Frequently Asked Questions

---

BeHealthy Counseling is a comprehensive psychotherapy, and counseling practice that provides therapy services to a diverse clientele, including children, teenagers, adults, and couples.

BeHealthy Counseling offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapy services, incorporating modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. These therapeutic approaches are seamlessly integrated into our services, ensuring that clients receive the most effective and well-established treatment methods. Whether you're seeking support for personal growth, relationship issues, or addressing specific challenges, BeHealthy Counseling provides tailored therapeutic solutions rooted in these evidence-based modalities to promote mental and emotional well-being.

Scheduling an appointment with BeHealthy Counseling is a straightforward process, and you have multiple options to get in touch with us. You can reach us by phone at 850-347-5457, where our friendly staff will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time. Additionally, you can also initiate the scheduling process or inquire about our services by visiting our website at https://behealthycounseling.org/contact-us. We look forward to helping you take the first step towards improving your mental and emotional well-being.

Even when your sessions are fully covered by a third party, such as an insurance company or an employee assistance program (EAP), we ask all clients to keep a credit card on file with us. This policy is designed to support a seamless therapeutic and administrative process for everyone involved. Here are the key reasons for this approach:

1. Coverage of Fees: Sometimes, certain fees might not be covered by your third-party payer. This could include copayments, deductibles, or services that fall outside of your coverage plan. Having a credit card on file allows us to securely and efficiently manage these charges without disrupting your service.

2. Missed Appointments and Late Cancellations: Our practice, like many others, may charge a fee for appointments that are missed or canceled without sufficient notice. These fees are generally not covered by third-party payers. The credit card on file ensures that these fees can be processed smoothly, allowing us to maintain a fair and efficient scheduling system for all clients.

3. Simplifying the Payment Process: By keeping a credit card on file, we streamline the payment process. This helps us focus more on providing you with the best possible care rather than on administrative details.

4. Clear Financial Policies: Our policy to require a credit card on file is part of our commitment to transparent and straightforward financial practices. It helps reduce the likelihood of billing surprises and ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of our billing procedures.

This policy is in place to ensure that both the therapeutic and administrative aspects of our practice run as smoothly as possible. It allows us to focus on providing you with high-quality care, knowing that the financial aspects are handled efficiently and securely.

1. Network Limitations: The therapist may not be part of the network or panel of providers for that specific insurance company. This means they haven't established a contractual agreement to offer services through that insurance plan.
2. Credentialing Requirements: Some insurance companies have stringent credentialing and qualification criteria for therapists to be accepted into their network. The therapist may not meet these requirements or may not have completed the necessary credentialing process.
3. Limited Provider Availability: In some cases, insurance companies may restrict the number of providers they accept in a particular geographic area. If the therapist practices in an area with a saturation of providers for that insurance, they may not be able to join the network due to these limitations.
4. Administrative Burden: Dealing with multiple insurance companies often involves significant administrative work. Some therapists, particularly those in smaller practices, may opt to limit the number of insurance plans they accept to simplify their administrative processes.
5. Licensing Requirements: Many insurance companies require providers to be fully licensed or be closely supervised by a licensed therapist. Some practices may not be following this policy and therefore they are not legally allowed to accept insurance.

This billing arrangement typically occurs when a therapist is working under the supervision of a more experienced, licensed clinician. Here's how it works:

1. Supervision Relationship: The therapist, often a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career, is required to work under the supervision of a more experienced and fully licensed clinical supervisor. This supervisor is typically an LCSW, LMHC, or a similar licensed mental health professional.
2. Treatment Services: The therapist provides mental health treatment services to clients, such as counseling or psychotherapy. These services are rendered by the therapist but are done under the oversight and guidance of their clinical supervisor.
3. Billing and Client's Claim: When it comes to billing for these services, there are often specific billing codes and requirements associated with supervised therapy. In some cases, the billing process may involve using different codes or modifiers on claim forms to indicate that the services were provided under supervision. As a result, clients may see both the therapist's and the clinical supervisor's names on their insurance claim. This inclusion reflects the collaborative nature of the therapy, with the clinical supervisor providing oversight and guidance to ensure the quality of care provided. These codes and modifiers can vary depending on the specific rules and regulations of the insurance company or payer.
4. Clinical Review: The clinical supervisor reviews the therapist's work regularly. This may involve reviewing session notes, treatment plans, and progress notes to ensure that the therapy provided is of high quality and meets the standards set by the licensing board and insurance providers. The supervisor may also provide guidance and feedback to the therapist to support their professional development.

Therapy is a valuable resource for people from all walks of life who may be experiencing a wide range of challenges or seeking personal growth. It's important to understand that seeking therapy doesn't label someone as "crazy." Here are some common reasons why individuals seek therapy:

1. Mental Health Challenges: Many people seek therapy to address mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or grief. These conditions are common and can affect anyone.

2. Life Transitions: Major life changes, like divorce, the loss of a loved one, or career transitions, can be emotionally challenging. Therapy can provide support and guidance during these times.

3. Relationship Issues: Therapy can help individuals and couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build healthier relationships.

4. Self-Improvement: Some individuals seek therapy as a form of personal growth and self-improvement, even when they're not experiencing a specific crisis.

5. Coping with Stress: Everyday stressors can become overwhelming. Therapy can teach coping strategies and stress management techniques.

6. Workplace Challenges: Many people use therapy to address work-related stress, burnout, or career-related decisions.

7. Parenting Challenges: Parents often seek therapy for guidance in dealing with parenting issues, especially when they feel overwhelmed.

8. Health and Wellness: Therapy can also be part of a holistic approach to health and wellness, addressing issues related to lifestyle, habits, and well-being.

It's essential to recognize that seeking therapy is a proactive step toward addressing one's mental and emotional well-being. Therapists are trained professionals who provide a safe and confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They work collaboratively with clients to develop strategies for improvement and personal growth. Reaching out to a therapist is a sign of self-awareness and a commitment to one's mental health, rather than an indicator of being "crazy."

Therapists have the expertise to diagnose mental health disorders. They follow a systematic process involving assessment, clinical interviews, and standardized diagnostic criteria to evaluate a client's symptoms, behavior, and mental state. This diagnosis helps therapists:

1. Understand the Client: A formal diagnosis helps therapists comprehend the nature and severity of a client's condition, allowing for personalized treatment planning.

2. Treatment Planning: A precise diagnosis guides the development of tailored treatment strategies, including therapy techniques and other interventions.

3. Communication: Diagnosis provides a common language for mental health professionals to communicate about a client's condition and treatment.

4. Insurance and Access to Services: In some cases, insurance companies may require a diagnosis to cover treatment costs, and an official diagnosis can facilitate access to specific mental health services.

However, it's essential to emphasize that while diagnosis is a crucial step, it should not overshadow the primary goal of treatment. It is vital to remove the diagnoses' stigma and focus on addressing the problem at hand. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to treat their specific mental health concerns, aiming for symptom reduction, improved well-being, and enhanced coping skills. The diagnosis serves as a helpful starting point in this therapeutic journey, enabling targeted and effective interventions.

Searching for counseling can feel overwhelming, especially when you start typing a few words into Google and suddenly you’re seeing dozens of practices across the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re looking in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Destin, or Milton, most people quickly realize that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither are counseling practices.

Many individuals and families begin their search by location, hoping to find support close to home in places like Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Baker, Holt, or even smaller surrounding communities throughout Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County. Others search by specialty, availability, or whether a practice offers both in-person and telehealth services across Northwest Florida.

In Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area, it’s common to come across a variety of counseling offices during that initial research phase. Some people recognize names they’ve heard before, while others click through several websites before they start to notice what actually matters to them — things like scheduling flexibility, therapist experience, and whether the practice feels like a good personal fit.

As people expand their search beyond just one city, many realize they’re open to counseling options in nearby areas like Crestview, Valparaiso, Shalimar, or even Pace and Jay. With telehealth becoming more common, geographic boundaries aren’t as limiting as they once were, especially for busy professionals, parents, and teens juggling school and extracurricular activities.

What often surprises people is how similar many counseling websites can feel at first glance. You may notice familiar phrasing, overlapping services, and similar descriptions across multiple practices while researching options in Okaloosa County or Santa Rosa County. That’s usually when clients begin to dig deeper — looking beyond names and locations to understand how a practice actually works day to day.

For some, the decision comes down to practical considerations like appointment availability, wait times, or whether evening sessions are offered. For others, it’s about finding a counseling environment that feels welcoming, grounded, and consistent — especially for children, adolescents, or individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, or major life transitions.

People seeking counseling in Destin or Niceville may ultimately choose a practice based in Crestview, while someone initially searching in Milton may find the right fit across the county line. It’s a reminder that while location matters, the quality of care and the connection you build with your therapist matter far more.

If you’re currently exploring counseling options anywhere along the Emerald Coast — from Fort Walton Beach to Navarre, from Crestview to Gulf Breeze — it’s worth taking the time to look past the first few search results and focus on what aligns with your needs. Therapy works best when it fits your life, your schedule, and your goals, not just your zip code.

Finding the right counseling support is less about choosing a name you’ve seen before and more about choosing a practice that meets you where you are and supports where you want to go.

Yes. We provide secure telehealth therapy services to clients throughout Florida, allowing individuals and families to access care regardless of location.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, and stress management.

Yes. Our therapists work with individuals impacted by trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, and adverse life experiences using structured, trauma-informed approaches.

Yes. Therapy services may include family counseling and couples therapy focused on communication, conflict resolution, and relationship strengthening.

Many people start by searching locally, but the best fit often depends on availability, specialties, and comfort level with the therapist, not just proximity.

Yes. Clients frequently connect with us from surrounding communities throughout Okaloosa County and beyond, both in person and via telehealth.

Yes. Many clients choose private-pay therapy for flexibility, privacy, or to avoid insurance restrictions.

Yes. We regularly work with individuals and families located in Navarre, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Jay, and nearby communities.

Yes. We work with individuals experiencing generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, and chronic stress.

Yes. ADHD therapy for adults may focus on attention, organization, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills.

Yes. Emotional regulation, impulse control, and stress-related symptoms are common therapy goals.

Yes. Therapy may support couples and families with communication, trust, conflict resolution, and relationship stress.

Some people benefit from therapy alone, while others may require medication in addition to therapy. This depends on symptoms and treatment goals.