Frequently asked questions
Do I have to believe in God and the Bible to come to counseling at NarrowGate?
We are pleased to serve you, no matter where you stand spiritually. Our counselors use biblical truths to help you overcome your struggles and make sense of life. For those clients that are not interested in discussing spiritual matters as part of their therapy, we respect that decision and engage our sessions accordingly. If you have any concerns or questions about our therapeutic approach, please contact us and we will gladly discuss them with you.
How do I pay for my session?
When you request your first appointment, we will send you a secure online form to enter payment info, future sessions will be charged to this card after each session is completed. You will receive receipts and payment confirmation via email.
What is your cancellation policy?
Sessions cancelled at least 24 hours in advance will not be charged a cancellation fee. If it is less than 24 hours notice, a $25.00 fee will be charged to your account.
How do live phone or video sessions work?
NarrowGate utilizes a secure platform called Simple Practice. Once you have scheduled an appointment with a counselor, you will receive instructions on how to access this private portal. You will be able to access this portal through several electronic device options.
How is my privacy protected?
We take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously.
Everything you tell your counselor is protected by strict federal and state laws.
We don't cooperate or work with any insurance companies or employers, so nothing needs to be shared, reported or filed with them.
All efforts shall be taken to use video conferencing applications that have been vetted and have the appropriate verification, confidentiality, and security parameters necessary to be properly utilized for this purpose.
NarrowGate computers have up-to-date antivirus software and a personal firewall installed. NarrowGate computers or mobile devices have the latest security patches and updates applied to the operating system and third party applications that may be utilized for this purpose.
In the event of a technology breakdown, causing a disruption of the session, NarrowGate counselors have a backup plan in place. The plan is communicated to the client prior to commencement of treatment and is also included in the general emergency management protocol. Technology backup plans are reviewed on a routine basis.
What are the fees for counseling?
NarrowGate Counseling Services keeps fees well below the national averages for counseling. We ask for all sessions to be paid at the time of the appointment.
15 min Screening Appointment: No Charge
90 min Initial Diagnostic Counseling Session: $80
50 min Counseling Session: $60
90 min Psychological Testing Battery: $120
50 min Family/Couple Counseling Session: $100
Other services are provided and a full list can be obtained by contacting NarrowGate.
Is online therapy effective?
Research consistently shows that online treatment can be very effective for many mental health issues.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is, "effective, acceptable and practical health care." The study found the online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
A 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders. Treatment was cost-effective and the positive improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up.
In addition, other potential benefits of online therapy include:
Clients who live in rural areas and those with with mobility or transportation challenges have an easier time accessing counseling services online.
Most online therapy services cost less than face-to-face treatment.
Scheduling is more convenient for many people.
Privacy: Clients who may have concerns about attending counseling don't have to worry about seeing anyone else but their therapist in an online counseling setting.
It can be easier for some people to reveal private information when they're sharing it online.
Individuals with anxiety, especially social anxiety, are more likely to reach out to an online therapist.
How many sessions should I plan for?
The average amount of sessions depends on the type of therapy that's being used. During your first therapy session, you can talk to your therapist to see how many sessions they think that you will need. They will need to hear from you, your situation, and what you are hoping to accomplish before having an answer for you.
The pace of progress and change differs greatly depending on the nature of your challenges. Some therapeutic approaches we offer are short-term, so you should be able to notice a change within a few sessions. Other approaches are long term as they address long standing individual patterns.
