Frequently asked questions
Questions people ask before they pick up the phone.
If yours isn’t here, ask it on a free 20-minute consultation call. There’s no cost and no obligation to book anything after.
Getting started
Starting therapy
I've never talked to anyone. I'm used to handling things on my own. Aren't people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together we'll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to use them to reduce the influence of the problems you're facing.
What's the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something and someone trained and experienced to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way: teach you new skills, offer different perspectives, listen without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Counseling is also completely confidential, so you don't have to worry about others knowing your business. And if your situation provokes a lot of difficult emotion, confiding only in a friend or family member carries the risk that once you feel better you start avoiding that person because they remind you of a hard time.
How do I schedule a first appointment?
Start with a free 20-minute phone consultation. Call 941-681-0616, email info@lemonbaymentalwellness.com, or book online. We'll talk about what's bringing you to counseling, your goals, and whether we're a good fit to work together.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first appointment is a 60-minute intake. We'll go over your history, what's happening now, and what you'd like to be different. By the end we'll have a working set of goals and a plan for how we'll get there.
How therapy works
The process
Why shouldn't I just take medication?
Medication can be effective, but alone it cannot solve every issue. Sometimes medication is needed alongside counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you're experiencing and expand on the strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor the therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Everyone's circumstances are unique. Treatment length varies depending on your individual goals, clinical needs, diagnosis, and progress. We set measurable goals together at the start and review progress regularly, so you always know where things stand.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
We're glad you're dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success, particularly the practice you do between sessions.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. Counseling is confidential, with narrow legal exceptions such as risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. We'll review confidentiality and its limits in detail during your intake.
Practical details
Logistics, cost and access
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans, Florida Blue (Lucet), Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare (Optum), and we work with authorized VA Community Care referrals. Coverage and eligibility vary, so we verify your benefits with you before services begin. If we're out of network we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Self-pay rates range from $80 to $150 depending on the clinician.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. We provide secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth for clients located anywhere in Florida and Tennessee. Many clients mix in-person and online appointments.
Where is your office and what are your hours?
We're at 1460 S McCall Rd Ste 3D, Englewood, FL 34223. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM.
Do you work with veterans and VA Community Care?
Yes. Lemon Bay Mental Wellness Center is a veteran-owned practice and works with authorized VA Community Care referrals. VA must confirm eligibility and issue an authorization before VA-covered counseling begins.
Do you see children?
We work primarily with adolescents and adults. Brittany Baumhardt, LCSW brings experience from the public school system and works with younger clients as well. Call us and we can talk through whether we're the right fit for your child.
What if I'm in crisis right now?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Our office is not a crisis service and messages are not monitored after hours.
If you need help right now
Lemon Bay Mental Wellness Center is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and available 24/7. Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Other ways to reach us
Start here
The first step is a 20-minute phone call.
No cost, no pressure. We'll talk about what's bringing you to counseling, what you're hoping will change, and whether we're the right fit. If we're not, we'll help you figure out who is.
- Office
- 1460 S McCall Rd Ste 3D, Englewood
- Hours
- Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Telehealth
- Florida & Tennessee
- Insurance
- Medicare, Florida Blue, Aetna, Cigna & UnitedHealthcare