Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)?
Licensed Mental Health Counselors meet educational and training requirements including at least a 60 credit Master's degree, three years of supervised professional clinical experience and successful completion of a state examination. After receiving licensure, LMHCs are required to have continuing education to maintain their status.

LMHCs are licensed by the State of Florida and accountable to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. They work with adults, adolescents and children in short or long-term psychotherapy based on clients' needs, in private practice as well as in a variety of other settings.

What kind of clients do you see?
I mainly work with adults, both individuals and couples. Often people come in crisis, such as relationship problems, anxiety or depression. Some people stay beyond crisis resolution to make major changes in their lives.

What are your fees?
My fee is $100 per 50 minute session. I consider reduced fees for students and those with difficult financial circumstances on an individual basis. Full payment is due at the beginning of the session in the form of check or cash. A 24 hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid being charged for a missed appointment.

Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield PPO plans, and I can bill these plans for you. Although I don’t participate on other insurance plans, you may be eligible for reimbursement according to your plan’s coverage, under "outpatient mental health.” If so, I can bill your company for the services you receive. Full payment is due at the time of the session, whether or not you are reimbursed by insurance. Check with your insurance company directly to obtain information about your out- of-network benefits.

It’s important to be aware that submitting an insurance claim compromises the complete privacy and confidentiality that is otherwise assured in therapy.

How long will I be in therapy?
This is the most commonly asked question. Unfortunately there is no direct answer. Therapy may be brief, long-term or somewhere in between. The length of time depends on a number of factors including the severity and nature of the problem you are experiencing and how long it has been an issue. The decision of how long to continue is always up to you. Many people do not require long term therapy in order to accomplish their goals. Other people discover new goals along the way and decide to continue. Still others take time off and return later.

What about confidentiality?
Your work with me is confidential. However, there are certain situations involving abuse, neglect or the intent to harm oneself or others which I am legally obligated to disclose.

What is your position on medication?
Some people seek therapy as an alternative to medication and are successful in doing so. Others find that the combination of medication and therapy works better for them. If appropriate, we can discuss medication and I’ll provide information to help you make a decision. I cannot prescribe medication.

What happens in a therapy session?
I ensure a safe, supportive, professional space to work on personal and confidential issues. If possible, we’ll meet once a week for fifty minutes. During that time you can talk about whatever is on your mind. You might focus on solving a problem or clarifying some area of concern. If you’ve remembered a dream, we might work with it as a way of increasing your understanding of your situation. The process will support and encourage a deeper look at the patterns that underlie immediate problems and the behaviors you are trying to change.

How do I set up an initial appointment?
Leave a message on my voice mail (561-748-9512) or . When I receive your message, I’ll call to speak to you directly, answer your questions and better understand if I can be of help. If therapy seems like a good choice for you, we can make an initial appointment. If I can’t be of help, I will try to recommend someone who can be.

Kate Wertz, LMHC
561- 748-9512

Special Solutions, Inc.
725 North A1A
Building E, Suite 203
Jupiter, Florida 33477