FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions at Olney Counseling Center
What types of therapy does Olney Counseling Center offer?
Olney Counseling Center provides comprehensive mental health services for children, teens, adults, couples, families, and seniors. Our services include individual therapy, couples and relationship counseling, family therapy, group therapy, trauma therapy including EMDR, parent coaching, high-conflict divorce and co-parenting support, reunification therapy, and court-involved services. We also offer medication management through our psychiatric providers.
Who can receive therapy at Olney Counseling Center?
We work with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families throughout Olney, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas. Clients seek care for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, parenting stress, high-conflict family situations, and life transitions.
How do I know if therapy is right for me or my family?
Therapy can be helpful if emotional stress, conflict, or life changes are impacting your well-being, relationships, or daily functioning. Many clients begin therapy during periods of transition or increased stress, not just during a crisis. If you are unsure, our team can help you determine the best starting point.
What happens during the first therapy session?
Your first session at Olney Counseling Center focuses on understanding your concerns, goals, and background. Your therapist will explain how therapy works, review confidentiality, and answer your questions. There is no pressure to share everything right away. The first session is about building comfort and clarity.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients attend therapy for short-term support, while others engage in longer-term care. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine an approach that feels appropriate and effective.
Do you offer in-person and telehealth therapy?
Yes. Olney Counseling Center offers in-person therapy at our Olney office and secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Maryland. Telehealth therapy provides flexible, convenient access while maintaining privacy and quality of care.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential and protected by law, with limited exceptions such as concerns about immediate safety or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Confidentiality and its limits are reviewed clearly during the intake process. Reunification Therapy and Parent Coordination are not confidential.
Do you provide therapy for children and teens?
Yes. We specialize in child and adolescent therapy. Parent involvement is thoughtfully integrated while respecting the child’s need for a safe and confidential therapeutic space. We work closely with parents to support emotional regulation, behavior, communication, and family stability.
Does Olney Counseling Center accept insurance?
We are considered out-of-network providers for all insurances except MEDICARE and their secondaries. Our administrative team can help you understand insurance coverage, self-pay options, and out-of-network benefits. Many clients choose private pay for greater flexibility, confidentiality, and reimbursement benefits.
What is the difference between therapy and medication management?
Therapy focuses on emotional health, behavior, relationships, and coping skills through structured conversation and evidence-based techniques. Medication management involves psychiatric evaluation and prescribing medications when appropriate. Some clients benefit from therapy alone, others from medication, and many from a combination of both.
Do you work with high-conflict divorce and co-parenting cases?
Yes. Olney Counseling Center has extensive experience supporting families navigating high-conflict separation, divorce, and co-parenting. Services may include therapy, parent coaching, reunification therapy, and court-involved services. Roles and boundaries are clearly defined to ensure ethical and effective care.
Are court-involved services the same as therapy?
No. Court-involved services are distinct from traditional therapy and follow clearly defined guidelines. These services are structured, goal-oriented, and may include documentation or communication with legal professionals as permitted. We explain expectations, limits, and fees in advance.
How do I choose the right therapist at Olney Counseling Center?
Our team helps match clients with therapists based on age, concerns, treatment approach, and scheduling needs. Each clinician brings unique expertise. If the initial match does not feel like the right fit, adjustments can be made.
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous is very common. Many clients worry about what to say or whether therapy will help. Our therapists are experienced in helping clients feel comfortable and supported from the very first session. You do not need to have everything figured out to begin.
Can therapy still help if it hasn’t worked for me before?
Yes. Past therapy experiences do not predict future success. Different approaches, timing, goals, and therapist relationships can make a meaningful difference. Many clients return to therapy with clearer goals and find it more effective.
What should I do if I need immediate mental health support?
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For immediate emotional support, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24 hours a day.
Crisis Center Rockville MD: (240) 777-4000
Non Emergency Number for Maryland: (301) 279-8000
Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
