Psychotherapy and counseling are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they can also represent unique experiences. Psychotherapy is usually seen as a long-term approach that helps people address personal challenges by exploring their thoughts and feelings deeply. It involves understanding patterns and habits that might be holding you back from a happy, healthy life. These patterns can be shaped by your personality, childhood experiences, and emotional struggles. The goal of psychotherapy is to help you work through long-standing issues and overcome personal challenges.

Counseling, on the other hand, is usually a shorter-term approach. It focuses on addressing personal concerns and achieving specific goals. Unlike psychotherapy, counseling tends to focus on finding solutions to current problems rather than analyzing the past. It can offer clarity and structure when you need to make important personal or professional decisions.

We use a blend of psychotherapy and counseling to help you address immediate concerns while also exploring your life experiences. This approach supports both short-term solutions and long-term growth.

Research shows that people who go to therapy or counseling often do better than about 75% to 80% of those who don't. Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive person can be very helpful. That's why people often say, “It felt good to get that off my chest!” Being heard and understood can be very comforting.

You might wonder, “Why not just talk to a friend?” While that's helpful, a trained therapist offers a neutral, supportive perspective. They don't judge and are skilled in using proven methods to help you understand your life better, leading to personal growth and positive change.

Choosing the right therapist is an important decision. Therapists differ in many ways — such as their age, gender, personality, training, and areas of expertise — and it's important that you feel comfortable with the person you work with.

When you share your concerns and goals with your provider, they will carefully assess your needs. If they believe you might benefit from a different level of care, or working with a different provider at our practice or elsewhere, they will discuss other options and help refer you to the right mental health professional.

In your initial session, your provider will focus on exploring whether their approach fits your needs. You are never obligated to continue working with your provider. Our goal is to help you find the right support, and if that means guiding you to another provider at our practice or other mental health care option, we will gladly do so.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Absolutely not. Our therapists follow strict professional ethics that prohibit imposing personal values on clients. Therapy is about you — your beliefs, your values, and your goals. We may explore how your worldview affects your well-being, but our role is to support your growth, not push our own perspectives.

And if you ever feel that a therapist at our practice is pushing their beliefs on you, please reach out to our administrator, Steven Montesinos, at 904.701.4662 or admin@mcsjax.com

We take your comfort and trust seriously, and will address your concerns right away.

We welcome clients from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our approach is grounded in respect and curiosity — not judgment. Whether you’re religious, secular, conservative, progressive, or anywhere in between, our therapists meet you where you are.

We offer both in-person and secure teletherapy (video) appointments 7 days a week.

The hours listed below reflect our administrative office hours. Provider sessions may be held outside of these times, including evenings and weekends. If you need to reach your provider outside of administrative hours, please call 904-701-4662 and use the phone directory to contact them directly.

Administrative Office Hours:

• Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Saturday: Closed

• Sunday: Closed

Our office is closed on all major holidays.

The fastest way to schedule an appointment is through our website using our therapist matching tool. Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll match you with the therapists who best fit what you’re looking for.

If you prefer not to use the portal or encounter any issues accessing it, feel free to call us at 904-701-4662. You can also reach out via the contact form available located here.

Yes, your privacy and confidentiality in counseling are both ethically and legally protected. However, there are certain situations where your therapist is required by law to break confidentiality. If your therapist believes such a situation is arising, they will inform you and make every effort to involve you in the process. These situations include:

• If there's an immediate and serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

• If there is suspected abuse of a minor, elderly person, or vulnerable adult.

• If a judge issues a court order for information from your records.

For more information about our office’s privacy practices you may view our privacy practices notice.

We accept a variety of insurance and employee assistance program plans. For more information on the plans we accept, please view our service fee information.

If your plan isn't listed, we can work with you as a private pay client and provide an invoice after each session. You may submit this invoice to your insurance company for possible out of network reimbursement or to have the session cost applied to your yearly deductible.

If you have questions about your out-of-network coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn about their reimbursement policies for "out-of-network" behavioral healthcare.

We also offer reduce rate options for individuals experiencing financial limitations, subject to availability of openings.

The length and frequency of therapy will vary for each person and depend on several factors, including your familiarity with counseling, the extent of your concerns and goals, and your willingness to work on these between sessions.

Progress can differ; some may notice subtle changes at first, while others may see quicker results. The more you engage with therapy, the sooner you may gain the insights needed for positive change.

Most clients start with weekly to bi-weekly sessions. Once you and your therapist feel you have made progress and met many of your initial goals, you will discuss spreading sessions out, if appropriate.

After the initial assessment, typically within 1-2 sessions, we'll work with you to create a realistic timeline for achieving your goals.

The standard length for a therapy session at our practice is 53 to 55 minutes. Most clients find that this session length meets their needs; however, individuals experiencing crises may benefit from longer session lengths or more frequent visits, which we offer.

During your first session, your therapist will review your paperwork and answer any questions you may have. You'll also talk about why you're seeking therapy, what you hope to achieve, and your current life situation. We see these initial sessions as a chance to get to know you and each other. At the end of the session, you'll decide whether to continue therapy and work together on a plan for moving forward.

Rates for sessions vary based on their length and the types of services provided, generally ranging from $125 to $185. For more information on insurance options, please refer to our service fee information page.

We also offer reduced rates on a sliding scale for those with financial constraints, subject to available openings, to make therapy more accessible.

Additionally, some providers offer free initial 15-minute phone consultations for those interested in exploring therapy with us.

Fees are collected at the end of each session and may be paid by debit, credit, or Health Savings Account (or similar) card.

If you miss an appointment or cancel it less than 24 hours in advance, and it's not due to an emergency or illness, you will be charged $50. The fee for missed or late canceled appointments must be paid before your next scheduled appointment starts.