments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses vary by plan. Clients are encouraged to verify their individual mental health benefits with their insurance providers.

    A valid credit or debit card must be kept on file to schedule and attend appointments. This card will be used to collect applicable copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and other fees for which the client is financially responsible, in accordance with the practice’s financial policies.

    Prepaid debit cards or retail gift cards are not accepted as a card-on-file payment method.

    Payment agreements and financial responsibilities will be reviewed before beginning services.

  • Please contact Ayala & Associates Counseling Group to learn more about their self-pay rates.

Still Have Questions?

Not every question fits neatly into an FAQ.

If there’s something you would like to know before getting started, you are encouraged to reach out.