Frequently Asked Questions

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My name is Charity Northan, and I am a professional counselor, certified coach and consultant. I provide expert-level individual, couple, and family therapy and counseling services to clients located in the state of Arizona, as well as the United Kingdom. Additionally, I offer specialized services in general life coaching, mental health coaching, and individual and organizational consulting on a global scale. With years of experience and a passion for helping individuals and families thrive, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support to my clients.

My clients often present with a range of complex mental health concerns, including serious mental illness such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and psychosis, as well as general mental health issues such as family conflict, marital distress, low self-esteem, spiritual issues, and identity confusion.

I approach counseling by first addressing interpersonal conflicts and then expanding to address family, relational, social, cultural, and spiritual functioning. This comprehensive approach is designed to facilitate a holistic healing process that enables clients to resolve their current difficulties and move towards greater overall wellbeing.

My clients' long-term goals in working with me typically involve not only symptom relief, but also personal growth and self-discovery. Through our collaborative work, they gain the tools and insight necessary to become their best selves and live more fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

As a mental health professional, I specialize in providing support for individuals experiencing a range of complex mental health issues and diagnoses. My areas of expertise include conditions such as trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and depression, among others.

In my work with clients, I draw upon an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing a variety of evidence-based models such as trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Additionally, I value the principles of faith-based healing, deliverance, and recovery, which I integrate into my therapeutic approach when appropriate and desired by the client. My goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that supports each client's unique needs and fosters meaningful progress toward their personal goals.

In addition to professional counseling, I am pleased to offer a range of additional services to support clients in achieving their goals and improving their overall wellbeing. These services may include life and mental health coaching, business consulting, and other forms of guidance and support as needed.

As a mental health professional with a broad skillset and extensive experience, I am able to provide comprehensive care that addresses the full range of my clients' needs. Whether they are seeking support for a specific mental health concern, guidance in achieving their personal or professional goals, or assistance in navigating complex interpersonal or organizational challenges, I am committed to working collaboratively with each client to provide tailored, effective solutions.

My goal is to empower each client to achieve their full potential and live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. To that end, I draw upon a range of evidence-based practices and innovative techniques to ensure that each client receives the highest quality of care and achieves meaningful progress towards their goals.

Professional counseling is a form of mental health treatment that is typically provided by licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, or licensed counselors. It is a more structured and formal process that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Counselors use evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychoanalytic therapy, to help clients address specific mental health concerns.

Mental health coaching, on the other hand, is a newer field that focuses on helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals by addressing their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Mental health coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders, but instead work with clients to identify and overcome obstacles that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential. Coaches may use a variety of techniques, such as mindfulness practices or goal-setting exercises, to help clients improve their mental health and achieve their goals.

Our coaching services are available to clients both nationally and internationally, providing individuals from various geographical locations with the opportunity to benefit from our expertise. We possess the capability to extend our coaching services seamlessly across state lines and beyond borders, ensuring that our clients receive the support they need regardless of their physical location.

As a mental health professional, I understand that accessing affordable care is a key concern for many clients. To support this goal, I am pleased to offer a variety of payment options to ensure that my services are accessible to all who seek them.

Clients may choose to pay for services using their health insurance, and I am happy to work with clients to determine their coverage and eligibility. I also accept debit and credit cards as a convenient and secure form of payment. Additionally, clients may use their HSA cards to pay for services, providing an additional level of flexibility and convenience.

I am pleased to inform you that I currently accept a wide range of major insurance plans, enabling me to serve a broad spectrum of patients with diverse healthcare needs. My current list of accepted insurances includes the following prominent providers:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS)
• GEHA - UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS)
• UnitedHealthcare Global
• UnitedHealthCare Exchange Plans (ONEX)
• Oscar
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Oxford
• UHC Student Resources
• UMR
• All Savers (UHC)
• Health Plans Inc
• Surest (Formerly Bind)*

Please note that I do not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time. 

If you plan to use your insurance to pay for services, it is important to note that your out of pocket costs will depend on your specific insurance plan.

Each insurance plan is unique and can be impacted by factors such as deductibles, co-insurance, copays, and other variables. To ensure transparency and clarity in this process, I work with a third-party provider called HelloAlma to process insurance claims.

After scheduling your first appointment, we will ask you to submit your insurance information. HelloAlma will then run an eligibility check and provide us with an estimate of your out of pocket costs up front. This will help you better understand what to expect and allow you to make an informed decision about your care.

My standard fee for the first session, which is the intake session, is $150. This session is typically longer and more in-depth than subsequent sessions, as it involves a comprehensive evaluation of the client's needs, goals, and concerns. For each session thereafter, my fee is $105.

I am pleased to offer couple and family sessions as part of my services. For these sessions, I charge a fee of $150 per session. It is worth noting that clients can participate in these sessions from separate locations, provided that each participant has access to the virtual appointment link.

For family sessions with more than two people, I charge a fee of $65 per participant. This ensures that each participant receives individual attention and support, which is essential for achieving their personal and relational goals.

I am pleased to accept EAP (Employee Assistance Program) reimbursement through Optum.

If you are interested in utilizing EAP reimbursement, you would need to contact your EAP administrator to obtain approval prior to beginning sessions with me. Once you have received approval, you will be provided with an authorization number, the number of sessions you have been approved for, and the dates of authorization.

Before your first session with me, you will need to provide me with your authorization information, including your authorization number, number of approved sessions, and authorization dates. This will enable me to ensure that all billing and reimbursement processes are handled efficiently and effectively, allowing you to focus on your therapeutic journey.

There are certain insurance plans that I am unable to accept at this time such as Tricare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you still wish to proceed with utilizing your insurance for payment, you may elect to utilize an out-of-network billing option. Under this alternative arrangement, you will be responsible for payment of services rendered at the time of service. I will gladly provide you with a detailed superbill which will include all relevant medical information such as service provided, service codes, my professional license number and National Provider Identifier (NPI) information. You may then submit this superbill to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, as per the specific terms of your insurance plan.

It is important to note that insurance companies often have specific guidelines for what types of services are eligible for coverage. Coaching and consulting services, while valuable and effective, may not fall within the parameters of covered services. As a result, it is the responsibility of the individual seeking these services to bear the associated costs. 

I am delighted to offer both general life coaching and mental health coaching services to individuals, no matter where they reside within the United States. In addition to serving clients across the country, I also extend my coaching services to those living abroad, enabling individuals around the world to benefit from my expertise.  

Professional counseling services, however, are only available within the state of Arizona, the UK, and select regions.  

If you have previously worked with me and have since moved to another state, we may be able to continue our therapeutic relationship. However, before proceeding, we would need to check with your new state's counseling board to determine if I am authorized to provide telehealth services in your state.

I understand that transitioning to a new state and finding a new mental health professional can be a challenging process. As such, I am committed to working with clients to explore all available options for continuing care, whether it be with me or with another qualified mental health professional.

Currently, my counseling services are exclusively offered in a virtual format. Through the convenience and safety of your own residence, we can connect through a secure virtual link provided by me. Whether you choose to utilize your phone, laptop, tablet, or PC, I ensure that as long as you possess a reliable internet connection and are situated in a confidential and comfortable setting, we can engage in productive sessions. 

While virtual counseling is an effective means of support for many individuals, there are situations in which an in-person counselor may be more suitable. For instance, children under the age of 12 may benefit from the in-person therapeutic experience.

I am pleased to offer a trauma-informed interpreter service to clients who speak French, Swahili, and Ugandan languages.

I recognize the importance of providing comprehensive and accessible mental health care to individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. As such, I work with trained interpreters who are skilled in providing trauma-informed interpretation services to ensure effective communication and support for clients who are not fluent in English. My interpreter services are designed to promote clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and therapeutic efficacy, while also protecting client privacy and confidentiality. By providing interpreters who are trained in trauma-informed care, I am able to ensure that clients who may have experienced trauma in their home countries or during the migration process receive sensitive and appropriate care that takes into account their unique experiences and needs.

I am committed to providing equitable and accessible mental health care to all individuals, regardless of their language, culture, or background. My interpreter services are just one way that I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for all of my clients.

While I am primarily licensed to provide counseling services within the United States, there are certain regions outside of the US where I am authorized to provide services.

For example, in the United Kingdom and in other parts of Europe, I am able to provide counseling services. It is important to note that regulations regarding the provision of mental health services vary by country and region, and it may be necessary to check with the relevant regulatory bodies to determine the specific requirements and limitations.

If you are located outside of the US and are interested in working with me, please contact me directly to discuss your specific needs and goals. Together, we can explore your options and determine the best course of action to ensure that you receive the care and support you need to thrive.

Mental health coaching can be a beneficial option for individuals who are seeking support and guidance, but may not feel ready for or comfortable with professional therapy due to the perceived stigma associated with it. Mental health coaching can offer a less formal and more approachable means of support that is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual.

Additionally, mental health coaching offers the added benefit of being able to work with a specific therapist, regardless of their location. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who have a preference for a particular therapist or who reside in a different state or country.

It is important to note, however, that mental health coaching may not be appropriate for all individuals, particularly those who are experiencing significant emotional distress or who are in crisis. If you are experiencing thoughts of homicide or suicide, it is imperative that you seek immediate professional support from a licensed therapist in your state. This will ensure that you receive the level of care and support necessary to address your immediate needs and ensure your safety.

Group counseling offers several benefits such as support, validation, feedback, a sense of community, skill-building opportunities, and diversity. Participants can share their experiences, gain insights, and practice coping skills in a supportive environment with others who may be facing similar challenges. Additionally, group counseling can be a cost-effective alternative to individual therapy.  

To participate in group counseling, it is required to complete an intake session and engage in individual counseling at least once a month. Payment for group counseling sessions can be made through various methods, including insurance, credit/debit, or a Health Savings Account (HSA).

When scheduling an appointment, it is important to ensure that the time zone on the calendar reflects your local time zone. This will ensure that you select the correct appointment time and avoid any confusion or scheduling conflicts.

To ensure that your appointment is scheduled correctly, please take a moment to double-check the time zone on the calendar when making your appointment. If you are unsure how to adjust the time zone, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance.

I am a Christ follower who happens to be a counselor.  I strongly believe in the power of salvation to heal.  I am dedicated to integrating faith into counseling sessions for clients who desire this approach. 

However, many of my clients do not share my same passion and beliefs. I have many years of experience working with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, as well as those who do not identify with any faith or religion.  In these sessions, we focus on client values and strengths to support healing.

There are limitations to my approach. If the client religious custom or preference is outside of my scope of knowledge, experience or comfortability, in order to avoid harm, I will refer the client to another therapist who can support them better.

I am a mental health ally for the LGBT community, which means that I am committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning. I believe that everyone deserves to feel emotionally safe, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As an ally, I am willing to listen, learn, and advocate for the mental health needs of the LGBT community. I am committed to reducing stigma around mental health and promoting awareness and education about the unique mental health challenges that LGBT individuals may face.

I understand that mental health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, and I am dedicated to helping create a safe and supportive environment for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges within the LGBT community. I am here to offer support, resources, and a listening ear for anyone who needs it.

There are limitations to my approach. If the client issue is outside of my scope of knowledge, experience or comfortability, in order to avoid harm, I will refer the client to another therapist who can support them better.

I do not provide free consultation services for a variety of reasons. Counseling requires a considerable investment of time, energy, and resources on my part, and I want to ensure that I can dedicate my efforts to those who are genuinely committed to the counseling process. Offering free consultations may attract individuals who are not fully invested in the process, which can be a waste of my time and resources. Furthermore, providing free consultations may create unrealistic expectations for potential clients who may come to expect free services throughout the counseling process.