When you’re already feeling overwhelmed, choosing a counselor can feel like one more thing you have to get right. You might have several tabs open, a list of names from your insurance company, and no clear idea of who to call.
To find the right counselor, start with three questions: Do they have experience with what you’re facing? Can you manage the cost and appointment schedule? Do you feel comfortable talking with them? You don’t need to know your diagnosis or have your story organized before asking for help.
Lake Orion Counseling Center serves Lake Orion and surrounding communities, with its office at 3604 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, MI 48348. In-person and virtual appointments are available; ask the team about options for your preferred counselor.
How do I choose a counselor who understands my concerns?
Start with what has been difficult lately. That might be constant worry, feeling disconnected from your partner, struggling after a loss, or concerns about your child’s behavior. Everyday language is enough.
If you’re searching for “counselors near me,” use location to narrow your options, then look at each provider’s experience. Consider:
- Your main concern: Does the counselor work with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, or the issue bringing you to therapy?
- Your age and situation: Do they work with adults, children, teens, couples, or families?
- Your preferences: Would you like practical strategies, space to process experiences, or a combination? Are there aspects of your identity, culture, or faith you want your counselor to understand?
A useful question is: “Have you worked with people facing something like this, and how would you approach helping me?”
Use therapist profiles as a starting point
At Lake Orion Counseling Center, these profiles can help you explore relevant experience:
- Dr. Adam Pasciak, PhD, LP describes experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, and first responders, along with training in EMDR.
- John Canine, PhD specializes in grief and bereavement.
- Maria Summerford, MS, LLP, CAADC describes experience with children and adolescents facing anxiety, depression, and social, emotional, or behavioral concerns.
These are examples, rather than a complete list of options. Meet the full counseling team and ask about current availability, age groups served, and insurance participation.
You don’t have to choose based on a biography alone. It’s reasonable to ask questions before requesting an appointment.
What should I ask about insurance and counseling costs?
Confirm coverage for the specific counselor and your exact insurance plan before your first appointment. Seeing your insurance company’s name on a practice website is a starting point; your benefits and out-of-pocket costs still need to be checked.
Lake Orion Counseling Center’s insurance information page lists accepted insurers and explains how the team can help you verify benefits.
Ask the office and your insurer:
- Is this counselor in-network for my specific plan?
- What would I owe for the first appointment and follow-up sessions?
- Does my deductible apply, or will I pay a copay or coinsurance?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
- Are virtual appointments covered?
- Are there visit limits or other coverage requirements?
If you’re seeking couples or family counseling, ask about coverage for that service specifically.
If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay directly, ask about the self-pay rate and whether any reduced-fee options are available for the counselor you’re considering. Also ask about cancellation fees and how much notice is required to reschedule.
Knowing the likely cost upfront can help you choose care you can continue.
What should I ask about scheduling and availability?
A counselor’s experience matters, but so does being able to attend consistently. Before scheduling, ask:
- Are you accepting new clients, and when is the next available first appointment?
- Can I schedule ongoing sessions at a time that works for me?
- Are evening appointments available with this counselor?
- How long are appointments, and how often might we meet?
- If there is a waitlist, is another counselor available sooner?
Lake Orion Counseling Center lists weekday care with evening appointments available. Confirm the schedule with your chosen provider.
If you’re looking for a therapist serving Lake Orion, consider the drive to the Clarkston office alongside work, school, or caregiving responsibilities. A convenient recurring appointment may be more useful than a first opening you cannot maintain.
Should I choose in-person or virtual counseling?
Choose a format that gives you privacy, fits your routine, and works for your counseling needs. Ask the counselor to help you decide if you’re unsure.
In-person appointments may suit you if you want a separate space to focus, have limited privacy at home, or prefer speaking face-to-face. Lake Orion Counseling Center’s office is at 3604 Clarkston Road in Clarkston.
Virtual appointments may make scheduling easier when travel or other responsibilities create barriers. You’ll need a reliable connection, a suitable device, and a private place where you can speak without being overheard.
Ask whether your counselor offers both formats, what technology you’ll need, and whether you can switch between them. If you expect to join while traveling, check with the office beforehand about where you can be physically located during a virtual session.
What happens at your first counseling appointment?
A first appointment usually focuses on getting to know you, understanding what brought you in, and discussing what you hope will change. It is also your chance to ask questions and begin assessing whether the counselor feels like a fit.
Your counselor may ask about your current concerns, daily life, relationships, health history, and previous experiences with therapy. They will typically explain their approach, confidentiality and its limits, and possible next steps.
You can ask:
- “How would we decide what to work on first?”
- “How will we know whether counseling is helping?”
- “What if something feels uncomfortable or isn’t working for me?”
What do you need to prepare?
Ask the office which intake forms and practical information are needed. Have your insurance information available if you plan to use coverage. A short note about your concerns or questions can help, but it is optional.
You don’t need a diagnosis, a detailed timeline, or a rehearsed explanation. You don’t have to tell every part of your story at once. Saying, “I’ve been having a hard time, and I’m not sure where to start,” is enough to begin the conversation.
How will you know whether a counselor is a good fit?
Feeling nervous at first is common. Look for whether the counselor listens, takes your concerns seriously, explains things clearly, and welcomes your questions.
You should be able to discuss your goals and speak up about the pace or approach. If the fit feels uncertain, bring that up. You can also ask the office about other providers. Choosing a counselor is a process, and your comfort deserves attention.
How Lake Orion Counseling Center helps you get started
You can request your first appointment online or call 248-595-9969. You can also contact the team before choosing a provider to ask about specialties, insurance, appointment formats, and current openings.
For an initial inquiry, a brief description is enough: whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a child, or your relationship; your general concern; and your scheduling preferences. Keep detailed personal history for your appointment.
The practice serves Lake Orion from its Clarkston office. You can also explore information about counseling in Clarkston, MI or counseling for Oxford-area residents.
Unsure which counselor to choose? Contact our team for help finding a fit and requesting your first appointment.