Care and Counseling Center of Georgia:
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia?

We are a group of licensed therapists from a variety of clinical training and background who offer pastoral counseling for individuals, families and couples. 

The Care and Counseling Center of Georgia has a staff of 30 counselors who provide services in over 20 offices located throughout the greater Atlanta area. The Care and Counseling Center of Georgia is accredited by The Samaritan Institute of Denver, Colorado and The American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

2. What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral Counseling is a specialized form of ministry which integrates the rich resources of theology, faith and behavioral sciences to provide hope and healing of mind, body and spirit. 

3. Do you provide counseling for people outside of any faith group?

Counseling in the pastoral tradition serves people of all faiths as well as those who profess no religious belief.  CCCG counselors respect each client’s wishes and do not impose their religious beliefs on the client.  They respond directly to the concerns people bring to counseling.

4. Why would I select a pastoral counselor?

While pastoral counselors have training in using the resources of other fields, such as psychology, interpersonal relationship issues, and marriage and family therapy, they also are skilled in addressing a person’s spiritual values and beliefs.  Other counselors are not usually specifically trained to include spirituality as part of the counseling process.  Pastoral counseling is counseling that is theologically sound, spiritually sensitive and clinically competent.

5. What does religion or psychology have to do with me?

The staff at Care and Counseling Center of Georgia believes that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated.  Using a multi-disciplinary staff in a team approach, they focus on the whole person to help in the growth process.

6. Who seeks counseling?

People who need help in their everyday lives, as well as those experiencing crises, come to the Center.  The Care and Counseling Center offers a helping hand for individuals, couples, families, and groups from all backgrounds and faiths with concerns such as:

• Marriage and family problems
• Interpersonal relationships
• Coping with loss or grief
• Job or vocation-related stress
• Spiritual meaning and direction
• Emotional problems associated with physical illness or accident
• Issues related to adolescents
• Dilemmas associated with aging, parenting, step-parenting or growing up
• Issues related to separation, divorce, remarriage and step-families
• Substance abuse

In addition to counseling services, the Center offers educational and consultation resources to local clergy, congregations, and communities.

The Center’s counselors are trained to equip others with the life skills necessary for addressing today’s challenges.  Seminar and workshop topics range from family relationships to stress management to spiritual growth, with a number of other topics available.

7. How do I know if I need counseling?  

(Quotes)

“I have tried to put the past behind me, but I feel like it still affects my life.”

“I feel a little blue most days now and I cry a lot.  Am I really depressed?”

“Our fights are always the same.  We can’t seem to connect the way we used to.”

“I don’t know my daughter anymore.  How can I help her?”

“What is the purpose of my life, anyhow?”

“I sometimes wonder if life is worth living.”

“Somehow my life has gotten off track and I feel so alone.”

“Our family is a mess.  It’s more like a filling station than a home.”

“I’m afraid my partner is addicted to the Internet.”

Care and Counseling is here for you to address concerns such as these.  You are not alone.

8. Is the information revealed in a counseling session confidential?

Your information and records are confidential within the boundaries of safety and legal issues.

9. What is the usual number of counseling sessions and how long is each session?

Each person’s need is different and the number of visits varies with each client.  Many people attend a counseling session once a week; others attend once every two weeks or less.  A session is usually 45 to 50 minutes, and a family or group session may last up to 90 minutes.

10. Do you offer couple and/or family counseling?

Yes, we have many qualified counselors to address individual, couples, or family issues.

11. Do you have counselors on staff who deal with children or adolescents?

Yes.  Since children are so different at different ages, we have counselors who work with certain age groups.  We have some counselors who work with children ages 4 to 7, and we also have counselors who work with children/adolescents 8 years and up.

12. Do you have a diverse counseling staff?

Yes.  We have counselors of many different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

13. Do you offer child care?

No.  We do not have the staff to take care of your child during your session.  If possible, please do not bring your child with you to your session as this may interfere with or interrupt your session.

14. What other services do you offer besides counseling?

CCCG offers, in addition to counseling:

• Groups
• Retreat leaders
• Business and church consultations
• Employee Assistance Programs and Congregational Assistance Programs
• Lay care giver education
• Pastoral education/CPE/Pastoral Counseling Training
• Pastoral Care Specialist Certification
• Speakers Bureau on a variety of topics related to spirituality and mental health.

15. How much does it cost?

A standard fee of $125 is charged for counseling services.  Payment is expected at the end of each session.  This fee is discussed prior to or as part of the first counseling session.  A sliding fee scale is available for those whose family size and income qualifies them for a reduced fee.

The Care and Counseling Center of Georgia strives to provide affordable counseling to all those who seek it.

16. Does my insurance cover my visits:

Since insurance varies so much today, we ask that you call your insurance company and ask.  On the back of your health insurance card, there is a toll-free number to call.  Ask if your insurance covers counseling.  If so, ask how many sessions, what is the co-pay, what is the deductible, and is there an authorization number for the approval of your sessions.  Also ask if the particular counselor assigned to you is an approved provider.  Bring this information and your insurance card to the first session.

17. What are your hours?

Our counselors make their own appointments, but generally clients are seen from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Our administration offices are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

18. How do I make an appointment?

Call our main number at 404-636-1457 and our receptionist can direct your call.  You may also call any therapist directly to schedule an appointment.