Frequently asked questions

Your Questions, Answered

Looking for mental health therapy or counseling in Midland, Michigan from licensed professionals? This page covers our most common questions and gives you a feel for how we work. Whether you're new to therapy, exploring mental health support, or just trying to understand your options, we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered.

1. Will therapy or counseling actually help me? Mental health therapy can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, or just feeling stuck. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. We help people process emotions, shift patterns, build coping skills, and improve communication. If something’s weighing on you, therapy is a good place to start.

2. What is it like to start therapy for the first time? Your first therapy session is a chance to talk about what’s been going on, what you want help with, and what kind of support you’re looking for. You can share what you’re ready to, nothing more. No pressure, no judgment. It’s your space.

3. Do you accept insurance for therapy? What if I don’t have any? Yes, Middle Path accepts most major insurance plans. If you’re not sure what’s covered, our office manager Sue can check your benefits. However, it is the client’s responsibility to verify that we are in network with their plan. If you’re not using insurance, we offer private pay options. For those experiencing financial hardship, we have a limited number of need based scholarship spots available.

4. Can I get therapy online in Michigan? Yes, we offer secure telehealth therapy to adults anywhere in Michigan. Online mental health therapy works well for many people and is a flexible, effective way to get care without needing to travel. We use HIPAA compliant video platforms.

5. Can I do couples therapy even if my partner won’t come? Yes. Individual therapy focused on your relationship can still be powerful. We can help you understand patterns, build new skills, and make changes, even if your partner isn’t ready to attend.

6. What does DBT informed therapy mean? DBT informed therapy means your licensed therapist is fully trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and integrates DBT tools like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness into the work as needed. It’s not a full DBT program with groups and homework, but it brings the same clinical skillset into an individualized approach.

7. How do I know my therapist will respect my values? We don’t push beliefs or judge your path. Therapy at Middle Path is about helping you live in alignment with your values, not ours. If something feels off, we’ll adjust or help you find a better fit.

8. Do you work with neurodivergent clients, like people with autism or ADHD? Yes. We welcome neurodivergent adults, including those with autism, ADHD, and related traits. Our team includes therapists who are neurodivergent themselves. We support your communication style, sensory needs, and ways of thinking.

9. Can I change therapists if it’s not a good fit? Absolutely. The right fit matters. If your current therapist doesn’t feel like the right match, we’ll help you switch to someone else on the team who might be a better fit.

10. How do I schedule an appointment at Middle Path? Call or email us and Sue, our office manager, will help you find the right licensed therapist or counselor, check your insurance benefits, and get you scheduled. You can reach us at (989) 574 7382 or support@middlepaththerapy.org.

11. Do you offer free consultations? We do not offer free consultations. It’s hard to get a real sense of therapeutic fit in a quick phone call, and we believe a full first session gives you a better chance to experience how we work. If after that session it doesn’t feel like the right match, no pressure — we’ll gladly help you explore other options.

12. Can I message my therapist between sessions? Yes. Our secure client portal lets you send non urgent messages to your therapist. It’s great for scheduling or brief check ins. If you need more support between sessions, we can discuss extra time.

13. How can I tell if I’m dealing with depression or anxiety? You don’t need a diagnosis to know something’s off. If you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected, tense, or emotionally numb, mental health therapy can help clarify what’s going on and how to feel better.

14. Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy? No. Some clients come in with a diagnosis. Others just know they’re not feeling like themselves. Therapy is available whether or not you’ve been formally diagnosed.

15. What if I can’t afford therapy right now? If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover what you need, we offer private pay options. For those experiencing financial hardship, a limited number of need based scholarship spots may be available. We’ll talk with you to find the best fit for your situation.

16. What if something comes up in therapy that I don’t like? If something your therapist says or does feels off, bring it up. Therapy works best when it’s honest. We’ll listen, talk it through, and adjust if needed, or help you connect with another therapist if that’s better for you.

17. Where is Middle Path located? We’re in downtown Midland, Michigan, in the Courthouse Square Building across from the Midland County Courthouse. Some of our therapists also offer virtual only appointments.

18. How do I request my therapy records or how can an insurance company or third party get them? All records requests, including those from insurance companies, disability reviewers, attorneys, or other third parties, must be submitted by mail with a signed client authorization form. We do not accept records requests by phone, text, email, or social media. Requests without a signed release will not be processed.

If you are a current client and would like a copy of your records or want them sent elsewhere, please call our office and speak with Sue. She will walk you through the next steps. This policy protects your privacy and ensures we stay HIPAA compliant.

19. What is a Good Faith Estimate and do I get one? If you are not using insurance for services at Middle Path, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate that outlines the expected cost of your care. This applies whether you are uninsured or paying out of pocket.

You can request a Good Faith Estimate at any time, and we will automatically provide one when services are scheduled. If you receive a bill for services you paid out of pocket that is at least $400 more than your estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges.

This does not apply to services billed through insurance, including cases where deductibles or coverage change unexpectedly.

For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

20. Do you have a privacy policy or Notice of Privacy Practices? Yes. Our full HIPAA compliant Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request. It explains how your information is used, shared, and protected. If you have questions or need a copy, just let us know.

21. What if I am experiencing a crisis or emergency? Middle Path is not a crisis center and we do not provide 24/7 support. If you are in danger or need immediate help, do not wait for a response from our team. Please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline such as 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). We are not able to respond to emergencies outside of scheduled appointments.

22. Who handles billing, balances, and insurance questions?
Yeo & Yeo is our external billing partner and the best contact for anything related to payments, account balances, claims, or financial records. If you have a question about your statement, need help understanding an insurance denial, or want documentation for tax or reimbursement purposes, contact them directly.

📞 Phone: (989) 797-1400

Please note: Middle Path staff do not have access to billing systems or financial records. For accurate, timely support, reach out to Yeo & Yeo.