Frequently Asked Questions

At Cedar & Ivy Counseling Services, we believe that a strong, trusting relationship between you and your therapist is the foundation for meaningful change. Because of this, your first session is all about creating a sense of safety, building connection, and helping us understand what brings you to therapy.

While the structure of your initial session may vary depending on whether you're attending individual or couples therapy, our focus is always on you—your goals, your experiences, and your hopes for the future.

Individual Therapy
In your first individual session, we’ll spend time getting to know you—your current concerns, relevant mental health history, and any emotional, relational, or physical symptoms you may be experiencing. We’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy and begin exploring what healing and progress might look like for you.

Together, we’ll co-create a plan that is tailored to your needs. We’ll also discuss the recommended frequency of sessions based on your goals and the level of support you're looking for.

Couples Therapy
In couples counseling, your relationship is the “client.” Your first session will focus on understanding the dynamics between you and your partner, exploring areas of strength and struggle, and identifying shared goals for your work together.

We create a space where both partners feel heard, respected, and supported. Our team draws from evidence-based approaches like the Gottman Method to guide this process, helping you understand what’s working in your relationship, what’s not, and where you want to go from here.

You can expect us to remain neutral, compassionate, and collaborative—supporting both partners equally as we begin working toward greater connection, communication, and clarity.

Yes, several of our therapists at Cedar & Ivy Counseling Services are in-network with major insurance providers in the state of Minnesota. However, coverage can vary depending on which therapist you work with, so it’s important to review the details below and verify your benefits with your insurance company before starting therapy.

Bethany is currently in-network with the following plans in Minnesota:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of MN

• HealthPartners

• Optum

• Medica MNCARE Medicaid

• Medica Minnesota Preferred

• Medica SelectCare

• Minnesota DSNP

• Medicaid

• PMAPs (Prepaid Medical Assistance Programs)

• UBH General

• UMR

• United Healthcare

• UCare

Angela and Anaka are currently in-network with:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of MN

• HealthPartners

• UCare

• Minnesota Medicaid

• PMAPs (Prepaid Medical Assistance Programs)

Please note:
At this time, our team is not in-network with any insurance plans in the state of California.

Important reminder:
We always recommend contacting your insurance provider directly before your first session. They can confirm whether your plan covers mental health services with our therapists and what your out-of-pocket costs may be (if any). Ask about copays, deductibles, and whether prior authorization is required.

If you’re not using insurance, we also offer private pay options and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

In addition to being in network with many insurance plans, clinicians at Cedar & Ivy Counseling Services accept the following billing/payment methods:

• Providing a Superbill so you can submit to your insurance's out-of-network benefits

• HSA and FSA cards

• Credit and debit cards

• Cash at the time of service

Our fee schedule is below. If you are using insurance, the cost at the time of session may vary depending on your unique benefits.

Diagnostic Assessment:

$210

Individual Therapy:

53 minute session - $160

33-52 minute session - $135

16-32 minute session - $110

Couples or Family Therapy:

55 - 75 minutes - $160-$185

Discernment Counseling

120 minute initial session - $300

90 minute follow up session - $200

Accelerated Resolution Therapy:

90 minute session - $210

Late Cancel (less than 24 hour notice) Fee:

$160

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected costs of therapy services when you are not using insurance or are paying out of pocket.

At Cedar & Ivy Counseling Services, we’re committed to financial transparency. Below is an estimate of potential charges based on our current self-pay fee schedule. Your actual costs will vary depending on the type and frequency of services you receive.

Fee Schedule for Self-Pay Clients

Diagnostic Assessment (Initial Intake):
• $210

Individual Therapy:
• 53-minute session – $160
• 33–52-minute session – $135
• 16–32-minute session – $110

Couples or Family Therapy:
• 55–75-minute session – $160–$185 (based on length)

Discernment Counseling:
• Initial 120-minute session – $300
• 90-minute follow-up session – $200

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART):
• 90-minute session – $210

Late Cancellation / No Show Fee:
• $160 (for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice)

Example of Estimated Yearly Costs

If you attend weekly 53-minute individual sessions for 12 months:
• 1 intake session ($210) + 51 sessions ($160 each) = $8,370/year

If you attend biweekly 53-minute sessions for 12 months:
• 1 intake session ($210) + 25 sessions ($160 each) = $4,210/year

Please note:

• This is only an estimate and not a bill. Your actual treatment plan will be based on your needs and preferences.

• You will not be charged for services you do not receive.

• You may request a written Good Faith Estimate at any time.

If you're using insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan’s coverage, copays, deductibles, and network status. We encourage you to verify benefits with your insurance provider directly.

If you have questions about billing or want help estimating your costs, we’re here to support you.

Online therapy—also known as teletherapy—is a secure and convenient way to receive mental health support from the comfort of your own space. At Cedar & Ivy Counseling Services, we offer virtual sessions to clients located in Minnesota and California, allowing you to access care without needing to travel to a physical office.

Before each session, you’ll receive a unique, secure video link through your client portal. Sessions are conducted in real time, just like in-person therapy, and can be accessed from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Research shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person care for many mental health concerns. It also allows for greater flexibility, privacy, and consistency—especially if you have a busy schedule, limited access to transportation, or simply feel more comfortable in your own environment.

We’re here to support you wherever you are—literally and emotionally.

Yes! In-person sessions are located at 816 S. Front Street in Mankato, MN.