Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is your specialty?

Katie Barillas Counseling specializes in complex trauma, religious trauma and deconstruction, EMDR therapy, and couples counseling, with LGBTQ+-affirming, IFS-informed care woven throughout. I work with individuals untangling who they are after years of shaping themselves around someone else's expectations, whether that's a childhood environment, a former faith system, or persistent burnout and perfectionism, and with couples navigating disconnection, trust repair, and communication patterns that keep resurfacing.

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What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a research-supported therapy that helps people process experiences that got stuck, the kind that keep showing up in your life long after they should have been over. If you're considering EMDR, I offer it as part of regular individual sessions or as adjunct support alongside your existing therapy.

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Do you work with couples?

Yes, couples counseling is one of my specialties. I work with partners on communication breakdowns, trust and repair after a rupture, and the deeper patterns that keep the same argument on repeat.

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What happens in a first session?

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Your first session is really a conversation. I want to understand your story, what's brought you to therapy now, and what you're hoping will be different. There's no pressure to have it all figured out before you walk in.


How often will we meet?

Most clients start weekly, especially early on, and shift to biweekly as things stabilize. We'll figure out the right rhythm together based on what you're working through.

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Do you offer a free consultation?

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Yes! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can talk briefly about what you're looking for and whether we'd be a good fit. If you'd prefer video, just mention it in the message box when you book. You can schedule your consultation here: https://katiebarillascounseling.sessionshealth.com/request

Fees & Policies

What are your session rates?

Individual counseling and adjunct EMDR: Intake session (60 min) $210, standard session (55 min) $175, extended session (90 min) $250.

Couples counseling: Intake session (60 min) $235, standard session (55 min) $195, extended session (90 min) $280.

I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots for clients with financial need. If cost is a concern, please don't let it stop you from reaching out. We can talk through options during your free consultation.

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Do you take insurance?

No, Katie Barillas Counseling is a private-pay practice, which means I don't bill insurance directly. I do provide superbills so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement if your plan offers it.

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What’s your cancellation policy?

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Appointments need to be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or any missed appointment without notice, will be charged the full session fee. This fee cannot be billed to insurance or submitted for reimbursement.


Do you require a deposit?

Yes, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your intake appointment. This deposit is applied toward your intake fee. The deposit is non-refundable, including for cancellations or missed appointments.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

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Payment is processed securely through Ivy Pay, a HIPAA-compliant platform built for therapy practices. A card is kept on file and charged at the time of service.

Logistics

Do you offer in-person sessions?

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Yes. I see clients in person at my Alpharetta, GA office, in addition to offering telehealth for clients located anywhere in Georgia.


Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. I offer telehealth to clients located anywhere in Georgia, as I'm only licensed to practice in this state. Virtual sessions are conducted via Google Meet, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.

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How do I get started?

Reach out through the contact form, by phone at 770-322-4174, or by email at katie@kbc.care, and you'll hear back within 1-2 business days to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. You may first hear from our intake coordinator, who will gather some initial information before connecting you with Katie. That call is a chance to talk through what's bringing you to therapy and make sure it feels like a good fit before we schedule your first full session.

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How do I schedule sessions as a current client?

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Current clients can log in to the client portal to view their account and complete intake paperwork: katiebarillascounseling.sessionshealth.com. For scheduling, reach out directly by phone at 770-322-4174 or email at katie@kbc.care.

Ready to talk?

A white ceramic vase with horizontal textured lines holds a bouquet of light pink and peach artificial flowers and orange-brown leaves. The vase is placed on a wooden sideboard in a room with a light-colored wall and abstract painting in the background.
A white ceramic vase with horizontal textured lines holds a bouquet of light pink and peach artificial flowers and orange-brown leaves. The vase is placed on a wooden sideboard in a room with a light-colored wall and abstract painting in the background.