Do you accept insurance?

TPCC accepts the following insurance plans: Aetna, BlueCross and BlueShield/Anthem, Cigna, Magellan, Medicare, Military OneSource, Optima, TRICARE, and United Health Care.

We also accept various Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Contact us for more information.

How do I schedule an appointment?

TPCC has an online scheduling system. You can request an appointment, and it will be confirmed on the next business day. You can also call us our office at 757-347-8840.

Can I schedule appointments during evenings or on weekends?

Some therapists do have evening and weekend sessions available.  The best way to schedule a weekend or evening session is to call our office at 757-347-8840.

What can I expect during my first session with Turning Point?

The initial appointment usually includes the assessment of your current problem, establishing therapy goals, and, if time permits, the beginning of developing a treatment plan. This appointment is also for you to get comfortable, to see if the therapist is the right 'fit' for you.  We will review the consent form, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Where are in-person therapy sessions held?

Our offices are located at 5301 Providence Road, Suite 20, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. A new office is opening soon in Chesapeake!

Do you specialize in specific types of therapy techniques?

Several of our therapists are trained, and/or certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  All of our therapists have training in traditional “talk therapy modalities” including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral THerapy, (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and several others.  

We also have several therapists trained in sand tray therapy and art therapy.  

Learn more about our modalities here.

How do I know which Turning Point therapist is right for me?

It's essential to get comfortable with your therapist before you launch into your relationship, and it’s important to find someone that you think you’ll work well with. 

Some factors you might consider are:

• Gender: Do you think you’d feel more comfortable with a man or a woman?

• Age: Do you want to work with someone older, younger, or around your age?

• Religion: Does it matter to you if the therapist has a particular religious affiliation?

• Style: Do you want a therapist that plays a more active role in sessions, or one that may not challenge you as much?

All of our therapists have biographies on our website, so you can try and find someone you might relate to before scheduling the first appointment. Remember that therapy is a gradual process, and it takes a while to warm up to your provider.

During your  appointment, notice how you feel when you are in the room with your new therapist. Do you feel heard when you speak? Ask questions about the way the therapist defines their practice.  Does the therapist have a speciality?   

The most important factor is your comfort.  If you find that the therapist is not a good fit, you can request a change. One thing that all therapists have in common is the belief and respect for the client’s process in therapy.

Do you offer telehealth or virtual therapy options?

We do! You can learn more about our virtual therapy options here. We use Doxyme and also offer teletherapy through our therapy notes portal.

Does insurance cover telehealth or virtual therapy?

We always recommend that you check with your individual policy.  Most insurance companies are currently paying for telehealth. 

Are online therapy services as effective as in-person therapy?

There have been a few studies done on Online Therapy. In 2019, the American Journal of Managed Care published a research study about online therapy. In this study, 86.7% of psychiatry patients stated that they would recommend online counseling to family or friends.

How do I fill out paperwork and sign documents remotely?

TPCC can send you documentation to be completed online. You can call our office or request an appointment online.  You'll then be able to fill out all the initial intake paperwork and sign the consent documents virtually.

Can you do online marriage counseling sessions? 

Yes, it is possible. Under normal conditions, online couples counseling is used for continuity of care when one or both partners are traveling. But it can be done entirely online. We recommend couples use a computer or tablet so you can sit next to each other during the session. This helps us as the online therapist sees both of you. It also makes it easier to facilitate communication and connection exercises. Book an appointment here.

Is online counseling secure and confidential?

The platforms we use offer to end-to-end encryption and are secure. With everyone stuck at home, confidentiality is dependent upon where you conduct the session. We encourage clients to go to a room in their home or apartment where they can have privacy, as well as remind loved ones not to disturb them during the session.

My computer skills are limited—will I be able to do this?

The tools are intuitive and easy to use.  Our platform can be accessed via a web browser. The download on mobile or desktop provides for screen sharing and generally a much smoother experience.

What if we have technical issues?

Technology doesn't always work. If we ever have issues with a video session that can't be addressed after repeated attempts, we can always just do a phone session.

What types of therapy do you offer for children and teens?

A child and teen therapist is trained in the specific developmental needs of children and will be able to recognize indicators that a child may need some extra support. This therapist will be trained specifically on evidence-based treatment modalities for children. They will work with children and teens  in a number of different ways to help the process and cope with emotions in the same ways that therapists support adults.

Learn more about Children’s or Teen’s Therapy here.

What type of background and experience do your child therapists have?

Generally, therapists that work with children and teens have some specific training such as art therapy, play therapy, or sand tray therapy. They are aware of how to adapt types of therapy to children and teens. 

How involved are parents in children’s therapy?

The therapist has to strike a balance between creating a safe space for the child or the teen and also keeping parents informed.  As a parent, you will not know every detail about your child or teens therapy experience. However, the therapist will want to collaborate with you.  The therapist will seek your input to reinforce any new skills learned in therapy, as well as ask for  your input on behavior and treatment planning.  

How do I prepare my child for therapy?

Most of the time, preparing a child for therapy elicits more anxiety in parents than it does with the child. You can make the conversation easier by approaching your child with compassion; explaining that the therapist is on their side; and reinforcing that therapy is a private space for them to talk about their feelings.