Practical answers before you begin.

Fees and Insurance

What does a session cost, and can I use insurance?

A counseling session is 60 minutes and costs $180 when you pay directly. Before scheduling a full session, you can book a free consultation lasting 15 to 20 minutes. That call gives you a chance to ask questions and consider whether the fit feels right without committing to ongoing work.

James is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna through Headway. Headway handles benefit verification, scheduling, payment, and insurance administration. Your actual responsibility depends on your plan, so Headway can provide the relevant estimate before your first paid appointment.

If you are not using insurance, you can ask for a Good Faith Estimate under the No Surprises Act. James does not currently offer a sliding scale. If cost makes this practice unavailable, raise that during the consultation and he can point you toward lower-fee options in North Carolina.

Telehealth

What do I need for an online session?

The practice is telehealth only. You need a private place, a reliable internet connection, and a computer, tablet, or phone that supports secure video. Headphones can help when privacy is limited. There is no office to visit in any North Carolina city.

James is licensed in North Carolina only. You must be physically present in North Carolina at the time of every session, even if you normally live in the state. If travel will place you elsewhere, discuss scheduling in advance rather than joining from outside North Carolina.

Sessions are offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Each appointment lasts 60 minutes. Many people begin weekly because regular meetings support continuity, but frequency can be discussed based on the work, your schedule, and what is clinically appropriate.

Scheduling

What is the cancellation policy?

Please provide at least 24 hours notice when you need to cancel. A session canceled with less than a day's notice is charged at the full fee. Genuine emergencies are considered case by case rather than treated as ordinary late cancellations.

Scheduling and payment take place through Headway. If you need to change an appointment, use the options available through that system or follow the instructions provided when care begins. The website contact form is intended for general inquiries and is not continuously monitored.

Counseling is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, thinking about ending your life, or unable to remain safe, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait for a response from the website.

Medication and Fit

Does James prescribe medication, and how do I start?

James does not prescribe medication. He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, not a physician or other prescribing professional. When medication is part of your care, he can work alongside a prescriber. Decisions about medication remain between you and the qualified professional responsible for prescribing it.

James brings fifty years of clinical practice to counseling with adults. He does not treat addictions or eating disorders when either is the primary concern and will refer you to an appropriate specialist. A consultation can help clarify whether his experience and approach fit what you are bringing.

To start, book a free consultation through Headway or send a short message through the contact page. Do not put detailed health information in the website form because it is not a secure clinical channel. A sentence or two about what led you here is enough for an initial reply.

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