Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions comes from the questions I've been asked over and over again through the years.
  1. Is everything I say confidential?
  2. How much will it cost?
  3. How often will we meet?
  4. Will counseling help if just one of us comes or do both of us need to be there?
  5. Do you see people individually? 
  6. Are you a psychologist, counselor, or therapist? 
  7. Will my insurance cover your services? 

Is everything I say confidential?

As members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy we subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require us to protect the confidentiality of our communications with clients. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be disclosed such as a court case in which the custody of a minor child is in question. Whenever possible, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed.

How much will it cost?

The cost of counseling can vary greatly depending on your geographic location throughout the US. The fee for individual counseling sessions at Relationships Incorporated is $100.00 for a fifty minute session. We explain to you, prior to beginning the counseling relationship, all financial arrangements related to our professional services. We are able to process Visa and Master Card to assist with the fee.

How often will we meet?

The frequency of our visits is best determined at the beginning of our counseling relationship. Typically, we meet on a weekly basis for the first few sessions and then move toward an every two week basis depending on the progress made toward resolution of the problems.

Will counseling help if just one of us comes or do both of us need to be there?

When we do couples counseling, both persons are encouraged to be present although this is not necessary for progress to occur in the relationship. We have found that when one person is unwilling to attend the sessions the resistance is a function of the relationship. By meeting with the person willing to come we can help reduce this resistance and the relationship is improved as a result. Sometimes, this results in both persons coming in to further address their relationship concerns.

Do you see people individually?

We work with adults, couples, families, adolescents, and parents of children. I do not work with children under the age of 14. While we do see couples and families, most of our work with these groups is on an individual basis until the emotional reactivity is reduced allowing for more communication and greater closeness in the relationship.

Are you a psychologist, counselor, or therapist?

Dr. Michael Semon is licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Will my insurance cover your services?

At Relationships Incorporated, we ask you to pay the fee at the time of the visit. We will be happy to provide you with a form you may submit to your insurance company seeking reimbursement from them. While many insurance plans cover mental health services including some Medicaid programs, TRICARE (formerly CHAMPUS), and other government-sponsored health coverage programs we have found that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama does not reimburse for our services. Other BC/BS plans across the country do reimburse for our services.