Helena · Birmingham · Online in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions. We’re here to make the process a little easier.
Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time, looking for the right clinician, or wondering how scheduling and insurance work, we’ve gathered answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our client care team is happy to help.
Getting Started
How do I get started with therapy?
The easiest first step is to request an appointment. Our client care team will follow up to learn what you’re looking for and help you find a good fit. You’re also welcome to browse Meet Our Team first.
How do I find the right therapist?
Start with Meet Our Team, where you can read about each therapist’s experience and filter by location. If you’re not sure where to begin, contact us and our team can help match you based on your needs, schedule, and location.
Can I choose my therapist?
Yes. You’re welcome to request a specific therapist. We’ll do our best to honor your request based on their availability and whether they’re a good fit for what you need.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first session is a chance for your therapist to get to know you, what brings you in, and what you hope to work on. You’ll also talk about how therapy works, including confidentiality. You can ask questions too. It’s okay to share at your own pace.
How long are therapy sessions?
Most therapy appointments are 60 minutes. If you’d like a different session length, talk with your therapist.
How often will I attend therapy?
It depends on your needs and goals. You and your therapist will decide together on a schedule that works for you, and you can adjust it over time.
Do you offer therapy for children, teens, couples, and families?
Yes. Learn more about Individual Therapy, Children, Teens & Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Perinatal Mental Health.
Scheduling & Appointments
How do I request an appointment?
Visit our appointment request page and choose Request an Appointment to send a secure request. Our team will follow up to schedule your first session.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes. Participating clinicians share same-day therapy openings, online and in person, which are updated regularly. View Today’s Openings to see what’s available, or learn more about Same-Day Appointments.
What is a same-day appointment?
A same-day appointment is a therapy appointment with a licensed clinician on the same day you book it.
Can I schedule online?
Yes. New clients can request an appointment online. To book a same-day session, View Today’s Openings. Current clients can also use the Client Log In at the top of our site.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. For a Monday appointment, please cancel by 5:00 pm on Friday. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice and missed appointments have a $75 fee, due before your next scheduled appointment.
What if my preferred therapist doesn’t have availability?
Contact us and our team can talk through your options, such as another therapist whose experience fits your needs, a different location, or online sessions.
Insurance & Payment
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), United Healthcare (UHC), Optum, UMR, Aetna, Viva, and Cigna / Evernorth. We also offer self-pay rates.
How do I know if my therapist accepts my insurance?
Insurance participation can vary by therapist, so please contact us with your insurance information and we’ll help you check. It’s also a good idea to call your insurance company to ask about your mental health benefits.
What if my insurance is out of network?
You can choose self-pay, and sliding scale options are available for those in need. Contact us to talk through your options.
How much does therapy cost?
Fees vary based on clinician experience and service type. For self-pay clients, individual therapy sessions typically range from $125 to $175 per hour. If you use insurance, your cost depends on your plan.
When is payment collected?
Payments, including insurance co-payments, are due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept insurance and self-pay, and we also accept CareCredit for those who want flexible payment plans. Contact us with questions about other payment methods.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Please contact our office and our team will let you know whether your HSA or FSA card can be used.
Do you provide superbills?
Please contact our office to ask about statements or superbills for your situation.
Confidentiality & Privacy
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is kept private and protected under federal privacy law (HIPAA) and Alabama law. There are a few legal exceptions, such as a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or a court order. Your therapist will review these limits with you at the start.
Will my therapist share information with my family?
Not without your written permission, except in the limited situations your therapist will explain at the start of therapy.
How does confidentiality work for teenagers?
At the beginning of therapy, your teen’s therapist will talk with both of you about what stays private and what may be shared with parents, such as safety concerns. Alabama law has specific rules about consent and records for minors, and your therapist will explain how they apply.
Can parents access their child’s therapy information?
Parents and guardians usually have some rights to their child’s health information. Those rights can depend on the child’s age and on Alabama law. Your child’s therapist will talk with you about this so everyone knows what to expect.
What if I see my therapist outside the office?
To protect your privacy, your therapist won’t approach you first in public. If you’d like to say hello, you’re welcome to.
Are online therapy sessions private?
Online sessions take place on a secure video platform. To keep your session private, join from a quiet, private space where you won’t be overheard.
Therapy Services
What’s the difference between individual and couples therapy?
Individual therapy focuses on you: your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Couples therapy focuses on the relationship and includes both partners.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. Online therapy is available to clients located in Alabama.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. Soul Story Therapy offers therapy in English and Spanish with bilingual therapist Eva Thau. Visit our Terapia en Español page to learn more about her services and how to request an appointment.
What ages do your therapists see?
Our team works with young children, teens, and adults. Each therapist sees specific age groups, which are listed on Meet Our Team.
Do all therapists provide the same services?
No. Each therapist has their own areas of experience and training. Check therapist profiles or ask our team for help finding the right fit.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?
You don’t need to have it figured out. Reach out and we’ll help you think it through, and your therapist will help shape a plan with you.
Locations & Telehealth
Where are your offices located?
Helena – Main Office: 511 Creekside Court, Helena, AL 35080
The Listening Room at Soul Story Therapy: 722 Creekside Court, Helena, AL 35080
Cahaba Valley: 2232 Cahaba Valley Drive, Suite C, Birmingham, AL 35242
Online: for clients located in Alabama
Can I choose which office I attend?
Yes. You can choose the location that’s most convenient, based on where your therapist sees clients.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. Virtual appointments are available to clients located in Alabama.
Can I switch between in-person and online sessions?
Often, yes. Talk with your therapist, since it depends on their schedule and what works best for your care.
Are all therapists available at every location?
No. Each therapist works from specific locations. You can filter by location on Meet Our Team.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Our client care team is happy to help you understand your options, find a therapist, and take the next step toward getting started.
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9–5. Ready to begin? Request an appointment.
Our offices are firearm-free zones. Soul Story Therapy does not provide crisis services. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.