Counseling FAQ — David Hudson Counseling | Albuquerque, NM

Question 1

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an intake — a structured conversation where I ask questions to understand what brought you here and what you're hoping to get out of counseling. You will also have time to ask me anything you want to know before we get started.

Question 2

Do I have to commit to a certain number of sessions?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no minimum commitment. Some people come for a few sessions to work through a specific issue. Others stay longer. We will set goals early on and check in regularly on progress — you are always in control of how long we work together.

Question 3

I have never been to counseling before. What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel some nervousness before the first session — that is completely normal. Counseling is not about being told what to do. It is a structured conversation aimed at helping you understand what is getting in your way and what to do about it.

Question 4

What if I am not sure counseling will help me?

Accepted Answer

Most people are not sure.  The free consultation is a good way to find out — we will talk through the issues that you want to work on and I will give you an honest assessment of whether counseling is likely to be useful for your situation. If it is not the right fit, I will tell you that too.

Question 5

How much does a self-pay session cost?

Accepted Answer

The standard rate for self-pay clients is $80 per session. A sliding scale is available for clients who need it — reach out and we can discuss what works for your situation.

Question 6

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I accept most major insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicaid NM, Medicare, Tricare, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan, Curative, and Optum. Contact me to confirm your specific plan before scheduling.

Question 7

What if I do not have insurance or my plan is not accepted?

Accepted Answer

Self-pay is always an option at $80 per session. A sliding scale is available based on financial need — just ask when you reach out and we'll figure something out.

Question 8

Can I do sessions by video or phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer in-person sessions at my Albuquerque office, secure telehealth video sessions, and telephonic (phone) sessions. Most services are available in all three formats. Couples and family sessions are available in-person or by video.  I prefer that the intake session be done in person, or at least by video session, if at all possible.

Question 9

Is telehealth as effective as in-person?

Accepted Answer

For most presenting concerns, yes. Telehealth works well for individual, couples, and family counseling. If your situation calls for in-person work specifically, I will let you know.

Question 10

Where is your office?

Accepted Answer

My office is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is near Candelaria and Carlisle.

Question 11

Is what I say in sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is confidential under state and federal law. There are a small number of legal exceptions — for example, if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases involving child abuse. I will explain these limits clearly before we begin.

Question 12

Will my employer or family members find out I am in counseling?

Accepted Answer

No. I cannot share that you are a client, or anything discussed in sessions, without your written consent. The only exceptions are the narrow legal ones described above.

Question 13

Do you work with court-ordered clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with clients referred by courts, probation officers, and legal proceedings — including DWI programs, anger management mandates, and domestic violence situation referrals. Court-ordered clients receive the same professional care and confidentiality as any other client.

Question 14

Will you provide documentation to the court?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I provide accurate, timely documentation of attendance and progress as required by your court order. Bring a copy of your order to the first session so I understand exactly what is required.

Question 15

Can court-ordered counseling actually be helpful?

Accepted Answer

It can be. The legal requirement gets you in the door, but what happens in the sessions is real work. Many clients who started because they had to end up finding it genuinely useful. I approach every client the same way regardless of how they got here.

Question 16

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work primarily with adults, but I also work with children 13 and up. If you have questions about a specific situation, reach out and I will let you know if it is a good fit.

Question 17

Do you work with couples who are not married?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Couples counseling is available to any two people in a committed relationship, regardless of marital status.

Question 18

What issues do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

I work most frequently with anxiety, depression, anger, addiction and substance use, trauma and PTSD, relationship conflict, grief, life transitions, stress and burnout, self-esteem, family conflict, and court-ordered counseling. If you are not sure whether your situation fits, just ask.

Question 19

I am worried about being judged.

Accepted Answer

That is one of the most common reasons people have for not reaching out.  We forget that we get judged all the time.  If we talk and you decide that I can help you, you have made a judgment about me.  Judgments are neither good nor bad, it is what we do with them.  Realistically, you want to work with somebody who you have judged can help you.

Question 20

What if I do not know how to talk about what I am going through?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to have it figured out before you come in. Part of what we do in the early sessions is help you put words to what is happening and how it is affecting you. You can start with 'I don't know where to begin' — that is a perfectly fine place to start.

Question 21

What if I have tried counseling before and it did not help?

Accepted Answer

That happens. Counseling is not one-size-fits-all, and a bad experience with one therapist does not mean it will not work with another. I would encourage you to mention what did not work before (as well as what did) as it helps me understand what approach is more likely to be useful for you.

Common questions.

Getting started

Insurance and fees

Telehealth and logistics

Confidentiality

Court-ordered counseling

Who I work with

Common concerns

Still have questions?