Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits may I receive from therapy?

Numerous studies have found that there are benefits from psychotherapy in terms of being better able to manage difficult situations, improve relationships, and ease stress.

What are your hours? Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?

Sessions are by appointment only. For your convenience, evening and weekend appointments are available.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are usually 45-60 minutes long. However, session length can be adjusted, as needed. We ask that you come to the office 20 minutes prior to your first session to complete paperwork if you have not done so beforehand.

Where are you located?

Our primary address is 12021 Pennsylvania Street, Suite 202 in Thornton, Colorado 80241 near the intersection of 120th Avenue and I-25. Pennsylvania Street is located between Grant and Washington Avenues. The Outback Steakhouse parking lot backs up to our office in Penn Plaza. Take one flight of stairs up to suite 202. We are conveniently located in the north Denver metro area in Thornton near the communities of Westminster, Northglenn, Brighton, Broomfield, and Erie.

Our Northglenn office is located at 10465 Melody Drive, Suite 311 and 313, Northglenn, CO 80234. We are in the Melody Building near the corner of 104th and Melody Drive, a few blocks west of I-25.

How long will I be in counseling?

Length of time in counseling varies depending on the nature of the problem and your goals for counseling. Some people come for 1-2 sessions to address a transitory concern and others come for long-term support. During your first session, you will discuss what you hope to get from counseling, and your therapist will then have a better idea of how long counseling may last. However, it is important to know that you are in charge and can decide when your counseling goals have been met.

How does therapy work?

One theory is that when people have a place where they feel understood and when they have the space to examine what they believe, feel, and think, they become clearer about what they need in their lives. Also, a psychotherapist is trained to incorporate scientifically proven approaches that have been shown to ease difficult symptoms and improve relationships.

How can I pay for services?

Three Peaks Counseling accepts cash, check, credit cards, HSA, flex-spending, and Paypal for fees not covered by insurance. It is important to note that you will be responsible for any fees incurred with checks that do not clear your bank.

What To Expect

-warm & inviting space
-reliable support
-gentle & direct guidance
-feel more ease in life
-improved relationships
-cultivate inner strength

Do you accept insurance?

We currently accept insurance plans such as Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cofinity, and Beacon Health Options, as well as several others. Contact your insurance carrier to see if your provider is a preferred provider in your network. Even if Three Peaks Counseling is listed in your plan your individual provider may or may not be in-network. Most plans also provide out-of-network benefits. We are able to submit claims for in-network and most out-of-network plans.

What are your fees?

Fees vary by provider. For most providers initial sessions are $160.00, and subsequent sessions are $125.00 to $150.00. In certain circumstances we are able to reduce fees on a case by case basis. Please talk with your provider about available options.

What is your cancellation policy?

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy at Three Peaks Counseling. However, please cancel appointments as soon as possible so that others may use that time. Failure to cancel at least 24 hours in advance may result in being charged for that session. It is important to note that insurance companies do not pay for missed appointments so you, not your insurance company, would be responsible for paying for a missed session.

May I consult with my provider ahead of my initial appointment?

Yes! Feel free to contact your provider by phone to provide a brief outline of your concern. We will discuss whether we are an appropriate resource for your needs. If not, we will share appropriate referrals resources when possible. Also, one of the most important determinants of a good outcome in therapy is based on the therapeutic relationship. Feel free to ask our providers any questions that are important to you to help you find a good fit for you.

I have family and friends to talk to about my problems. How is therapy different?

We often cannot fully explore our own thoughts and feelings with family and friends because what we choose to do or not do may impact them. Although it is often quite helpful to discuss problems with family and friends, an outside perspective can identify other approaches for handling difficult situations. Our years of training and observing what others have found to be beneficial can help with identifying alternatives in your case.

What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist, and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists, Psychotherapists, and Psychiatrists treat mental health issues and help indiviudals reach optimum wellness. Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are licensed professionals who use "psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," to address a client's concerns. In the state of Colorado a Psychotherpist may or may not be licensed. However, you can be assured that all providers at Three Peaks Counseling are licensed mental health professionals, which means they have met rigorous educational and supervisory requirements. Additionally, the providers at Three Peaks Counseling are committed to ongoing training and education. In contrast, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in the medical treatment of psychiatric problems. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and may or may not offer psychotherapy. Licensed mental health professionals may refer clients to psychiatrists or other psychiatric professionals if it is determined that medication would be a beneficial adjunct to treatment.