Micah Perkins, M.S., L.P.C.
Professional Counseling for Teens & Adults, Individuals, Couples & Families
1300 East 9th Street, Suite 5, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 (405) 625- 6785
1300 East 9th Street, Suite 5, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 (405) 625- 6785
Services
For many, the teen years are very difficult. Problems with parents, friends, school, and uncertainty about the fture often lead to depression, anger, or anxiety. Many teens turn to drugs, unsafe sex, or other self harmful behaviors as a way to cope.
As a result, many parents are left wondering how to keep their teen safe while still allowing him or her the freedom to grow psychologically. This balance can be very difficult to find.
Individual therapy with the teen, gives him or her the opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings in a safe confidential environment.
Often family therapy is used, giving the teen and parent(s) an opportunity to discuss problems in their relationship, improve their relationship, and to problem solve ways to deal with challenges.
At times, therapy with one or both parents may be recommended as a way for parents manage their stress and to explore different parenting strategies.
As a result, many parents are left wondering how to keep their teen safe while still allowing him or her the freedom to grow psychologically. This balance can be very difficult to find.
Individual therapy with the teen, gives him or her the opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings in a safe confidential environment.
Often family therapy is used, giving the teen and parent(s) an opportunity to discuss problems in their relationship, improve their relationship, and to problem solve ways to deal with challenges.
At times, therapy with one or both parents may be recommended as a way for parents manage their stress and to explore different parenting strategies.
unresolved issues from the past lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. 
Q- How much do counseling sessions costs?
A- A list of service fees can be found on the Fees page of this website. The typical out of pocket expense for clients using insurance ranges from $20- $60 per session depending on the client's insurance plan. The client is advised to check his or her insurance benefits before scheduling the first appointment. Ultimately, the client is responsible for any charges not covered by his or her insurance.
Q- Do I have to file counseling sessions with my insurance company?
A- No, you can chose to pay for sessions "out of pocket" and not report counseling sessions to your insurance company. There are advantages to not filing counseling sessions with your insurance company. One advantage is greater confidentiality. To file a claim, the mental health clinician must give a mental health diagnosis. Some clients do not like the fact that the insurance company has a mental health diagnosis in his or her health file. In addition, the insurance company has the right to request session notes. Although this seldom happens, it is a possibility.
Q- Do you offer a sliding scale?
A- No, I currently do not offer a sliding scale. I have investigated fees set by other counselors in the area and believe that, in comparison, my fees are very reasonably priced.
Q- What if I can't afford counseling?
A- There are agencies that provide low-cost counseling. These include community mental health centers such as Northcare, Red Rock, and Variety Care. These agencies receive government subsidies and donations to off set the cost of providing services. It is recommended that interested persons contact either of these agencies for more information.
Another option, may be free or low cost counseling provided at a college counseling center.
Last, many companies have employee assistance programs which allow for free counseling sessions as an employee benefit.
Q- How long does counseling lasts?
A- Unfortunately, counseling is not an exact science. As a counselor, it would be unethical to guarantee a cure by a certain number of sessions. Some chronic conditions may require several sessions. However, I can report that my most recent practice statistics show that the average number of sessions clients have is six.
Q- Are clients helped by the counseling sessions?
A- Again, I cannot guarantee that every one will be helped. However, respondents of my most recent survey of current and past clients reported that they benefited from counseling, felt that the sessions were worth the time and money, and would recommend my services to friends and family.
Q- What is the difference between a Professional Counselor, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?
A- Professional Counselors, such as myself, have a master's degree in psychology or a related field and have completed other requirements to be licensed by the state to provide professional counseling.
Other master's level clinicians include: licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed behavioral health practitioners, and licensed substance abuse counselors.
Psychologists have a doctorate degree in psychology and have completed additional requirements to become licensed to practice counseling in the state. Not all psychologists do counseling. Some focus on research, some on teaching, while others focus on psychological testing.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized in mental health. They are able to prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions. Most psychiatrist focus only on medication management and do not conduct counseling sessions.
Q- Can you prescribe medication?
A- No, only a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist, can prescribe medication.
Q- Do you "push" medication on your clients?
A- No. Depending on the condition, I may recommend that a client seek the advice of a medical doctor. Some mental health conditions are best treated with medication and psychotherapy. However, most conditions do not require medication. The decision to start medication for one's self or one's child is a very personal one and one that I respect. Although I may recommend a medical consult, it is never a requirement that a client "get on" medication. I will never stop seeing a client because he or she has decided to not take medication.
Q- Will you respect my religious beliefs?
A- Absolutely. One of my primary goals is to respect the beliefs of my clients. Although we may discuss if your beliefs about yourself or others are being helpful to you, I will never push a particular doctorine on you. It has been my pleasure to have helped Christian clients, Buddhist clients, Atheist clients, Agnostic clients, and clients who didn't have any particular religious belief. Religious beliefs will only become a part of the counseling process if you want it to be a part of the process.
These are some of the most common questions. If you have a particular question that I have not addressed feel free to email me.
