FAQs
What will therapy be like?
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes of one-on-one time with your therapist in a safe, supportive space. You can talk openly about your challenges and victories, explore your thoughts and feelings, and work on strategies to feel better and reach your goals. While being vulnerable can feel difficult, therapy is a space to learn more about yourself and grow.
How long will therapy take?
Everyone is different, so there’s no set number of sessions or guaranteed timeline. Therapy is a process that moves at your own pace. Some people notice improvements quickly and choose to end sooner, while others continue longer as their goals evolve and grow.
What kind of clients do you work with?
I work with teens (12+) and adults, especially those who may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed. I have a special focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. Many clients come to me for help with depression, anxiety, or navigating the stress of today’s world and politics. My approach is collaborative and nonjudgmental, creating a space where you can explore your challenges and goals safely.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful for anyone who wants support, perspective, or tools to navigate life’s challenges. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit. Therapy is a space to reflect, understand yourself better, and develop strategies for feeling more in control. If you’re curious, struggling with stress, or just want guidance in achieving personal goals, it’s worth giving it a try. Your first session can also help you decide if this is the right fit for you. I also offer a free 15-minute phone consult prior to our first meeting.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, your sessions are private, with a few important exceptions. As a mandated reporter, I am required to take action if there’s a concern about your safety or the safety of others. These situations are rare, and your privacy is respected as much as possible. For more details, please see the Mandatory Reporting & Disclosure section on the Policies page.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes! Currently, I only offer telehealth sessions. To work together, we both need to be physically present in Indiana during the session. Beyond that, you can join from wherever is convenient for you, as long as you’re in a private space that maintains confidentiality.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Not at this time, but who knows what the future holds? If in-person sessions are something you’d like, let me know. As my practice grows, we might just open up a physical space if the demand is there.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To get in touch, you can fill out this google form here, reach out via e-mail at ajowens@lodestonecounseling.com, or call/text (317) 268-5040. Please keep your message brief and include your contact information. I’ll get back to you about scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation. If we both agree you and I are a good fit that’s when we’ll move forward with getting you on the schedule.
Do you take insurance?
No, I don’t accept insurance. I’m happy to provide superbills so you can submit claims for potential reimbursement if you have Out-of-Network (OON) benefits. I also offer a sliding scale for a limited number of clients at a time, on a case-by-case basis. If this is something you may need, we can discuss your situation and figure out how sliding scale could work for you, whether on an ongoing or temporary basis. Choosing not to take insurance allows me to keep my regular fees fair while still offering flexibility for clients who need it, helping maintain affordable access overall.
What kinds of payments do you accept?
My practice is self-pay only. Because I practice via telehealth, I am only able to accept payments via Debit, Credit, FSA, or HSA card. I use the Ivy Pay platform. If you’d like more information, please see the Payment Agreement / Fee Policy on the Policies page.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy sessions are $150, and I don’t charge extra for intake appointments. I offer a sliding scale for a limited number of clients on a case-by-case basis. Payment is due at the beginning of each session. I also charge a no-show or late cancellation fee—please see the Payment Agreement / Fee Policy on the Policies page for details.
What if I can't make it to my session?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are considered late and incur a $75 fee (one late cancellation per calendar year is waived). A no-show (missing your session or arriving more than 15 minutes late) will be charged the full session fee of $150. Extenuating circumstances may allow fees to be waived at the therapist’s discretion. Please see the full No Show / Cancellation Policy on the Policies page.
Can I switch therapists if we are not a good fit?
I (AJ) am the only therapist at Lodestone Counseling. However, if you feel we are not a good fit, I will gladly help you find another therapist. A strong therapeutic fit is one of the most important factors for successful therapy. All I ask is that you let me know if you plan to end our sessions.
What if I am experiencing a crisis?
If you are experiencing a crisis or feel unsafe, please seek help immediately. You can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), dial 911 for emergencies, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Please note that I am not on call and cannot provide assistance during a crisis. Therapy sessions with me are not a substitute for urgent care, so make sure to get immediate help using any of the options above. Once the immediate crisis has passed, I am happy to continue our work together to create a safety plan to help prevent future crises.
