Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to pursue professional counseling often surfaces a number of questions regarding the actual process. Our website is designed to give you an idea of who we are and what we do, thereby answering some of your initial questions. In the first appointment, your counselor will discuss with you your reasons for seeking therapy, ask questions about your personal history and background, and discuss what results you hope to achieve. In subsequent sessions, it is our goal to assist you in working through your presenting problem, as well as explore the root causes of your struggles.

Our counselors are in-network providers for most major insurance plans.

Please refer to our Fees link here for specific information regarding fees and payment. The cost is the same per session for individuals, couples, or families. Payment is expected at the time of services unless prior arrangements have been made.

We do not accept Medicaid, Medicare or ARKids.

Among our staff, we have counselors who are experienced working with every age group, for just about any issue. If you are calling to meet with a specific counselor, we will schedule you accordingly. If you are uncertain which counselor would best serve your needs, it may be helpful to review the bios on our Staff link. Feel free to call our office and ask any questions you may have that would help us assist you in finding the “right fit” for your needs.

That will always depend on the particular person/couple and the particular circumstances. Generally, the average length of time in counseling is 6-12 sessions. The frequency of sessions will depend upon a number of factors—individual needs, client and counselor’s availability, and finances. 

Sessions are 50-55 minutes in length unless previously scheduled otherwise.

All of our counselors have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that directly influences our work with people. While our counselors have different styles and approaches to counseling, we each hold to a biblical understanding, based on our Christian faith, of themes such as suffering, struggle, change, reconciliation, and hope.

None of our staff can prescribe medication. We do assist our clients who have need of these services in making the necessary referral to a physician.

None of our staff provide these services. If needed, we will assist you in finding a professional who provides these services.

Counseling often involves sharing sensitive and personal information. In recognition of this, ethical guidelines, as well as state and federal laws, require that all interactions between a client and Napa Valley Counseling Center remain confidential. This includes your records, the content of your sessions, and our appointment schedule. Our staff will take the utmost care to protect your privacy and confidentiality. The only three exceptions to confidentiality are 1) a client requests in writing (Release of Information) that their counseling records be shared with a specific individual or another professional; 2) a client poses a clear and imminent danger to themselves or to others; or 3) a client discloses that physical or sexual abuse or neglect has occurred to a minor or an elderly person.

For our clients, an NVCC counselor is on call at all times for emergencies only. The on-call counselor may be reached by calling our regular office number and leaving your message on the emergency line. The on-call counselor will promptly call you back.

For medical emergencies (injuries, suicidal fixation or other at-risk behavior), call 911 or proceed to your nearest hospital emergency room.