Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of counseling do you offer?
We offer counseling that integrates spirituality with effectve psychotherapy practices. Counselors are trained to hear and respond to spiritual themes but never impose a particular religious framework on a client. We seek to help people find their own strengths and solutions to difficulties.

What kind of issues do you deal with in counseling?
We deal with relationship issues, job stress and dissatisfaction, self esteem, depression, grief, anxiety, and substance abuse.  We work with couples in providing premarital counseling, marriage counseling, also help with communication difficulties, infidelity, stress from work or illness, or thinking about retirement. We work with families to provide help with parenting strategies, support for step-families, living with teens, issues of loss, and managing strong feelings.

How much does counseling cost?
Fees are determined between you and your counselor generally in the first session. (see payment information page)

Will my insurance cover the cost of counseling?
Some insurance fees do cover our services for clergy and their families. Generally fees are comparable to insurance co-pays.

Do you have Medicare or Medicaid coverage?
Medicare and Medicaid generally do not cover our services. We can help you find an affordable place for counseling if you are unable to afford our lowest fees.  (see payment information page)

What is pastoral counseling? How does it differ from "regular" counseling?
What is the role of religion or spirituality in your counseling sessions?
Pastoral counseling is counseling that uses spiritual resources (which may include sacred text) and psychological understanding for healing and growth.   This means that sacred themes are listened for within the ordinary “stuff” of living. We value and recognize spiritual needs as well as the emotional, psychological and physical requirements of individuals. Our group represents several different religious traditions and is respectful of whatever religious traditions people may bring to their work with us. Group members are trained to help with questions of finding deeper meaning in life’s questions or in suffering which frequently accompanies emotional pain.

What are the qualifications of your counselors?
Group members hold a master’s or doctoral degrees in various mental health fields and theology, are licensed in NYS, or are trained as Spiritual Directors or advisors. Most are members of the American Assoociation of Pastoral Counselors or Clinical Members of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Two are credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors.

Where you located?
We are located at 301 Exchange Blvd, in the Corn Hill District. We can be reached by taking the Plymouth Ave. exit off 490, turning right onto Plymouth Ave. and turning into our parking lot at the corner of Plymouth and Exchange Blvd.  Parking is free and we are handicap accessible. (see map page)

Do you have evening hours? Weekend hours?
Group members are available some evenings and weekends as situations demand it. Appointments will be scheduled with your counselor.

How long are the sessions, and how often will I /we need to come?
Sessions are generally 50 minutes. Most counselors would like you to come weekly for the first three sessions so they can get to know you better. The frequency of sessions is then determined by you and your counselor.  How many times you may need to come depends on several factors: your reason for coming, your counselor's availability, how quickly you make progress in achieving your goals, what is affordable for you. You and your counselor will session frequency together.

How do you schedule an appointment?
You can call the Group number 595-473-2671 and leave a general message after the answering machine announcement. Be sure to say when and where you can be reached. Someone will call you back within a day. If you have a particular counselor you wish to speak to, follow the phone menu options to leave a confidential message in that counselor’s voice mail.