Finding direction on your journey...
ODYSSEY COUNSELING SERVICES
We are professional mental health counselors who are here to guide you through your journey. We understand everyone experiences challenges in life and we can offer the support needed to get you through those difficult times. We offer a safe and therapeutic environment as well as provide compassionate and professional counseling services to individuals, couples and families.
For more information about our services please browse through the website and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
GET TO KNOW US
STEPHANIE NEELANS, MA, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I have been working in the Counseling Field for over 20 years. I attended the University of Northern Iowa for both my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. The issues I often work with are depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, stress and work related issues. I work with adults 18 and over.
I enjoy meeting and connecting with people to build a therapeutic relationship. I firmly believe in the importance of the relationship between therapist and client and strive to help clients feel comfortable opening up and talking through their struggles. I understand the challenges life can bring at times and am here to guide others through their own personal journey. I know sometimes going through the most difficult times in our lives can lead to positive changes if there’s a willingness to work through it and move forward.
STEPHANIE HEBERT, MA, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I strive to empower individuals and help others achieve their goals through insight and developing personal strengths. I believe developing healthy relationships, finding life balance, and restoring an individual's inner world is vital in establishing one's overall well-being. Everyone goes through challenges and hardships in life. I respect how difficult it is to ask for help and receive support during these times. Building a therapeutic rapport, creating a safe place in the counseling process, and respecting every individual's life journey is important to me.
I have been offering counseling services to adults for over 15 years. Some of the many issues and populations I work with include anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, loss and grief, self-esteem and identity issues, phase of life concerns, abuse issues, and the LGBTQ+ population.
If you're interested in scheduling an appointment, I invite you to send me an email with your weekday availability and insurance provider, if applicable. Together, we can schedule an initial assessment to determine if we are a good fit for one another.
RELATIONSHIPS
Building and Maintaining Healthy Connections
FAQs
WHAT IS COUNSELING?
Counseling is a conversation with a trained mental health professional done in a confidential setting. It is an opportunity to discuss challenges one may be facing as well as a place to explore thought patterns and behaviors. A counselor is an objective, non-judgmental person who can assist in identifying changes a person can make to better their life circumstances.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THERAPY?
Therapy can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and how you relate to others. A person can learn new ways of coping and how to manage various difficulties, improve relationships, find resolutions to problems, and improve self-esteem.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THERAPY AND WHAT DO I DO IN THERAPY?
It is helpful to have an idea of what you would like to talk about at each session. This might include talking about difficulties with which you are struggling, sharing insights you have gained between sessions, or discussing what has worked or not worked for you. Sometimes it may take a few sessions to feel comfortable enough to talk about personal struggles and that is okay. For therapy to work it is important you engage in the process and put into practice what you learn.
HOW LONG DO SESSIONS LAST?
Sessions typically last 50 – 55 minutes.
TELEHEALTH
Through secure, HIPPA-compliant audio and video over the internet you can meet virtually with your licensed counselor. For TeleHealth, you will need a device such as a phone, tablet, or computer (with video and microphone capabilities) with a WiFi connection or data plan to connect to the internet. If you would prefer phone sessions please let us know. Instructions on how to get started with TeleHealth can be found by clicking the button below.
HOW FREQUENTLY WILL I BE SEEN FOR SESSIONS?
Therapy sessions are often scheduled weekly or every other week. Therapy can either be short-term or long-term and this will depend on a person’s needs and the issues that are presented.
IS COUNSELING CONFIDENTIAL?
Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of mental health counseling. For therapy to be successful, a trusting relationship needs to be built. Oftentimes, information that is disclosed in therapy is the first and only place a person has shared sensitive subject matter and it is important to know this information will not be shared elsewhere. Exceptions to confidentiality include: 1) Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of a child or elderly person that is disclosed by a client. 2) If the therapist has reason to believe a client may harm themselves or others, appropriate action needs to be taken to protect any or all parties involved. If a client would like information disclosed to another party this can be discussed with the therapist and a Release of Information form can be signed to allow for certain information to be shared.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Yes, we do! Some of the insurance carriers we accept include Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and HealthPartners (for those who are NOT employees of UnityPoint) insurance carriers. Our providers are NOT covered by Medicaid or Medicare.
We encourage you to verify your mental health coverage with your insurance carrier prior to the first appointment. To find out if your insurance covers mental health counseling you can call the number on the back of your insurance card. Questions to ask include:
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What are my mental health insurance benefits?
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What is the coverage amount per session?
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Is there a limit to how many therapy sessions are covered?
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Does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
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Do I need a referral from my primary care provider?
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How much is my deductible?
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If I haven’t met my deductible how much will I be responsible to pay for each therapy session?
UPDATE:
We are offering TeleHealth (video chat) sessions:
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Please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about whether TeleHealth is covered under your plan.
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Typically this number can be found on the back of your insurance card.
CAN I PAY OUT-OF-POCKET?
We understand that not everyone has health insurance coverage or wants to bill through their insurance company. If you prefer to pay with cash/check, credit, debit, or Health Savings Account cards, please reach out to us to learn about our self-pay rate. We are willing to work out a payment plan if needed as well. Do not hesitate to call us with questions or concerns.
CAN I SCHEDULE AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT/SESSION?
Absolutely! Feel free to look at our professional bios. You may give one of us a call or email us to set up your first appointment.
Stephanie Neelans (previously Harken): Please leave message with weekday availability and insurance provider (if applicable).
s.neelans@odysseycounselingservices.com
Stephanie Hebert: Please leave message with weekday availability and insurance provider (if applicable).
Odyssey Counseling Services
113 East 18th Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
We are located near the corner of 18th Street and Main Street in Cedar Falls. Our office resides in the back of the building which houses Align Chiropractic and Tango's Hair Salon, next to Hansen's Gas Station.
