Getting Started -

Getting Started with Counseling in Columbus, GA or Online Across Georgia

Compassionate, simple, and supportive from your very first step.

Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re already carrying stress, grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. At Refinery Counseling Services, we make the process clear, comfortable, and respectful so you know exactly what to expect.

Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, group counseling, faith-integrated therapy, or clinical supervision, our team is here to guide you with warmth and professionalism from your first call to your first session — and beyond.

If you’re ready to begin mental health counseling in Columbus, GA or virtual therapy anywhere in Georgia, here’s how to get started.

Step 1 — Reach Out to Schedule

Starting is simple. Choose the option that feels easiest:

Call our office
Send an email
Complete the form on our Contact page

Our team will:

Respond promptly
Answer your questions
Match you with the right clinician
Offer available appointment times

Step 2 — Insurance & Payment Basics

We believe cost transparency reduces stress. Before your first visit, we’ll help you understand your options.

We may accept:

Major commercial insurance plans
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
HSA/FSA cards
Private pay options

Helpful to know:

You may have a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance
Benefits vary by plan
We can help verify coverage before your first session

For full details, visit our Insurance & Payments page.

Our goal is simple: no surprises — just clarity.

Step 3 — Complete Intake Paperwork

Before your first appointment, you’ll receive secure electronic forms that help us understand:

Your background and concerns
Health and therapy history
Goals for counseling
Insurance/payment information
Consent and confidentiality forms

Completing these ahead of time allows your first session to focus on you, not paperwork.

Step 4 — Your First Therapy Session

Your first session is a conversation — not an interrogation.

There’s no pressure to “have everything figured out.” This time is simply for us to get to know you.

During your first visit, you can expect to:

Talk about what brought you to therapy
Share current challenges or symptoms
Discuss your goals and hopes
Ask questions about the process
Create an initial plan together

Many clients say they leave their first session feeling:

Relieved
Heard
Clearer about next steps
Less alone

Our priority is helping you feel safe, respected, and supported.

Step 5 — Ongoing Care & Progress

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions, then adjust to bi-weekly or monthly as they build skills and confidence.

Together, you and your therapist will:

Track progress
Adjust goals
Develop practical tools
Support long-term growth

Healing happens at your pace — not ours.

Is Counseling Right for Me?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying more than you can manage alone, therapy may help.

People often reach out when they’re navigating stress, life changes, relationship challenges, or emotional pain. You don’t need a diagnosis or a “perfect reason” to start — just a desire for support.

Explore the specific concerns we treat on our What We Treat page
Learn more about therapy options on our Services page

In-Person & Online Therapy Options

In-Person Counseling: Columbus, Georgia

Virtual Therapy (Telehealth): Available anywhere in Georgia through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform

You can choose the format that fits your life and comfort level.

Still Have Questions?

Looking for quick answers about:

Session length
Frequency
Supervision or group therapy
Policies

Visit our FAQ page for more details.

Ready to Begin?

Starting therapy is a brave first step — and you don’t have to take it alone.

Schedule your first appointment today and begin moving toward clarity, confidence, and healing.