Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQs for quick answers. Find solutions to common queries and make the most of your experience with us.

  • ​Do you take insurance?

    We are not in network with any insurance companies, however we can work with your insurance by giving you a receipt that clients can submit directly to their insurance for reimbursement. Many of our clients get up to 50% or more reimbursed depending on their policy. We recommend giving your insurance company a call and asking them what your policy coverage is for outpatient mental health services.

  • Is therapy right for me?

    We believe most people can benefit from therapy at many different stages in life. Just like we go to the gym to maintain our physical health, having regular or consistent therapy can help strengthen and improve our mental health. The purpose of therapy is for you to more deeply discover who you are, what you want, and how to get it. We all deserve a safe space and we believe the therapeutic relationship can offer that in a way that brings hope and healing. Please feel free to reach out for a consultation to get more information.

  • How do I choose a therapist?

    Finding a therapist that's a good fit for you can feel daunting, however we are here to help. We have an amazing team with a wide range of specialties, passions, and personalities. Please feel free to give us a call or send us some information about what you're looking for. Our clinical team will individually review this and make a personalized recommendation for you.

  • How much does it cost?

    We believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone. We are proud to offer a wide range of rates for our services in order to work with any budget or financial constraints. Our rates range from $125-$215 depending on specializations and levels of experience, however we have therapists that offer a sliding scale for fees, as well as graduate student interns who are able to offer sessions at reduced or no cost.


    Please contact us for more information.

  • How do I get there and where can I park?

    We have two locations conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Gainesville.


    Our first location is at 300 E University Ave Suite 210 in the Commerce building (next to City Hall and across from the library). There's parking available in the lot behind the building. An additional parking lot can be found on the other side of 3rd Street for Commerce and City Hall visitors. Our office is on the second floor. If you take the elevator, exit to your left.


    Our second location is at 235 S Main St #203 in the Sun Center West building (next to Amelia's restaurant). There's parking along both sides of the building. However, take care to avoid numbered spaces or the funeral home lot as you will be towed. Alternate parking can be found in the lot for Sun Center East (to the east of Liquid Ginger or Maude's).

  • What do I need to bring with me?

    Once your session is scheduled, we'll send you the new client paperwork. You can either fill it out and email it back to us or bring it with you to your first session. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early to your first appointment to fill out a copy in the waiting room.


    We know meeting your therapist for the first time can potentially feel intimidating. However the most important thing to bring is just yourself. If it helps to soothe any first times nerves, you can reflect on what your goals are for therapy, pen and paper if you'd like to take notes during session, what your availability is and how you'd like to schedule  therapy moving forwards, and a list of any questions  or expectations you have for your therapist. 

  • What can I expect during therapy?

    During therapy your therapist will strive to honor you and your personal experiences and perspectives. They will also endeavor to provide you with feedback about how your thinking patterns, feelings, gestures, and other behaviors that may be outside your awareness. In some ways, your therapist serves as a mirror, designed to help you know yourself better. Often, your therapist will simply tell you what they see, what they think, and their internal reflections on you and your choices. However, you are always in control and you always have the choice about what you would like or not like to be explored in session.


    Therapy is not as much a place to detach from the world and personal experiences; rather it is a place to engage them. Our purpose together is to empower you to face and embrace all of life. Therefore, much of the therapeutic process is a real, authentic, mini-life experience wherein you confront the challenges of life and existence within the relatively safe confines of the therapeutic office. We will use therapy for practicing life, rather than avoiding it.

  • What are your office hours and after hours contact?

    Please feel free to call, text, or email us at any time. Our office manager works Monday-Friday. If you are unable to reach someone, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Individual counselor hours may vary. If you need to reach someone after office hours, feel free to leave a message on our voice mail and someone will contact you as soon as possible. If you are in crisis, please call the Alachua County Crisis Center at 352-264-6789.


    Here are some other resources available 24/7:


    Alachua County Crisis Line 

             352-264-6789 


    Alachua County Crisis Center

              John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center

              218 SE 24th Street

              Gainesville, FL  32641

              Phone: 352-264-6789


    National Suicide Hotline 

             1-800-SUICIDE 

             (1-800-784-2433) 


    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

             1-800-273-TALK 

             (1-800-273-8255) 

  • How does confidentiality work?

    Confidentiality refers to the protected nature in which your personal health information is held. This information is protected both legally and ethically. Therefore, Arena Counseling and Wellness will protect your information and will not share it with others outside of the agency (except in the limited circumstances outlined below) without your express permission.


    • Threat to self: If a patient seriously threatens to harm himself/herself, the therapist may be obligated to seek hospitalization for him/her, or to contact family members or others involved in your welfare who can help provide protection.
    • Threat to others: If the therapist determines that there is a probability that the patient will inflict imminent physical injury on another person, he or she may be required to take protective action by disclosing information to medical or law enforcement personnel, providing warning to an identified victim, or by securing hospitalization of the patient.
    • Vulnerable populations: If the therapist has cause to believe that a child under 18 has been or may be abused or neglected (including physical injury, substantial threat of harm, mental or emotional injury, or any kind of sexual contact or conduct), or that a child is a victim of a sexual offense, or that an elderly or disabled person is in a state of abuse, neglect or exploitation, the law requires that the therapist make a report to the appropriate governmental agency, usually the department of family and protective services (DFPS). Once such report is filed, the therapist may be required to provide additional information.
    • Courts of Law: If you are involved in a court proceeding and a request is made for information concerning your diagnosis and treatment, such information is protected under applicable law. However, records may be released pursuant to a validly issued subpoena or court order.

    * Minors: If you are a minor under the age of 18, please be advised that your parent or legal guardian must give permission for Arena Counseling and Wellness to provide clinical services to you. In this case, your parents/legal guardian are also allowed access to your PHI. If this applies to you, your therapist will attempt to clarify all limits of confidentiality and roles within the therapy relationship at the onset of your work together.


  • How long will therapy last?

    Our sessions are typically 50 minutes of clinical work, with ten minutes reserved for payment, scheduling, and clinical documentation. Longer and shorter sessions are available upon request.

    As for duration, we treat each client individually so length of treatment can vary. This is an personalized plan discussed between you and your therapist. Your therapist will be working to check in with you and monitor your progress and goals.

  • ​Are there any risks to therapy?

    Counseling may feel challenging and difficult at certain points in time. For instance, you may feel anger, sadness, guilt, grief, loss, frustration, and a host of other emotions, which make you uncomfortable. We will discuss these feelings in session. Although the expectation is that you will benefit from counseling, no specific results can be guaranteed.

    Please feel free to discuss with your therapists or let us know if you are having any concerns.

  • I'm ready! How do I make an appointment?

    ​We have several easy options to make your first appointment.

    You can call, text, or email us, or use the contact form on this website.

    Phone: 352 329 2040

    Email: info@arenacounselingandwellness.com


    You an also click the 'book an appointment' tab and request to book a time at your convenience and someone will follow up with within 24 hours to confirm your appointment.

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