FAQs2026-03-24T11:27:53-07:00

General FAQs

Do I have to be in crisis to come to therapy?2026-03-19T08:29:49-07:00

Absolutely not. Many of our clients come to therapy during periods of relative stability because they want to understand themselves better, strengthen their relationships, navigate a life transition, or simply have a dedicated space to process their thoughts and feelings. You do not need to be in crisis to deserve support.

What is the difference between a therapist, counselor, and psychiatrist?2026-03-19T08:29:31-07:00

A therapist or counselor is a licensed mental health professional who provides talk therapy and evidence-based treatment. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication. At Sunflower Counseling Montana our team consists of licensed therapists and counselors. If medication management is part of your care plan we can coordinate with your prescribing provider.

What is trauma-informed care?2026-03-19T08:29:15-07:00

Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates that understanding into every aspect of treatment. At Sunflower Counseling Montana all of our therapists practice from a trauma-informed framework — meaning we prioritize your sense of safety, choice, and control in every session regardless of whether trauma is the primary focus of your work together.

Is therapy confidential?2026-03-19T08:29:01-07:00

Yes. Everything you share with your therapist is strictly confidential and protected by law. There are a small number of legal exceptions — such as when there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others — which your therapist will explain during your first session. Outside of those narrow exceptions your privacy is fully protected.

Do you serve rural Montana communities?2026-03-19T08:28:45-07:00

Yes. One of our core commitments at Sunflower Counseling Montana is making quality mental health care accessible to every Montanan regardless of where they live. Through our online therapy platform we serve clients in rural and frontier communities across the entire state where local mental health resources may be limited or unavailable.

Can I switch between in-person and online therapy?2026-03-19T08:28:29-07:00

Yes. Many of our clients move between in-person and online sessions depending on their schedule, location, or personal preference. We want therapy to fit your life as seamlessly as possible.

Do you offer online therapy?2026-03-19T08:28:13-07:00

Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy for clients throughout Montana. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a private space. Online therapy is available for individuals, couples, children, and families and is covered by most major insurance plans.

Where are your locations?2026-03-19T08:27:58-07:00

Sunflower Counseling Montana has in-person therapy offices in Missoula, Kalispell, and Butte. We also offer online therapy for clients throughout the entire state of Montana including those in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, and smaller rural communities across the state.

Do you offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?2026-03-19T08:27:41-07:00

Yes. Sunflower Counseling Montana is fully committed to providing inclusive, affirming, and welcoming care for all LGBTQ+ clients. Every member of our team treats all clients with dignity and unconditional positive regard regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Do you offer couples and marriage counseling?2026-03-19T08:27:25-07:00

Yes. We offer couples therapy and marriage counseling at all of our Montana locations as well as online for couples throughout the state. Our therapists work with all couples regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Do you work with children?2026-03-19T08:27:04-07:00

Yes. Sunflower Counseling Montana works with clients of all ages including children as young as three years old. Our therapists use age-appropriate, play-based approaches for younger children and more traditional talk therapy combined with creative techniques for older children and adolescents.

Do you offer EMDR therapy?2026-03-19T08:26:48-07:00

Yes. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of our core specialties. Our trained EMDR therapists work with clients experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions. EMDR is available both in person at our Montana locations and via online therapy throughout the state.

What types of therapy does Sunflower Counseling Montana offer?2026-03-19T08:26:31-07:00

We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapy services including anxiety treatment, depression therapy, EMDR therapy, trauma and PTSD therapy, couples counseling, marriage counseling, grief therapy, child and adolescent therapy, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, alcohol treatment, drug treatment, relationship therapy, and online therapy statewide. If you are unsure whether we treat your specific concern please reach out and we will help point you in the right direction.

What is the Mental Health Parity Act and how does it affect my coverage?2026-03-19T08:26:12-07:00

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires most insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use treatment at the same level as other medical conditions. This means your insurance cannot charge you more or impose stricter limits on therapy than it does on other healthcare services. If you have questions about your specific coverage we are happy to help you navigate it.

Does insurance cover online therapy?2026-03-19T08:25:55-07:00

Yes. Following the expansion of telehealth coverage, most major insurance plans now cover online therapy at the same rate as in-person sessions when provided by a licensed mental health professional. Contact us and we will verify your telehealth benefits before your first appointment.

How much does therapy cost without insurance?2026-03-19T08:25:39-07:00

We offer sliding scale fees for clients without insurance or with limited financial resources. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to getting the support you need. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we will work with you to find an affordable path forward.

Does Montana Medicaid cover therapy at Sunflower Counseling?2026-03-19T08:25:22-07:00

We work with many Medicaid plans. Please contact us directly and we will help determine whether your specific plan is accepted and what your coverage looks like.

What insurance plans does Sunflower Counseling Montana accept?2026-03-19T08:25:03-07:00

We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact us directly at (406) 214-3810 or hello@sunflowercounseling.com and we will verify your benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

How long does therapy take?2026-03-19T08:24:42-07:00

This varies significantly depending on the individual and what they are working on. Some clients achieve their goals in 8 to 12 sessions. Others benefit from longer term support. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to set realistic goals and regularly review your progress so you always have a clear sense of where you are in the process.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to start therapy?2026-03-19T08:24:22-07:00

No. You do not need a referral to begin therapy at Sunflower Counseling Montana. You can contact us directly and we will guide you through the process from there.

How do I know which therapist is right for me?2026-03-19T08:23:57-07:00

When you contact Sunflower Counseling Montana we take the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and goals before matching you with a therapist. We consider factors like your presenting concerns, your schedule, your insurance, and your personal comfort level. If at any point you feel your therapist is not the right fit we will work with you to find someone better suited to your needs — no questions asked.

What happens during a first therapy session?2026-03-19T08:23:22-07:00

Your first session is primarily a chance for you and your therapist to get to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, your background, and what you are hoping to get out of therapy. You do not need to have everything figured out before you come in — simply showing up is enough. Most clients leave their first session feeling relieved that they reached out.

 

How do I get started with therapy at Sunflower Counseling Montana?2026-03-19T08:23:01-07:00

Getting started is simple. You can call or text us at (406) 214-3810, email us at hello@sunflowercounseling.com, or fill out the Request a Callback form on our website. We will reach out promptly to match you with a therapist who fits your specific needs, schedule, and insurance plan.

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