At Inner Shalom, we believe that everyone is meant to flourish - body, soul (mind/emotions), and spirit. We also believe that everyone struggles to flourish, to varying degrees, for a variety of reasons, as a result of a world that does not live in harmony with God. And, we believe that God wants to restore his good design in us and for us. Counseling is viewed as one of the ways that God accomplishes this. These beliefs shape the way we understand people and the nature of life’s problems.

As a faith-based counseling practice, this translates into a few things:

1. Relationship with God through Jesus Christ is believed to be the ultimate, truest source and design for everyone’s deepest desires and needs; Human connected with Maker. Christian counseling, therefore, is seen as a resource to assist people in their lives as purposed by God, and, ideally, in their relationship with God.

2. Business practices, the therapeutic relationship, and the clinical process are shaped by Christian values like, grace, truth, and respect.

3. In the therapeutic process, we think it is important to give attention to your spiritual values and assess how your environment, physical health, soul health, and faith are working - or not working - together.

4. Christian disciplines or practices, such as bible application, forms of prayer, silent reflection, and many others, are considered valuable tools in therapy and in one’s life journey in general.

   It is important to state clearly that Inner Shalom counseling is a clinical mental health practice that uses evidence-based approaches and integrates a Christian worldview and associated practices. It is not pastoral counseling, “lay” counseling, spiritual direction, or a miniature bible study. However, there may be times when these offerings are desired by the client as a part of the clinical process. In such cases, therapeutic modifications will be discussed and agreed upon.

   Additionally, the beliefs detailed in this section are not be imposed on clients. It is at the discretion of each client how much faith and spiritual matters are brought into sessions.

Inner Shalom holds two overarching beliefs about why therapy from a Christian worldview is advantageous.

1. We need help. Based on the Genesis account of creation found in the Bible, God made everything and everyone “good.” Meaning, functioning optimally at every level of existence - physically, morally, mentally, etc. But, due to human’s disconnection from God, we are not functioning optimally. We need help to “get back to good.” Cue second point…

2. God is gracious. God has given humanity innumerable ways of recovering well-being while we wait for ultimate restoration through Jesus Christ. To name a few, there is modern medicine, the tools of health and fitness industries, herbal medicine, community support and resources, and therapy. All of these things offer us morsels of health and healing, reflecting the original, good design God had for all of creation - wholeness.

The conclusion? Therapy is a tool to help people gain improvement in the quality of their lives. The caveat? Like most other professions, not all therapy is made equal. Therefore, a Christian Worldview enables the practicing therapist to assess life’s problems and clinical “end-goals” from a larger, holistic perspective and integrate modalities of healing and change that take the whole person into account- mind, body, and spirit.

Individual sessions are $125.

Group sessions will be determined on the basis of each group, however, individual costs tend to be significantly lower with groups.

You can claim out-of-network (ONN) benefits and Inner Shalom can assists you by providing a superbill. This is a courtesy service. See the other insurance and out-of-pocket questions here in this section for additional details.

Note: when you begin therapy, you will receive a full disclosure of fees so you are never in the dark about the total possible costs of counseling services.

To achieve your goals most successfully, it is encouraged (and research suggests) to meet more frequently in the beginning and then move to less frequency over time. I generally recommend starting with either weekly or bi-weekly appointments.

Starting anything new or returning to an old activity can heighten your anxiety. So, here’s a general idea of how we will begin and continue, to offer clarity and help ease those nerves:

1. You will book an appointment or initial consult:

   • Through any of the booking buttons on the site

   • By contacting Inner Shalom via phone or email (see website footer for information )

   • Or, by filling out the online form on the “Reach Out” page.

2. Before your first session, a client portal will be set up for you. Required therapy documents will be added to the portal and it will be your responsibility to review and sign the applicable forms before our first session.

3. During your first session, also known as the “intake”, we primarily focus on getting to know you, your story, and your presenting concerns. This intake may extend into the second session.

   Afterward, goals and preferences for therapy will be determined and the process of addressing your concerns begins!

4. Therapy will continue on a regular basis, and perhaps lessen in frequency over time, until your goals are reached.

   *This does not apply to group therapies or Life Rhythms coaching. These therapies have a set number of sessions.

5. We will conclude your therapy with a review and reflection session.

6. Your life continues with more shalom! And, the option of counseling remains here should you need it from time-to-time.

Inner Shalom is an out-of-network provider for insurance plans. Many insurance plans have out-of-network benefits and you are welcome to submit a superbill (like a receipt) to your insurance company for reimbursement, that can be provided by Inner Shalom.

Clients choose to self-pay for many reasons:

1. Clients feel limited by the in-network providers and prefer to select providers that best meet their specific needs.

2. Clients prefer privacy and want to avoid diagnoses becoming part of their permanent medical record through documentation and claims, as is required by insurance companies.

3. Clients want their provider to use the types of treatments that will be most effective for their specific needs. Some insurance companies limit treatment options that providers can utilize to help clients.

4. Clients enjoy preferred scheduling options. Providers are sometimes restricted by location (phone & online vs. traditional office visits) and length of session (standard 53-minute session), as well as the number of sessions allowed.

Inner Shalom does not want money to be a reason you do not receive quality help. At the moment, sliding scales or scholarships are not offered. However, if you have financial burdens, we will assess your unique situation and agree upon a discounted rate for a set number of sessions that is sustainable for us both.

*If you are referral through one of Inner Shalom’s college campus or midwifery associates, discounts will apply.

No. You can contact Inner Shalom directly to schedule an appointment.

In the state of NC, yes.

I am licensed to provide telehealth therapy in NC only.

No. I do not prescribe any type of medication. You should discuss any interest in medication management with your primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or other prescribing medical provider. If you need help finding a medication management provider, I can provide a referral.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

● You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

● Inner Shalom will give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

● If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

● Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.