Getting Started with Therapy: Common Questions

---

Starting therapy is a courageous first step, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Your first few sessions are focused on getting to know you. Together, you and your therapist will explore what's bringing you to therapy, discuss your strengths and challenges, and identify the goals that matter most to you. This information helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Your plan may include treatment goals, a diagnosis (when appropriate), and practical strategies or activities to support your progress between sessions.

As therapy continues, you'll work together to build new skills, process difficult experiences, strengthen resilience, and make meaningful progress toward your goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your treatment will evolve as your needs and goals change.

Our therapists offer a variety of appointment times to fit your schedule. Depending on the provider, appointments may be available as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 7:00 p.m. We also occasionally offer Saturday morning telehealth appointments with select clinicians.

To provide consistency and support ongoing progress, most of our clinicians reserve the same appointment time each week or every other week. Having a recurring appointment helps simplify scheduling and ensures you have dedicated time set aside for your care.

Due to the high demand for mental health services, some providers or appointment times may have a waiting list. Our team will work with you to find the best available option and connect you with a therapist who meets your needs as soon as possible.

We accept a variety of insurance plans, including:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Health Partners
• Medica Labor Care
• Medica MN Preferred
• Medica Select Care
• Medicare
• Medical Assistance (MA)
• Preferred One
• South Country Health Alliance
• Tricare West
• United Behavioral Health (UBH) Commercial Plan 
• Ucare (Note: we do not accept Ucare Fairview plans)
• United Health Care
  

In addition, we accept some Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Please note that not all of our therapists are in-network with every insurance plan listed. To verify if your insurance is accepted by a specific therapist, please visit their individual bio page. Additionally, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm in-network coverage for your specific plan.

To help us find the best fit, we'll first ask about your preferred days, times, and location for appointments (Isanti, Elk River, or telehealth). We'll also discuss your scheduling preferences, as many of our therapists reserve recurring weekly or every-other-week appointment times.

Once we've identified a provider and available appointment, we'll gather the following information to complete the scheduling process:

• Client's name
• Client's date of birth
• Phone number
• Email address
• Insurance information (if using insurance benefits)

Please note that some therapists and appointment times—particularly after-school and evening hours—may have a waiting list due to high demand. If your preferred time isn't immediately available, we'll work with you to find the best option for your needs.

All intake paperwork is completed electronically through our Therapy Portal. After your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive an email invitation with instructions for creating your portal account. Once you're logged in, you'll be able to complete all required forms at your convenience.

To help your first appointment run smoothly, all intake paperwork must be completed at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. This allows your therapist time to review your information and prepare for your first session.

Your first appointment is typically 55 minutes, allowing your therapist time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.

Ongoing therapy sessions are generally 45 or 55 minutes, depending on your needs, treatment goals, and your therapist's recommendation.

We offer in-person counseling at two convenient Minnesota locations, as well as telehealth services throughout the state.

Isanti
Our Isanti office is located on Main Street, directly across from Faith Lutheran Church and about a block and a half west of the post office. We proudly serve clients from Isanti and surrounding communities, including Bethel, Bradford, Braham, Cambridge, Dalbo, East Bethel, North Branch, and St. Francis.

Elk River
Our Elk River office is located in the Business Center, one block east of Highway 169 on 5th Street NE, just behind the former KFC location. This office conveniently serves clients from Elk River, Otsego, Ramsey, Big Lake, Zimmerman, Princeton, and nearby communities.

Telehealth
We also offer secure virtual therapy for clients anywhere in Minnesota. Telehealth appointments are available as long as you are physically located in Minnesota during your session.

At this time, Serenity Circle Counseling does not have providers who prescribe medication.

If you're interested in medication management, we're happy to help point you in the right direction. 

Please see the resource list below for local medication providers. Many clients choose to receive therapy with us while working with a separate provider for medication management.