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Accepting new clients for in-person in Mt. Airy, NC & Telehealth in North Carolina
Frequently asked questions
General
Yes, I currently accept select insurance plans for therapy services. Accepted insurance plans may change over time, so I encourage you to reach out if you have questions about coverage or eligibility.
Accepted Insurance:
Aetna
Medicaid - Partners
Medicaid - Healthy Blue (Starting June 1, 2026)
In process of being approved by:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
If your insurance is not listed above, self-pay options are also available.
Self-Pay Fees
• Intake Assessment (60–90 minutes): $200
• Individual Therapy Session (50–53 minutes): $125
Longer sessions may be available when clinically appropriate and are billed at a prorated rate.
A Few Helpful Things to Know About Insurance
Insurance benefits can vary depending on your specific plan. Before beginning therapy, I encourage clients to contact their insurance provider to better understand:
• Copays, deductibles, or coinsurance responsibilities
• Whether telehealth sessions are covered
• Whether your plan has session limits or authorization requirements
• Whether services are considered in-network or out-of-network
If you choose to use insurance benefits, your insurance company may require certain information, such as a mental health diagnosis or basic treatment information, in order to process claims and provide coverage.
Payment & Balances
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If insurance does not cover a session or a claim is denied, the remaining balance becomes the client’s responsibility.
If financial concerns arise, please feel comfortable discussing them with me. When possible, I may be able to discuss payment options or help connect you with additional community resources.
Self-Pay Fees
• Intake Assessment (60–90 minutes): $200
• Individual Therapy Session (50–53 minutes): $125
Longer sessions may be available when clinically appropriate and are billed at a prorated rate.
If financial concerns arise, please feel comfortable discussing them with me. When possible, I may be able to discuss payment options or help connect you with additional community resources.
Clients begin therapy by meeting weekly, especially during the early stages of counseling. In my experience, weekly sessions help create consistency, build trust in the therapeutic relationship, and allow us to work toward your goals in a more supportive and effective way. This is especially important in trauma therapy and play therapy, where safety, connection, and consistency are an important part of the healing process.
I tend to approach therapy a little differently than some providers. Rather than meeting only occasionally in the beginning, I recommend starting with weekly sessions so we can build momentum, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful progress more efficiently. Many clients tell me they begin noticing changes sooner when therapy feels consistent and connected.
That said, therapy is not meant to last forever. My goal is always to meet you where you are and support your growth in a way that feels manageable, sustainable, and helpful. As progress is made, some clients may choose to transition to biweekly or maintenance sessions over time.
Most people reach out for therapy when they are truly ready for support, healing, or change. I want to honor that readiness by creating a steady and supportive space to help you move forward — not slow you down.
From time to time, therapy records or therapist involvement may be requested in connection with custody cases, court proceedings, attorneys, DSS involvement, subpoenas, or other legal matters.
It’s important to understand that therapy and court involvement are very different roles. My primary role as a therapist is to support healing, emotional safety, and the therapeutic relationship — not to make custody recommendations, determine legal outcomes, or serve as an advocate for one side of a case.
Because court related services require additional time outside of therapy sessions, these services are billed separately and are not covered by insurance.
Court related services may include:
• Reviewing subpoenas or legal documents
• Communicating with attorneys or court personnel
• Preparing records, summaries, or letters
• Time spent preparing for court appearances or testimony
• Travel, waiting time, depositions, or court attendance
Court Related Fees
• Court related services are billed at $200 per hour
• Time is billed in 15 minute increments with a one hour minimum
• Court related fees and retainers are required in advance
Please note:
• Electronic communication such as texts and emails may become part of the clinical record
• Clinical records may be subpoenaed or released when legally required
• Communication through the secure client portal is encouraged for sensitive information
Retainers for Court Involvement
Because court related services often require significant preparation time, schedule adjustments, and extended availability outside of therapy sessions, a retainer is required before participating in legal or court related matters.
• A $1,000 retainer will be required upon receipt of a subpoena or request for court related services
• If testimony or a court appearance is required, an additional $500 court appearance retainer may be required prior to the scheduled court date
• Retainers are applied toward court related services billed at the established hourly rate
• Any unused portion of the retainer will be refunded
Court involvement can require substantial time spent reviewing records, preparing documentation, communicating with attorneys, traveling, and participating in hearings or testimony. Retainers help reserve this time and ensure availability for legal proceedings when required.
I understand legal situations can feel stressful and emotionally overwhelming. If court involvement becomes part of your case, I will do my best to communicate clearly, maintain professional boundaries, and support the therapeutic process while following legal and ethical obligations.
(For parents, see my Child/Teen Page for what to expect) here
Therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, safety, and connection. Together, we’ll work toward goals that feel meaningful and supportive for your life, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and healing journey.
The process usually begins with an intake session where we discuss your concerns, history, goals, scheduling, policies, and what you hope to gain from therapy. We’ll also talk about what approaches may best support your needs and answer any questions you have along the way.
As therapy continues, sessions may focus on processing emotions and experiences, developing coping skills, improving relationships, building self-understanding, or working toward specific goals that matter to you. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and the process can evolve over time as your needs and goals change.
Participation in therapy is always voluntary. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel safe, respected, and empowered to move at a pace that feels manageable for you. Over time, many clients begin to notice greater clarity, emotional balance, confidence, and connection in their daily lives.
Ashley Hamby Counseling, PLLC
Ashley Hamby Counseling provides trauma informed therapy for children, teens, and women in North Carolina. Services include EMDR therapy and Play Therapy for children and adolescents in Mount Airy and throughout Surry County, as well as virtual EMDR therapy statewide for women navigating anxiety, overwhelm, ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, and life transitions including college, career, and early adulthood.
Ashley Hamby Counseling PLLC
1427 Edgewood Drive
Mt. Airy, NC 27030
In-Person or Online/Telehealth
Phone: (336) 756-7258
Email: hello@ashleyhambycounseling.com
Fax: (336) 738-1435

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