I offer individual, HIPAA-compliant telehealth counseling sessions to residents of Washington and Idaho who are age 18 and older. All sessions are done online.
Please contact me to find out more.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-605-6329
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“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." – Carl Rogers
As you search for the right therapist, you will probably have many questions. Below are some frequently asked questions about counseling and the services I offer. If you don't see what you're looking for here, feel free to contact me by phone or email, and I will be more than happy to talk with you about your needs for counseling.
I feel anxious and stressed all the time, but isn’t this a normal part of life?
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, worry, and fear. Essentially, we become anxious when we are caught in a dark space of worrying about the past . . . what was, what could have been . . . and worrying about the future . . . what might be, "what if". What occurs when we do this is that we miss out on the present . . . what is right here, right now.
Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but usually subsides following a stressful event. However, because we live in a fast-paced world filled with the expectations and obligations of work, school, relationships, and societal pressures we sometimes don't have enough time to process day-to-day stress. As a result, over time anxiety starts to build and dominate our every waking moment. Anxiety can also result from traumatic events, both recent and far in the past, including sexual abuse, domestic violence (both physical and emotional), and workplace and school bullying.
How we handle stress and anxiety is key in our ability to remain resilient and reduce the negative effects they can have on our relationships AND our health. Through counseling we can sift through tangled thoughts and emotions to help you live more fully in the moment of now.
How do I know if I’m depressed, and if I am how does counseling help with depression?
Depression doesn’t discriminate. It affects teens and young adults, adult men and women, those who struggle financially and those who are financially well off. Most of us experience some symptoms of depression at one time or another, but sometimes these periods of hopelessness last longer and can start affecting our everyday life, including relationships, friendships, work and school. Life can become meaningless, hopeless, and overwhelming.
Some signs of depression include:
While medication can more immediately help lessen the severity of symptoms, the National Institutes of Health recommends a combination of medication and talk therapy. Through the collaborative relationship of therapy we will work together to develop healthy coping strategies to help alleviate the pain and lessen the darkness.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." – Carl Rogers
As you search for the right therapist, you will probably have many questions. Below are some frequently asked questions about counseling and the services I offer. If you don't see what you're looking for here, feel free to contact me by phone or email, and I will be more than happy to talk with you about your needs for counseling.
I feel anxious and stressed all the time, but isn’t this a normal part of life?
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, worry, and fear. Essentially, we become anxious when we are caught in a dark space of worrying about the past . . . what was, what could have been . . . and worrying about the future . . . what might be, "what if". What occurs when we do this is that we miss out on the present . . . what is right here, right now.
Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but usually subsides following a stressful event. However, because we live in a fast-paced world filled with the expectations and obligations of work, school, relationships, and societal pressures we sometimes don't have enough time to process day-to-day stress. As a result, over time anxiety starts to build and dominate our every waking moment. Anxiety can also result from traumatic events, both recent and far in the past, including sexual abuse, domestic violence (both physical and emotional), and workplace and school bullying.
How we handle stress and anxiety is key in our ability to remain resilient and reduce the negative effects they can have on our relationships AND our health. Through counseling we can sift through tangled thoughts and emotions to help you live more fully in the moment of now.
How do I know if I’m depressed, and if I am how does counseling help with depression?
Depression doesn’t discriminate. It affects teens and young adults, adult men and women, those who struggle financially and those who are financially well off. Most of us experience some symptoms of depression at one time or another, but sometimes these periods of hopelessness last longer and can start affecting our everyday life, including relationships, friendships, work and school. Life can become meaningless, hopeless, and overwhelming.
Some signs of depression include:
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated
- Difficulty concentrating
- Agitation, restlessness, irritability and "moodiness"
- Change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Trouble sleeping or too much sleeping
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of death or suicide
While medication can more immediately help lessen the severity of symptoms, the National Institutes of Health recommends a combination of medication and talk therapy. Through the collaborative relationship of therapy we will work together to develop healthy coping strategies to help alleviate the pain and lessen the darkness.
Do you work with people who are dealing with chronic long-term health issues?
Yes, I do. I have long been interested in how our physical health affects our emotional and psychological health and how our thoughts and emotions affect our physical well-being. I understand that coping with ongoing health concerns can become overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration, hopelessness and defeat. Counseling provides a place to openly express these feelings and the opportunity to formulate healthy coping strategies. I offer counseling to those dealing with a variety of health concerns, including: cancer, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, MS, Parkinson’s, and more. I also work with family members whose loved ones are dealing with health concerns. From 2018 to 2023 I worked for a small non-profit in Sandpoint, Idaho working directly with cancer patients providing mental health counseling before, during, and after treatment as well as helping individuals navigate end of life issues.
Someone I care deeply for died and I feel a lot of pain and sadness. Will I ever feel normal again?
The death of someone we love and the events leading up to it can be an overwhelming experience. It may seem that life will never be normal again, let alone enjoyable. And this is partly true . . . life after the death of a parent, a partner, a child, a beloved family member or a friend will never be what it was when they were with us. But you can honor their life by living your own life fully. Counseling can provide a safe space to sort through the thoughts and emotions that accompany this major life transition and help you find peace and a new sense of normal.
I am going through a major life change, and I feel sad about the past and hopeless about the future. Can this be considered grief?
Yes, we can experience feelings of grief and loss during other major life events besides the death of a loved one. This can include diagnosis with a serious illness, divorce and breakups, loss of a job, retirement, children leaving home, or loss of a pet. These transitions can cause overwhelming feelings of sadness and pain as well, as we mourn what once was. Counseling can be helpful in making sense of these periods in our life.
Can I discuss my spiritual beliefs in counseling?
I believe that integrating spirituality in psychotherapy can be very helpful. Our search for the sacred plays an important role in the process of meaning-making and how we see the world, and subsequently influences our thoughts and behaviors. Regardless of your spiritual practice, you are welcome to bring this aspect of your life into the counseling process.
Yes, I do. I have long been interested in how our physical health affects our emotional and psychological health and how our thoughts and emotions affect our physical well-being. I understand that coping with ongoing health concerns can become overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration, hopelessness and defeat. Counseling provides a place to openly express these feelings and the opportunity to formulate healthy coping strategies. I offer counseling to those dealing with a variety of health concerns, including: cancer, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, MS, Parkinson’s, and more. I also work with family members whose loved ones are dealing with health concerns. From 2018 to 2023 I worked for a small non-profit in Sandpoint, Idaho working directly with cancer patients providing mental health counseling before, during, and after treatment as well as helping individuals navigate end of life issues.
Someone I care deeply for died and I feel a lot of pain and sadness. Will I ever feel normal again?
The death of someone we love and the events leading up to it can be an overwhelming experience. It may seem that life will never be normal again, let alone enjoyable. And this is partly true . . . life after the death of a parent, a partner, a child, a beloved family member or a friend will never be what it was when they were with us. But you can honor their life by living your own life fully. Counseling can provide a safe space to sort through the thoughts and emotions that accompany this major life transition and help you find peace and a new sense of normal.
I am going through a major life change, and I feel sad about the past and hopeless about the future. Can this be considered grief?
Yes, we can experience feelings of grief and loss during other major life events besides the death of a loved one. This can include diagnosis with a serious illness, divorce and breakups, loss of a job, retirement, children leaving home, or loss of a pet. These transitions can cause overwhelming feelings of sadness and pain as well, as we mourn what once was. Counseling can be helpful in making sense of these periods in our life.
Can I discuss my spiritual beliefs in counseling?
I believe that integrating spirituality in psychotherapy can be very helpful. Our search for the sacred plays an important role in the process of meaning-making and how we see the world, and subsequently influences our thoughts and behaviors. Regardless of your spiritual practice, you are welcome to bring this aspect of your life into the counseling process.
How will I know if you are a good fit for me as a therapist?
Excellent question! The relationship between a therapist and client is quite possibly the most important element of successful counseling, and finding a highly skilled therapist who you “click with” is very important. I encourage you to take advantage of my free, initial phone consultation. We will chat for about 20 minutes to see if I am a good fit for you. If it feels right, we will schedule your first appointment.
I also believe in an ongoing honest dialogue about our therapeutic relationship. If at any time in our counseling relationship you or I determine that I am not able to provide the services you need, I will do my best to refer you to someone who can best help you.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy can be helpful on an on-going weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on your own needs and wants. There are also times in life when we just need a “tune-up”, and a few sessions will be of great benefit. We will work together to determine what best suits you.
How long is a counseling session?
Counseling sessions normally last 50 minutes. However, 80-minute sessions are available as well.
How much do you charge?
Intake sessions are billed at $250. Regular appointments are billed at the following rates:
$175 for a 50-minute session
$225 for a 80-minute session
Payment must be received at the beginning of each session. Cash, personal checks, Visa or Mastercard are acceptable forms of payment. I also accept many different insurances. Please contact your insurance provider to see if I am a preferred provider.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time of your session you will be responsible for paying the full fee for the missed session. This amount is not billable to insurance. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call me as soon as possible so that I can adjust my schedule and allow other clients the opportunity to take your spot.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I have a limited number of appointments available for those in need of a sliding scale payment. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this further.
Do you bill insurance?
I am a preferred provider with multiple insurance companies. This includes but is not limited to Regence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Lifewise, First Choice, Cigna, and Aetna.
It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to determine if my services are covered. It is possible that you will be responsible for a deductible or copay, which is due at the time of your session.
When you contact your insurance company directly to find out if my services are covered ask the following questions:
1. Does my insurance plan cover Sara Muckler, LMHC, LCPC as an in-network provider?
2. Do I need to have services pre-authorized?
3. How many sessions are covered per calendar year?
4. What is my deductible?
5. What is my office co-pay for mental health visits?
**Please note that insurance companies require me to assign you a psychiatric diagnosis**
To schedule an appointment call 206-605-6329 or email me at [email protected].
Excellent question! The relationship between a therapist and client is quite possibly the most important element of successful counseling, and finding a highly skilled therapist who you “click with” is very important. I encourage you to take advantage of my free, initial phone consultation. We will chat for about 20 minutes to see if I am a good fit for you. If it feels right, we will schedule your first appointment.
I also believe in an ongoing honest dialogue about our therapeutic relationship. If at any time in our counseling relationship you or I determine that I am not able to provide the services you need, I will do my best to refer you to someone who can best help you.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy can be helpful on an on-going weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on your own needs and wants. There are also times in life when we just need a “tune-up”, and a few sessions will be of great benefit. We will work together to determine what best suits you.
How long is a counseling session?
Counseling sessions normally last 50 minutes. However, 80-minute sessions are available as well.
How much do you charge?
Intake sessions are billed at $250. Regular appointments are billed at the following rates:
$175 for a 50-minute session
$225 for a 80-minute session
Payment must be received at the beginning of each session. Cash, personal checks, Visa or Mastercard are acceptable forms of payment. I also accept many different insurances. Please contact your insurance provider to see if I am a preferred provider.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time of your session you will be responsible for paying the full fee for the missed session. This amount is not billable to insurance. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call me as soon as possible so that I can adjust my schedule and allow other clients the opportunity to take your spot.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I have a limited number of appointments available for those in need of a sliding scale payment. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this further.
Do you bill insurance?
I am a preferred provider with multiple insurance companies. This includes but is not limited to Regence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Lifewise, First Choice, Cigna, and Aetna.
It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to determine if my services are covered. It is possible that you will be responsible for a deductible or copay, which is due at the time of your session.
When you contact your insurance company directly to find out if my services are covered ask the following questions:
1. Does my insurance plan cover Sara Muckler, LMHC, LCPC as an in-network provider?
2. Do I need to have services pre-authorized?
3. How many sessions are covered per calendar year?
4. What is my deductible?
5. What is my office co-pay for mental health visits?
**Please note that insurance companies require me to assign you a psychiatric diagnosis**
To schedule an appointment call 206-605-6329 or email me at [email protected].
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Sara Muckler, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Ph: 206-605-6329 - Email: [email protected]
Founder, Sara Muckler, MA, LMHC, LCPC serves clients who reside in Washington and Idaho
Copyright © Sara Muckler, MA PLLC 2024