Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card (often listed under "Behavioral Health" or "Member Services") to confirm coverage. We can also assist you through our billing department.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card (often listed as "Behavioral Health" or "Member Services") or visit your provider's website. Ask about:

• Your copay or coinsurance per session
• Whether there is a deductible you need to meet
• Whether Stafford and Associates Counseling is in-network or out-of-network

Some insurance companies outsource part of their mental health coverage to other companies. You can check the website or call a representative to find out — or give us a call with your insurance information.

1. Find your insurance card.
2. Call your insurance company. Call the behavioral health or general member services number, usually on the back of your card. Some lines are open 24/7; others only during business hours.
3. Get information about your benefits. You may say, "I want to find out what benefits I have to cover mental health services." Ask how much you'd pay per session (your "copay" or "coinsurance") and whether you have a "deductible" to meet first.

The cost depends on the type of insurance plan you have and whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network. We can also assist you through our billing department.

Copays are flat fees you pay during a visit. Coinsurance is similar, but instead of a flat fee you pay a percentage of the cost — for example, a 20% coinsurance on a $200 bill means you pay $40.

Each plan has an out-of-pocket maximum: the most you'll contribute annually, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Other costs are expected to be covered by your insurance company.

1. Make sure your insurance covers these services. Check your EOB and whether services are in- or out-of-network. Some providers only cover in-network care, so confirm out-of-network coverage on your insurer's website or by phone.

2. File a claim. We bill your insurance for you. In some cases you may need to submit a "superbill" — a detailed receipt listing services and diagnostic/procedure codes — to request reimbursement, especially for out-of-network care. We're happy to create a superbill for you.

Unfortunately, we do not take EAP codes for services. However, we can bill your regular insurance.

Of course! Our fees are set based on the area's typical rate. Please speak with the administrator for more information. If you pay out of pocket, you may be able to request reimbursement from your insurance company by filing a claim with an itemized receipt.

We accept Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Cards, Mastercard, and Visa. Payment for service is due at the start of services.

• Initial Intake — $150
• Individual Therapy — $120
• Couples Intake — $200
• Couples Counseling — $190
• Family Therapy (with or without client) — $180
• Testing and Assessments — $200

Insurance copay fees are not listed here. Please speak to administration about your copay.

Payment is necessary at the start of each session.

• If the balance totals more than two sessions, no future sessions can be booked until the balance is paid in full. We don't want finances to add to your stressors when seeking services.
• If you still cannot afford services, we're very happy to help you find another therapist in the area, mainly in the non-profit space.
• We'll always do our best to work with you — but please remember we're a small business providing personalized care.

For individual therapy, sessions are typically one-on-one unless otherwise arranged with your therapist. Family members are welcome to attend intake sessions or as clinically appropriate. Certain permission forms will need to be signed by you.

Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission of compassionate care. We believe it is critical for every client to feel seen, respected, and understood — no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual identity. At Stafford & Associates, we welcome and support all clients.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, contact our office during business hours. If you have specific needs or require accommodations, talk with your therapist so we can ensure your comfort and care.

Same-day appointments are rarely available, but we will do our best to accommodate urgent needs. Call as early as possible if you need to be seen urgently.

Yes. Most of our therapists offer both options, and you can switch depending on your needs. Simply let us know if you prefer to meet in person at our Mooresville office or virtually through our secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in. If you're more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule, and our standard cancellation policy may apply. If you're running behind, please call us — whenever possible, we'll do our best to still accommodate your session.

We understand life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours' notice by phone, email, or through your patient portal.

• Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and no-shows will be charged the full session fee.
• Insurance does not cover late cancellation or no-show fees. We're happy to file insurance for you; however, if you haven't met your deductible for the year, you'll pay the full reimbursement rate per your insurance's contract pricing (this varies by carrier).

Consistent attendance is important for progress. Missing multiple appointments may result in your therapist reaching out to discuss barriers to treatment and whether continuing therapy is appropriate at this time.

Sessions are typically 55 minutes. Many clients start with weekly sessions, but frequency is flexible depending on your needs and progress.

Yes, some of our therapists offer evening and weekend availability. Contact us for current openings.

Yes. Your privacy is a top priority. All records, communications, and virtual sessions are handled through SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF Certified, and PCI Compliant. Our email system is also HIPAA-compliant. What you share in therapy stays private, except in rare situations where we are legally required to act to protect your safety or the safety of others.

This varies by individual needs. Most clients begin with weekly sessions, transitioning to bi-weekly or monthly as they progress. Your therapist will work with you to determine the right frequency.

Yes, if both you and your therapist feel more frequent sessions would be beneficial and scheduling allows. For insurance to help cover your sessions, we can only see you once per day.

Finding the right fit is an important part of your healing journey. If at any point you feel your therapist isn't the best fit, you're welcome to request a change. Comfort and connection matter, and we'll work to match you with another team member whose style and expertise align better with your needs. Contact our office and we'll help you transition.

Our therapists do not prescribe medication. If you and your therapist decide medication may be helpful, we can refer you to a trusted psychiatrist or primary care provider.

Our team uses evidence-based methods proven to create lasting change, including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Gottman Method
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Schema Therapy

We tailor each approach to your unique needs and goals.

Thank you for requesting our offices — we're glad to serve you. If you specifically want to see Dr. Stafford, we can add you to her waiting list. We also have many other wonderful therapists who are connected to Dr. Stafford and can seek her guidance when needed. We suggest you look at Our Team page and select from the group!

We want to know you! In the first few sessions we ask many structured questions about your social and behavioral health history — exploring trauma, substance use, relationships, employment, health, and overall well-being. This helps your therapist understand your situation and determine the most beneficial course of treatment. Being honest and open helps us support you well.

The assessment process lets your therapist learn about your strengths, needs, and psychosocial history — essential for an effective, individualized treatment plan.

We use SimplePractice for all virtual sessions. You'll receive a secure link via email 24 hours before your appointment — simply click it at your scheduled time to join the virtual waiting room. If the link doesn't work, let your therapist know and they'll send a new one.

You will need:

• A computer or smartphone (devices from the last two years work best)
• A microphone, web camera, and speakers or headphones
• A reliable internet connection of at least 10 Mbps

For the best experience: find a quiet, well-lit space, keep your camera near eye level, and test your connection and equipment beforehand. A wired Ethernet connection can help if video quality is low.

Absolutely! We use SimplePractice for all virtual sessions. SimplePractice is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF Certified, and PCI Compliant.

At Stafford & Associates Counseling, PLLC, we hold our therapists to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and clinical expertise. Choosing a therapist is a significant decision, and we want every client to feel confident in our team's training and qualifications. We use the terms licensed, certified, trained, and expert with transparency and integrity — defined below.

All therapists hold an active license issued by their state licensing board. Licensure ensures a clinician has:

• Completed a graduate degree in a mental health field
• Met all required supervised clinical hours
• Passed national and/or state examinations
• Agreed to abide by professional and ethical standards
• Demonstrated competence to diagnose and treat mental health conditions
• Complied with ongoing continuing education requirements

Common licenses include LCSW / LISW-CP, LMFT, LCMHC, and associate-level LCSWA and LCMHCA (under clinical supervision). What this means for you: your therapist is legally authorized to practice, carry clinical responsibility, maintain ethical standards, and provide insurance-eligible services.

When a clinician is certified in a treatment approach, it means they have completed formal, structured training, demonstrated proficiency, may have completed supervised practice hours, been issued a certificate by an approved body, and maintain renewal requirements. Examples: EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Schema Therapist (ISST), Gottman Method Certified Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). What this means for you: your therapist has completed advanced, verified training beyond graduate education and is recognized for competent practice in that specialty.

When a therapist is "trained in" a modality, they've completed education or structured instruction but may not hold full certification. It indicates completion of a workshop, CE course, or foundational program; sufficient knowledge to integrate the model into practice; and an accurate, ethical description of their scope — with no claim of certification or mastery. Examples: "Trained in EMDR," "Completed Gottman Level 1 Training," "Trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, or trauma-informed care." What this means for you: your therapist has received formal instruction and can apply those skills ethically within their scope of practice.

"Expert" refers to the depth and quality of a therapist's clinical experience, not a formal certification. A therapist may be considered an expert with many years of specialized work, a high volume of cases in an area, published work or teaching, advanced training applied consistently, and regional or national recognition. Expertise areas here include narcissistic abuse and antagonistic relational stress, betrayal trauma and recovery, schema therapy and personality patterns, attachment-based and trauma-informed treatment, and couples therapy. What this means for you: your therapist has substantial real-world experience and advanced knowledge in their specialty.

We are committed to absolute transparency. We only use "certified" when a therapist holds an official credential; "trained in" when they've completed structured education but not certification; and "expert" for providers with extensive specialized experience and recognized mastery. Each therapist's license, supervisor (if applicable), specialties, certifications, and trainings are clearly listed on their profile page.

You're always welcome to ask your therapist directly about their training, request more information about specific modalities, inquire about their experience with your concerns, or contact our administrative team for clarification.