Frequently asked questions.

Is therapy covered by insurance?

Many times therapy or counseling is covered by insurance providers. We are working to become in-network with many insurance providers to better serve you. Right now we are solely in-network with Aetna, Qual Choice, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Ambetter. For all other insurers we are out of network, meaning we do not accept any other insurance directly. We accept private pay for those who do not want to bill their insurance or are not covered by the provider we are in network with.

At this time we are able to submit a receipt directly to your insurance. If your plan covers out-of-network benefits for therapy services, they can reimburse you. To find out about your specific coverage, the easiest way to confirm this is to call your insurer directly.

How has Covid-19 impacted therapy?

To be honest, not being able to make connections in-person is a bummer. Most therapists value in-person meetings and connecting with people like most everyone else. But in order to the ensure the safety of the therapist and clients at this time, clients are being seen by telehealth. The clinician will update current clients when in-office sessions resume.

How is online therapy different?

Online therapy (telehealth) is an easy way to get quality therapy services from the convenience of your own couch. Despite understandable concerns, online therapy can allow people to be more honest and vulnerable than they would during face-to-face sessions. Many insurances have realized this and are covering telemental health services -even before the pandemic started.

More information about online therapy.

How long is a counseling session and how do I pay?

An initial session can last from 60-90 minutes as you and the therapist spend time going over how therapy works, your history, and any questions you may have.

Regular individual, teen, or family sessions can last from 30-60 minutes varying on the needs of the client. A client could meet anywhere from twice weekly to once a quarter depending on the need and time of their life.

Payment is accepted in the form of cash or credit or debit card. Sliding scale pricing is also available.

Are you only serving people in the Central Arkansas area?

Due to the blessing of technology, Olive Tree Health can serve anyone on confidential online platforms at any location in the state of Arkansas. Learn more here.

What if my trauma or stress is not that “big”?

Whether you had a big event in your life that changed everything, an event that happened a while ago, or normal everyday stress, many people are still benefitted from addressing it in therapy. It can be as significant as abuse, rape, or loss to smaller, but just as important issues, like lifestyle changes, personality conflicts, or work performance. If it prevents you from operating at your best as a brother, parent, coworker, teen, or a person, we can tackle it. Learn more about trauma, anxiety, or adolescent therapy.

What happens during a first session of therapy?

Like all first meetings, there might be nerves and feelings of being unsure. That is all normal. During your first session, your therapist will take your history and learn about your current lifestyle. You and your therapist will collaborate on your goals for therapy and discuss a plan of action on how to get to those goals. This is the time for you to ask any questions you may have and learn about the therapist’s style of treatment. It is crucial for clients and therapists to be a good fit for one another.

Does something have to be wrong with me to go therapy?

No. Sometimes people are just looking to gain more insight into themselves, go deeper in their healing journey, or just need a neutral party to share in their life story.

What is the difference in talking to a therapist and talking to my friends or family?

Friends, mentors, and family can be valuable resources of advice and support. As much as the people close to you love you and may want the best for you, they aren’t neutral. They can’t be! Therapy or counseling is different because it allows for someone trained in helping others to meet you where you are and help you objectively look at life. Sometimes that may mean sharing hard truths or helping to draw healthy boundaries around your life and the people in it.

What can I expect during a consultation for therapy?

A therapy consultation typically lasts about 10-15 minutes. This is the time to determine if the therapist’s skillset matches what you need and to discern if we are a good match. This is also the time to make a connection and for both parties to ask questions about the process, scheduling, insurance, and next steps. A consultation is crucial before starting therapy.

How do I get started in therapy?

Reach out to us on this website, email, or call us directly at jbishopmhp@gmail.com, 501.209.3340. Someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss a meeting time.

Will therapy help?

Therapy, and life, is like a garden. If you plant a seed but don’t water, feed, or care for it, it won’t grow. If you spend the time learning how to grow and use the tools given, apply the steps, and spend meaningful time cultivating it, you’ll create something beautiful. This, along with a therapist you trust that has skills in the area you need, will make for the best environment for getting your needs met in therapy.

Is therapy and counseling the same thing? Do you prescribe medicine?

Many times when people refer to counseling and therapy they are referring to the same thing. In this case, our clinician is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) . This means she has a master’s-level education and is licensed by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. She has transitioned from a Licensed Associate Counselor by taking the National Counselor Exam and was supervised for over 3,000 hours of direct client care. Jasmine in particular has taken the NCMHCE before becoming a LPC. She is specialized in Technology-Assisted Counseling by the board to conduct psychotherapy online.

No, it is out of our scope of practice to prescribe medication.