Why do people decide to come for counseling?
People decide to come to counseling because they want to get the most out of life. Many people choose to come because they want to improve the quality of their marriage or their family relationships. Some are struggling with depression or anxiety that diminishes their quality of life. Others have suffered a serious disappointment or the death of a loved one. The transition stages of life prompt others to invest their energies into discovering new sources of meaning and purpose. Others are motivated to discern how God is acting in their lives and how they might appropriately respond. People come because life is important!

Why do they choose pastoral counseling?
Most people seek out pastoral counselors because they want someone to respect their individual values and to take a holistic view of life that integrates body, mind and spirit. Pastoral counseling is not a disorder-focused discipline and people do not have to be sick, weak or dysfunctional to receive help. The focus is on growth and fulfillment as we seek to become the unique individuals we were created to become.

How much does it cost?
Our diagnostic fee is $125 and our standard fee is $110 for a 50 minute session, $80 for a 25 minute session and $50 for a 75 minute group session. We accept most insurance, but individual plans vary significantly. Some churches underwrite the cost for the first three sessions. If none of the above applies, your counselor will discuss an individual payment plan based on your unique circumstance and our sliding fee scale.

Do you have evening hours?
Yes. When you call for an appointment, ask the receptionist for evening availability.

If I want marriage counseling, do I come alone or with my partner?
There may be circumstances in which clients or counselors will request individual sessions, but it is our recommendation that you come together for the first visit. This is encouraged - not mandatory.

If you wish to improve the quality of your relationship and your partner refuses to come to counseling with you, we encourage you to come individually. Remember, one person can significantly influence the system in a positive way.

Do you have someone on staff to work with children?
Yes. We have pastoral counselors on staff trained to work with children, with entire families and with blended families. We also have counselors trained to work with ADD or ADHD.

What if I have anxiety, depression or another health condition that requires medication?
If you presently have a physician, the staff at TPCS will consult with your primary care provider with your consent as a means of coordinating care. If it is determined during the course of your counseling that medication would be beneficial, we have close working relationships with a number of medical providers we recommend or you may select one of your choice.

Is my story confidential?
TPCS has taken the lead in protecting the confidentiality of those who share their sacred stories. Since all of our staff are ministers who function as representatives of the faith community with the privilege of confidentiality, the information you share has a confessional quality. It is the policy of TPCS to protect the confidential nature of each story and to claim the privilege that is ours not to provide testimony in a court of law. EXCEPTION: Please be advised that the law requires that abuse of a minor or disabled/elderly person or an active plan to harm oneself or someone else must be reported. Please read our Notice of Privacy Practices for more information.