Question 1

What can I expect from my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is a chance for you and your therapist to get to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy, your background, and your goals. There is no pressure to share everything at once — the pace is entirely yours. By the end of the session you will have a clearer picture of how therapy can help and what working together might look like.

Question 2

How long does therapy typically last?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients find meaningful progress in 8–12 sessions; others prefer ongoing support over many months. Your therapist will check in with you regularly to make sure the frequency and duration of sessions continue to make sense for where you are.

Question 3

How often will I need to attend sessions?

Accepted Answer

Most clients start with weekly sessions, which helps build momentum and a strong therapeutic relationship. As you make progress, sessions may shift to every other week or monthly. Your therapist will work with you to find a schedule that fits your life and your goals.

Question 4

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation so you can ask questions, share what you are looking for, and get a feel for whether Mindful Steps is the right fit before committing to a full session.

Question 5

Do you offer telehealth (online) sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. You can attend from the comfort of your home, office, or any private space in Tennessee. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.

Question 6

Do I need to be in Tennessee to work with Mindful Steps?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our therapists are licensed in Tennessee and are only able to provide services to clients who are physically located in Tennessee at the time of each session. This is a licensing requirement, not a preference.

Question 7

What platform do you use for video sessions?

Accepted Answer

We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You will receive a link before each session — no downloads or accounts are required on your end. If you have any technical difficulties, our team is happy to walk you through the process.

Question 8

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Magellan, Optum, and Ambetter. If you do not see your plan listed, please contact us — coverage can vary and we are happy to help you verify your benefits.

Question 9

Do you offer self-pay options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer self-pay rates for clients who prefer not to use insurance or whose plan is not accepted. Please contact us for current rates. We are committed to making therapy as accessible as possible.

Question 10

Can I get a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We recommend calling your insurance provider ahead of time to understand your out-of-network benefits.

Question 11

Do you offer a sliding scale fee?

Accepted Answer

We understand that cost can be a barrier to care. Please reach out to discuss your situation — we will do our best to find an arrangement that works for you.

Question 12

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with adults, teens (ages 10 and up), and families navigating a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, foster and adoption concerns, and more. Our team has diverse specialties so we can thoughtfully match you with the right therapist.

Question 13

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

Accepted Answer

A good therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. We encourage you to browse our therapist profiles to get a sense of each clinician's style and specialties. You are also welcome to schedule a free consultation to ask questions before booking your first session.

Question 14

What if I want to switch therapists?

Accepted Answer

It is completely okay to want a different fit. Please let us know and we will help connect you with another therapist on our team. Your comfort and progress are what matter most.

Question 15

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything you share with your therapist is confidential. There are a small number of legal exceptions — such as if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected child abuse — which your therapist will explain during your first session. Outside of those exceptions, your information is never shared without your written consent.

Question 16

How do you protect my personal information?

Accepted Answer

We take your privacy seriously. All sessions are conducted on HIPAA-compliant platforms, and your records are stored securely. We follow all applicable state and federal privacy laws to safeguard your health information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Telehealth & Format

Insurance & Fees

Specialties & Fit

Privacy & Confidentiality

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