Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calm Waters Wellness? What do you provide?

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Calm Waters Wellness is a group counseling practice based in Apollo Beach, Florida. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families throughout Florida through both in-person, walk and talk, and telehealth appointments.

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What types of therapy do you offer?

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Our therapists provide treatment for a variety of concerns, including:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma and PTSD

• Stress and burnout

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Life transitions

• Parenting challenges

• Self-esteem concerns

• Eating disorders

• Addiction and Recovery

• OCD

• ADHD

• Autism

• Women's issues

• Teen and child behavioral concerns

• Couples counseling

• Family therapy

• Christian Counseling
   

Treatment approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

• EMDR

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Solution-Focused Therapy

• Play Therapy

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches

• Walk & Talk Therapy
   

Where are you located?

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Calm Waters Wellness is located in Apollo Beach, Florida. We also provide secure online therapy to clients throughout Florida.

Many of our clients come from:

• Apollo Beach

• Riverview

• Brandon

• Sun City Center

• Ruskin

• Valrico

• Tampa

• Lithia

• Wimauma
   

​Do you offer in-person therapy?

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Yes. All of our therapists have in-person counseling appointments available at our Apollo Beach office. We also offer Walk & Talk appointments in a nature preserve adjacent to our office. 

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Do you offer online therapy?

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Yes. We offer secure telehealth counseling throughout Florida. Virtual therapy can be a convenient option for busy professionals, parents, college students, and anyone who prefers to attend sessions from home.

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Do you accept insurance?

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Many of our therapists are in-network with various insurance plans. Coverage varies by insurance provider and therapist. Our office can accept United, Optum, Oscar, Florida Blue, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna. We also accept the Step Up for Students Scholarship for Unique Abilities offered through the State of Florida. We are NOT currently in-network with Tricare, Medicaid, or Medicare plans. If you have questions about insurance, please contact us and we will help you determine your benefits and available options.

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Do you offer self-pay appointments?

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Yes. Some clients prefer to pay privately or may choose to work with a therapist who is not in-network with their insurance. Our self-pay rate for intake appointments is $150/hour and $130/hour for individual therapy appointments. 

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How long are therapy sessions?

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Most therapy sessions are 55 minutes long. Some clinicians may offer abbreviated or extended sessions when clinically appropriate.

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How often will I attend therapy?

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The frequency of therapy depends on your needs and goals. Many clients begin with weekly sessions and gradually transition to biweekly or monthly appointments as progress is made. Treatment plans are individualized for each client.

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What are your office hours?

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We are open Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm and on Friday, 8am-6pm. Appointment availability varies by clinician. Many therapists offer appointments daily with some early morning, afternoon, and/or evening availability. 

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What ages do you work with? Who do you serve? 

Our clinicians work with individuals across the lifespan. Depending on the therapist, services may be available for:

• Young children

• Adolescents

• College students

• Adults

• Couples

• Families

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How do you help children and teens?

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Several clinicians at Calm Waters Wellness provide counseling services to children and adolescents. We do NOT provide psychological testing at this time. 

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Common concerns include:

• Anxiety

• ADHD

• Emotional regulation

• School difficulties

• Behavioral concerns

• Social challenges

• Depression

• Family transitions
   

How do you help couples?

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Couples counseling can help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate conflict, and strengthen their relationship.

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Can therapy help with anxiety?

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Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common concerns we treat.

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Therapy can help individuals:

• Understand anxiety triggers.

• Develop healthy coping strategies.

• Challenge unhelpful thinking patterns.

• Reduce panic symptoms.

• Improve confidence and overall well-being.
   

Can therapy help with depression?

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Yes. Therapy can help people experiencing:

• Persistent sadness

• Loss of motivation

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Irritability

• Stress

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep or appetite

Treatment is individualized and may involve evidence-based approaches designed to support recovery and improve quality of life.

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Do you provide trauma therapy?

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Yes. Several clinicians have specialized training in trauma-informed approaches and therapies designed to help individuals process traumatic experiences and develop healthier coping skills, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

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Do you offer medication management?

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No. While we do not prescribe medication, we collaborate with many trusted providers within the community who do and can provide clinically appropriate referrals as needed. 

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How do I know which therapist is right for me?

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You do not have to figure that out on your own.

Our team considers:

• Your goals for therapy

• Areas of concern

• Age and stage of life

• Insurance coverage

• Schedule preferences

• Therapist specialties

We strive to connect you with a clinician who is a good fit. If we can't accommodate your needs, we will do our best to refer you to someone who can. 

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What should I expect during my first session?

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During your first appointment, your therapist will:

• Learn about your concerns and goals.

• Review your history and current symptoms.

• Discuss treatment recommendations.

• Answer any questions you may have.

• Work with you to develop a plan for moving forward.

There is no pressure to share everything immediately. Therapy is a process that develops over time.

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Is therapy confidential?

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Yes, your privacy is important to us. Therapists are legally and ethically required to maintain confidentiality except in certain circumstances required by law, such as:

• Concerns about immediate safety.

• Suspected abuse or neglect.

• Court orders or legal requirements.

Your therapist will review confidentiality in greater detail during your first session.

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What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?

Feeling nervous is completely normal. Many people are unsure what to expect when they begin counseling. Our goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can move at a pace that feels comfortable.

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How soon can I begin therapy?

The time between your initial inquiry and your first appointment depends on several factors, including:

• Therapist availability

• Insurance requirements

• Your scheduling preferences

• Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth sessions

Clients who are open to daytime appointments or telehealth services may have access to more immediate openings. Those seeking in-person evening appointments may experience longer wait times due to increased demand.

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How do I get started?

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Getting started is simple.

1. Call our office - or simply complete the Scheduling Request Form on our website.

2. Our team will review your information.

3. We will match you with a therapist based on your needs, schedule, and insurance.

4. You will receive information about scheduling your first appointment.

If we believe another provider would better meet your needs, we are happy to provide referrals.