Information & Resources
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your counseling journey.
Fees & Insurance
$170 per session
East Valley Trauma Counseling is not in-network with insurance providers. Upon request, a Superbill will be provided so you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement directly through your insurance company. At this time, Lauren Goldbach is only seeing first responders.
First Responders: First responders may be eligible for 100% coverage through HB2502 (Craig Tiger Act) — a department-covered benefit that provides up to 36 sessions per qualifying event, with one year to utilize them. Visit our First Responder page to learn more.
Expectations of Therapy
The ultimate goal of therapy is to graduate from counseling and use skills on your own. I believe that change occurs through the combination of a collaborative and mutually respectful relationship, as well as through therapeutic intervention.
I approach counseling from an integrative model based on your needs and the nature of your presenting issues. I work with a variety of therapeutic modalities, including: Internal Family Systems (parts work), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
In my work with first responders, I emphasize that trauma and therapy can affect all members of a family. For this reason, I strongly encourage clients to bring in their significant other, family members, or closest support person(s) for at least one session.
When you attend a session as a support (or "Collateral"), you are not considered a client or part of the treatment process. I can receive information from you about my client, but cannot respond to you without their express, written consent.
Counseling is not meant to be an ongoing, lengthy process. Depending on the issues with which you are struggling, counseling can be as brief as 6–8 sessions, or as long as several years for people with chronic and severe trauma symptoms.
Counseling is like any other endeavor you choose to begin — you will get as much out of it as you put in. My expectation is that you will attend weekly, or every other week, until you are able to use skills on your own, then drop in for "tune ups" as needed.
Insurance vs. Self-Pay
Why Choose Self-Pay?
- Insurances authorize strict 45–53 minute sessions. Trauma and couple's work requires a skilled balance of building trust, doing difficult work, and stabilization. Self-pay allows you to schedule in blocks of 1–3 hours, with 2 hours being the standard.
- Insurance companies require a medical diagnosis to authorize services. Mental health diagnoses can be used to make determinations about life or health insurance premiums.
- Insurance companies can review your treatment and decide how many sessions you can have, how frequently you can attend, and how long sessions can last.
- Most insurances do not cover phone or video sessions. Self-pay allows you this option.
- I make returning phone calls and emails a priority. I offer support outside of sessions because stressors don't wait for appointments. I keep my caseload down so no one ever has to wait weeks to get an appointment.
Can I Be Reimbursed by My Insurance?
Many services can be reimbursed by your insurance if you have "Out of Network Benefits." If I don't take your insurance, I can provide you with a 'Superbill,' which you can submit for direct reimbursement from your insurance provider.
What Types of Providers Are There?
There are different types of providers in the mental health field who perform different services. Their licenses depend on their level of education and training.
MD — Doctor of Medicine
Someone who has completed medical school. Psychiatrists hold MD degrees, have specialized training in psychiatric conditions and medications, and can prescribe medication, perform assessments and evaluations, and diagnose.
PNP — Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Someone who has completed a Master's Degree in nursing and can prescribe medication. They have specialized training in psychiatric conditions and medication, and can diagnose and sometimes also offer counseling.
PhD / PsyD — Doctoral Level
Someone who has completed a Doctoral program. These providers are often addressed as "Dr." but cannot prescribe medication. They are often trained in assessments and evaluations, can diagnose, and often offer counseling.
Masters Level Clinicians
There are three master's degrees that lead to being a counselor: Master of Social Work, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, and Master of Counseling. Independent clinicians have undergone national testing, years of clinical supervision, and logged over 3,200 hours of client contact before practicing independently.
Social Workers (LMSW / LCSW)
Someone who has completed a Master's degree in social work (MSW). MSW programs focus on a broad spectrum of issues including advocacy, social justice, diagnostics, and person-in-environment. MSWs cannot prescribe medication but can diagnose, counsel, and advocate.
Marriage and Family Therapists (LAMFT / LMFT)
Trained from a systemic perspective — working with individuals, couples, and families with the mindset that "context is key." MFTs cannot prescribe medication but can counsel in a variety of settings.
Counselors (LAC / LPC)
Someone who has completed a Master's degree in counseling. Counselors cannot prescribe medication but can counsel in a variety of settings. In AZ, LAC are associates and LPCs are independent.
State Licensure: All levels of licensure are governed by their respective Boards. You can verify any provider's license and search for disciplinary actions at www.AZBBHE.gov — click "Verifications."
Why Do Providers Charge for No-Shows and Late Cancellations?
Imagine showing up to your job as scheduled and being told you'll only be paid for 6 of the 8 hours you're there. You were promised 8 hours of work, showed up for 8 hours, but were only paid for 6.
Imagine having the option of two jobs today. You select one and the person cancels without enough time for you to take the second job. You missed out on income and can't fill that slot — but you still have bills to pay.
Providers make a commitment to you when they schedule you. I hold a slot specifically for you and no one else. Missed appointments create a loss of income for providers, who cannot bill insurance for hours someone did not show up.
If another client can be booked into the slot, I waive these fees. If not, there is an expectation that the hour will be paid in full to the clinician. Please feel free to talk to me if you have any questions.
Low Cost / Free Counseling
Counseling can be costly. No one should have to forgo services due to financial constraints. Here are resources for low-cost or free services:
Franciscan Renewal Center
Offers individual, family, and couple's counseling for the price of a donation. No one is turned away due to lack of funds.
Visit WebsiteOpen Path
Helps find affordable in-office psychotherapy between $30–$60 per session ($30–$80 for couples and family sessions).
Visit WebsiteReady to Get Started?
Have questions or want to schedule your first session? Reach out — I'm here to help.
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