“My Decision to Contract with
Carolina Counseling Services has been so Rewarding!”

Interview with Amy Love, LCSW

How did it all Start for You, Working as a Counselor?

In order to become a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker, one needs to have two years of full-time clinical experience. That process was not an easy one for me since I was working as an employee for local agencies. In the beginning, I worked for an agency concerned with the welfare of children. In that setting, I was frequently told how I would treat patients by persons who themselves were not licensed clinicians. As a result of this it motivated me to look into self-employment. I also wanted to have more choice in the populations I served, based on my own expertise.

What was it Like When You First Contracted with Carolina Counseling Services?

In February 2017, I became fully licensed and submitted my resume to Carolina Counseling Services. My training and credentialing process started in March, and I was ready to take clients in September. During that time, they helped me prepare for private practice with a solid foundation. Once a clinician becomes ready to see clients, it is clear that the owners are not in the business of running your practice; but they are always there for you, and you can have a mentor, if you like. That was a great option for me.

Why was it so Important to have a Mentor?

Sometimes when a therapist is just getting started, it can be a little scary, and having a mentor can be very helpful. When you contract with Carolina Counseling Services, they help make it easy to be great at what you do. They make sure you understand the systems and how things best work in order to be on your own before seeing your first client.

What Did You Find to be Different as a Contractor for Carolina Counseling Services versus an Employee at a Public Agency?

While working with other agencies, I was often limited to only being able to take clients who had one of two insurances. I was also limited to the type of services I could provide. For example, while many of my clients might have benefited from my expertise in resolving parenting issues, I was restricted to providing other services that did not require such specialized knowledge.

How Does that Make Carolina Counseling Services Different?

Elsewhere, a lot of clinicians need to have multiple jobs or contracts since many other mental health providers restrict the types of services they provide, often based upon particular insurance coverages. Contracting with Carolina Counseling Services has opened the door for me to work with a larger population, now being credentialed with more insurances than before. In addition, since I am a contractor, I can choose to provide services to those I can best serve with my specific clinical expertise.

Why Are Certain Insurances a Particular Concern?

Working for other agencies, when it came time for insurance audits, I would cringe. Audits are conducted to ensure there has been proper recordkeeping and to check for errors. For many agencies, this is a harrowing experience with multiple inconsistencies being brought to light. In the dynamic arena of healthcare, Carolina Counseling Services stays on top of frequent Insurance updates as well as changes to other insurance coverages. I was pleased that the last insurance audit here at Carolina Counseling Services scored a perfect 100% (with the most strict insurances I am aware of!) That alone speaks volumes!

How has Contracting with Carolina Counseling Services Given You a Unique Opportunity to Learn New Things?

Since I am a contractor, this means that I work for myself in my own practice. When it’s your own private practice, everything you do represents you. For me, I was encouraged by that to perfect my craft and be the best therapist that I could be. Every independent contractor has to decide for themselves what they truly want to do. I have taken a special interest in anxiety disorders, and I believe that many individuals treated for things such as depression, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia, are in fact largely suffering from symptoms of severe anxiety.

Why is Working as a Contractor for Carolina Counseling Services Profitable?

With the Administrative Support we are given, we don’t have to worry about billing or marketing. I see clients and do my notes from my home office. That’s it: See clients; do notes. That’s what I went to school for. I have been completely booked from the very start, and I also enjoy a steady, stable income that has not been affected by the pandemic.

How has the Pandemic Shaped the Face of Counseling?

During this pandemic, people have had to make drastic changes to their life, which has been quite stressful for many. More people are working to be better versions of themselves, and now with greater access to counseling, issues may be addressed before a crisis occurs. A potential fire can be put out before it starts. We can then break through barriers, maintain a positive outlook, and not be caught up in the issues of discontent that are all around us today. In this way, our clients benefit from having a professional to talk to, which then helps them to better connect with others at work, in business, with their families, and in our community.

Is Teletherapy Covered by Insurance?

Before the pandemic, only one insurance that I am credentialed with covered teletherapy. Now many do. Some are permanent, some are temporary, and some have not yet decided how long they will offer it. Currently, most insurances offer it to their beneficiaries.

How Has the Introduction of Teletherapy Been of Benefit to Patients?

The use of teletherapy has been a relief for most patients, and it has been a welcome change by offering them more availability. For most, rather than being in an office setting, this makes it easier for them to talk about sensitive issues. When they are able to meet with their therapist from the privacy of their own home, or even on their lunch break at work, it reduces the number of reasons the client may have for not seeking needed therapy.

How has Contracting with Carolina Counseling Services Shaped Your Overall Career Goals?

In the beginning, working with Carolina Counseling Services seemed like it was too good to be true. Now, looking back, it has been peaceful, therapeutic, and everyone is helpful. I rest better knowing my work is respected with this team, and my career is stable. My plan is to continue to learn and grow as a professional. With the outstanding support of management and staff, it has simply been great. I’m looking forward to the future. After over four years with no unpleasant surprises, the transparency, it’s finally a reality. Today my career is everything I prayed for and more.

What do You Believe are the Best Reasons for Contracting with Carolina Counseling Services?

They never take shortcuts with insurance or legal regulations, and I can work in a stress-free environment with no worries or micro-management. Therapists have to work hard to get their license, and they don’t want to put their livelihood in jeopardy by working for or with a company that, either intentionally or through negligence, gets shut down for industry or ethical violations. I never have to worry about that here. Legal and Ethical standards are always a priority with Carolina Counseling Services – they have the same perspective that I do, and it is a comfort to know I don’t have to worry about this.

What Brings You the Most Happiness in Life?

The time I spend with my family, creating memories. My husband, my son, and I enjoy the life we share. Being a Clinician also adds happiness in my life. It is amazing when your purpose, and passion simultaneously work together to help others. Big picture, the way I look at it is I’m going to my grave knowing the work I’ve done will speak for me.

What Advice Would You Offer to Someone Considering Contracting with Carolina Counseling Services?

If you know you want to be a clinician, but you don’t know where to start, Carolina Counseling Services is the best place for you. It was when I started in 2017, and it still is now in 2021. Here, you have the golden opportunity to do what you want to do, and that is to help others in the unique way that only you can provide. I believe this is important and is the basis of Carolina Counseling Services’ careful matching of client and therapist.

Are you considering taking the next step to a great career? I encourage you to contact Carolina Counseling Services!

“If you leave your dreams on your pillow, you might just as well stay in bed. To make your dreams come true, you have got to get up and take action.”