What is the best way to reach you?

Email is the best way to reach me. My email is laura@marigoldcounselingnc.com

You can also call or text (910)-631-6972. I am not always readily able to answer calls/texts if I am with a client or if it is outside of my working hours. I will respond as promptly as possible. I do have a virtual assistant/billing specialist who I work with, but she does not work in the office or provide scheduling. I provide scheduling for first time appointments via email or phone. Established clients are able to schedule themselves through their online Simple Practice portal.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), United Healthcare/Optum, and Aetna. A billing specialist will verify your benefits prior to your appointment, so that you know what your expected payment will be.

What are your private pay rates?

If you choose to utilize private pay, my rates are as follows:

Intake Appointment: $140

Follow up Sessions (53-60 min.) $125

I do offer discounted rates when I am able if there is a financial need. I can not guarantee this as an option. I’m always happy to share community resources that can sometimes help with costs of therapy.

Where are you located?

I am located at 890 Kerr Ave. Suite 210, Wilmington, NC. The building is located in Crossroads Plaza. We are on the second floor. My office is located inside of the Sage & Cultivate Collective, which is a collective group of therapists and other health practitioners offering a variety of services.

Where do I go when I arrive to my first appointment?

You will see a sign with names of different businesses located in our building. Please look for Sage & Cultivate Wellness Collective. Once you see that, you’re in the right place. We are located in between Grinders Coffee Shop and a store called the Wine Sampler. Please enter the furthest door to your right when you are at the top of the stairs. Enter the room marked “Lobby” on the door. This will take you into the Sage Cultivate Collective lobby/waiting area. Please wait there, and I will come and get you for your appointment. Feel free to help yourself to coffee, tea, or water!

There is a code on signage in the lobby for the restroom.

Do you offer tele-health?

I do offer tele-health appointments as needed to clients. I prefer in person, but I am absolutely able to accommodate tele-health appointments as needed. However, I am not accepting anymore completely tele-health/virtual only clients at this time.

Is your office wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the office I am located in is on the second floor, and there is no elevator in the building. I can definitely offer fully tele-health/virtual in this case.

How long do appointments last?

For initial appointments, I block off an hour and a half to allow for a bit more time to get to begin to get to know each other and complete an initial assessment. I want you to feel heard and not rushed. Appointments following the intake session, are 53 minutes to an hour per session. I strive to end at the 53 mark in order to allow appropriate time for documentation.

Do you provide emergency services?

Marigold Counseling PLLC is not a crisis service. If you are actively experiencing a crisis during our appointment, I will of course support you in navigating that crisis and connect you to appropriate resources (as appropriate.) However, being that I do not work in the office every day and am not available 24/7, it is important that we make appropriate referrals if you need a higher level of care or more access than I am able to provide, so that you are well cared for. If you experience a crisis outside of our session, here are some resources available for local areas:

• 988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline.

• RHA Mobile Crisis Unit 1.844.709.4097- This department covers New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender counties. Marigold Counseling is not affiliated with RHA.

• Integrated Family Services Mobile Crisis Unit 1.866.437.1821- This department covers New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender counties. Marigold Counseling is not affiliated with Integrated Family Services.

If you do experience a crisis outside of our session, once you are safe, please contact me and let me know what has occurred. It’s important that you access the appropriate level of care, such as emergency services if there are safety concerns. I want to be informed so that I can support you moving forward.

Do you see clients in other states through tele-health?

I am only licensed in North Carolina, so am only able to provide therapy for clients located in NC.

How do you accept payment?

When you complete your initial intake paperwork online prior to our first session, you will be prompted to enter your credit /debit card information into the HIPPA compliant electronic medical record system. This card will be securely kept on file, and you will be billed following each of your appointments.

What can I expect in the first few sessions?

Our first session will last between one hour to an hour and a half. I will briefly review a few office policies and discuss important concepts, such as confidentiality. We will complete an assessment, which is really just me asking you more questions about yourself, your background, symptoms, and your goals. Please share whatever you are comfortable sharing during this time. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with.

During the next session, we will create a treatment plan together, that is comprised of your goals. This will help to guide our work together.

In appointments following, expect to meet between 53 minutes to an hour each time.

How do I schedule appointments?

I use an electronic medical record system called Simple Practice, that allows you to book appointments online. I encourage clients to schedule appointments out at least a month if possible to secure preferred times and allow for consistency if that’s something that is important to you. If you do not know your schedule that far ahead, that is perfectly fine. I am also happy to schedule appointments with you at the end of our sessions if you prefer.

What type of modalities do you use?

I am trained in a variety of evidenced based therapeutic modalities. I take a person centered approach, meaning that I adjust my approach based on your unique needs. The following are some of the primary modalities I utilize: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Mindfulness Skills, Strength Based Solution Oriented Therapy, Strength Based Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and DBT skills. I utilize a trauma informed approach.

I would describe my therapeutic style as calm, compassionate, and reflective. Not everything in therapy is serious all the time, and I do love moments of humor and light heartedness with my clients.

I find ongoing continuing education to be very important in helping me to grow as a therapist. I am often exploring different opportunities to learn so that I can better support my clients.

What makes us a “good therapeutic fit”?

It is normal at the beginning of therapy, to sometimes feel uncomfortable. It’s a brave step to open up to someone new, often about challenges that can be hard to talk about. Sometimes people feel like it’s a great fit right away, and sometimes it takes a little bit of time. That’s normal!

However, if you don’t feel that my approach or personality is a great fit for you, that is okay! It’s most important to me that you connect with a therapist you feel comfortable with. Research shows that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.

I will also let you know if I feel there is a different therapist who would be a better fit for what you are needing/has more speciality in an area of concern, etc.

Please be open with me about what you are looking for!

There are so many amazing local therapists, and I believe we’re better off when we work together to support our community.

If you decide to discontinue therapy or feel that someone else would be a better fit, please email me or let me know in whatever way you prefer. If someone decides to discontinue, I like to appropriately discharge in our system.

What is your availability?

I work in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. My hours are 9 AM to 4 PM. I meet with tele-health clients on Tuesdays at more flexible times, and I am not available on Fridays.

Do you work with children? What about couples or families?

I have experience working with children, couples, and families. However, at this time, I am only taking on new individual clients ages eighteen and up.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel an appointment, I completely understand. I ask that you please log in to your client portal through Simple Practice and cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you do not cancel within that time frame, you are responsible for paying a fee of $100. If you do not attend your appointment at all with no notice, you are responsible for the $100 no show fee. I do not like charging people for “late cancels” or “no show” appointments; however, due to the nature of this work and scheduling considerations, I do have to enforce this policy.

What if I am late to my appointment?

I completely understand that life happens. If you are running just a few minutes late, please email or text me. If you are more than 15 minutes late, please know that I may not be able to see you that day. If that is the case, you will be responsible to for the associated fee.

Do you offer consults for potential new clients?

Yes! I offer free 15 minute phone consultations to potential new clients. If you are interested in working together but would like to chat before committing to an initial appointment, please email me.

Thank you for being here, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!