Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Catholic to go to The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center?
No. Our services are open to everyone—regardless of faith, background, or belief system.
You do not need to be Catholic.
We are committed to providing high-quality mental health care that is welcoming, inclusive, and free of bias or religious agenda.
What is counseling like?
Each counseling session is tailored to your individual, couple, or family goals. Your therapist will begin by talking with you about the main concerns in your life.
Therapy can be:
- Short-term, focused on a specific issue
- Longer-term, exploring deeper or more complex challenges
Your therapist may suggest activities to do between sessions, such as:
- Reading a helpful book
- Tracking behaviors or emotions
- Practicing new skills
These tools help you apply what you’re learning to your everyday life.
To get the most out of therapy, it’s important to take an active role, both during and between sessions.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. In most situations, what you share in therapy is private and protected by law. We won’t release any information without your written permission.
However, there are a few exceptions required by law, including:
- Suspected child abuse or abuse of a dependent adult or elder
- A serious threat of harm to another person
- Risk of self-harm
- A court order requiring disclosure
What are your therapists’ credentials?
Our therapists include:
- Licensed master’s-level clinicians
- Pre-licensed registered interns
- Graduate student interns completing their training
All interns are closely supervised by senior licensed clinicians at our center.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We accept:
- Most major insurance plans
- Most Oregon Health Plan (OHP) options
- Medicare
Coverage may vary, so please contact our office to verify your benefits.
What if I change insurance or lose my coverage?
If your insurance changes, we’ll work with your new provider whenever possible. If you lose your coverage, we offer a sliding scale fee to ensure you can continue receiving care.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We believe mental health care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a sliding fee scale based on your income and financial situation.
Can my partner join me after I start individual therapy?
Yes. Including your partner in therapy can often be helpful. If your partner prefers to see a different therapist, we can help you transition to someone better suited for couples work.
What if I need medication?
If medication might help, your therapist will discuss options with you. If needed, they’ll refer you to a trusted provider for evaluation and possible prescription.