Frequently
Asked
Questions
Thinking about starting therapy or just trying to figure out how this all works? These are the questions Brooke hears most often, answered plainly. If something isn't covered here, the free 15-minute consultation is always a good place to ask.
Getting Started
What to expect before and during your first session.
How do I know if I need therapy? You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Most people come to Brooke not because everything has fallen apart, but because something isn't quite working — and they're ready to figure out what. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you've been "managing" for too long without actually feeling better, that's enough of a reason to reach out. There's no threshold you have to hit. Your struggles don't need to be dramatic to deserve support.
What happens in the free consultation? The free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure conversation — no forms, no intake process, no commitment. It's a chance for you to share a little about what's brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a feel for whether working with Brooke seems like a good fit. Brooke will share a bit about how she works and whether she thinks she's the right person to help. If it's not the right fit, she'll say so honestly — and she's happy to help point you in a better direction. There's no sales pitch here.
How do I know if Brooke is the right therapist for me? The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of how well therapy works — so finding the right fit genuinely matters. A few things that tend to matter most: Does the therapist's communication style feel comfortable? Do you feel heard rather than assessed? Does their approach make sense for what you're dealing with? The free consultation exists specifically for this. Brooke would rather you find the right therapist — even if that's not her — than commit to a working relationship that isn't quite right. Ask her anything during the consult that would help you decide.
Do I need a referral from my doctor for therapy? No referral is needed to work with Brooke. You can contact Camden Counseling directly to schedule a consultation. If your insurance requires a referral or prior authorization for mental health services, that's a plan-specific requirement — worth checking with your insurer before your first session, but not something Brooke requires on her end.
Format & Logistics
Where, when, and how sessions work.
Do you offer in-person and virtual sessions? Both. Brooke sees clients in-person one day per week at her office in Roswell, GA. Virtual sessions are available three days per week for clients anywhere in the state of Georgia. Many clients mix in-person and virtual depending on their schedule — that's completely fine and something you can work out together.There's no threshold you have to hit. Your struggles don't need to be dramatic to deserve support.
I'm not in Roswell. Can I still work with Brooke? Yes, if you're anywhere in Georgia, virtual sessions are available. Brooke is licensed in Georgia and sees virtual clients throughout the state, including in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Cumming, Sandy Springs, and beyond. You don't need to be near Roswell to work together. Brooke is also licensed in Florida, though the practice is not currently focused on attracting Florida clients. If you're in Florida and would like to inquire, you're welcome to reach out.
How long are sessions? Standard sessions are 50 minutes. The initial intake session may run longer to allow time for a fuller history and intake process.
What platform do you use for virtual sessions? Virtual sessions use a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll receive a link before your session and can join from a phone, tablet, or computer. The main thing you'll need is a private space where you feel comfortable talking.
What is the cancellation policy? Cancellations made less than 24 hours before a scheduled session are charged the full session fee. This fee is not covered by insurance. If you need to cancel, please do so as early as possible — Brooke understands that life happens and handles true emergencies with flexibility.
Brooke's Approach
How the work actually happens: methods, style, and what to expect in the room.
What is somatic experiencing? Somatic experiencing is a body-based approach to healing developed by Dr. Peter Levine. It focuses on noticing and working with physical sensations — the tightness in your chest, the held breath, the way your body responds to certain memories or stressors — rather than primarily talking about events. It doesn't involve anything physical in the conventional sense — no touch, no exercises, no movement routines. It's more about learning to notice what's happening in your body and using that awareness as a doorway into the deeper material. Many clients who've felt stuck with talk therapy alone find this dimension makes a significant difference.
What is your style as a therapist? Direct, warm, and collaborative, and occasionally funny, when that's what the moment calls for. Brooke's sessions don't feel like a formal assessment of everything you're doing wrong. They feel more like a real conversation with someone who is genuinely curious about you and fully in your corner. She uses humor and metaphor as tools — not to make light of hard things, but because the right analogy can sometimes unlock something that a hundred serious sentences couldn't. She won't tell you what to do with your life, but she will be honest with you — which is a different kind of support than pure validation.
Will I be given homework to do between sessions? Sometimes, if that feels useful and you want it. Brooke may suggest things to notice, try, or reflect on between sessions — but this is collaborative, not prescribed. Some clients find between-session practices helpful; others do their best work purely in the room. Both are valid, and the approach adapts to what works for you.
Do you ever tell clients what to do? Not in the directive sense. Brooke's approach is collaborative. You set the goals and direction, and she brings tools, perspective, and honest feedback. She'll reflect things back to you that you might not be seeing clearly, and she'll be direct when that serves you. But the work is ultimately yours. Therapy that tells you what to think or how to live tends to produce compliance, not change.
Cost & Insurance
Fees, accepted plans, superbills, and sliding scale. The financial side, plainly explained.
How much does a session cost? The standard session fee is $150 for a 50-minute session. If you're using in-network insurance, you pay only your copay or coinsurance. Sliding scale options are available for clients who need a reduced fee.
What insurance do you accept? Camden Counseling is currently in-network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), and Oscar Health. If your plan is listed, you'll pay only your copay or coinsurance at the time of service. Not sure if your specific plan is covered? Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask whether Camden Counseling or Brooke Widder, LPC is in-network.
My insurance isn't listed. Can I still work with you? Yes. You can pay privately at the standard rate, and you may also be able to use your out-of-network mental health benefits for partial reimbursement — particularly if you have a PPO plan. Brooke can provide a superbill — a detailed receipt with all the billing codes your insurance company needs — which you submit directly to your insurer for reimbursement. The amount you get back depends on your specific out-of-network benefits. Calling your insurer and asking "What are my out-of-network mental health benefits and deductible?" is the clearest way to find out.
Do you offer a sliding scale? Yes, a limited number of sliding scale spots are available for clients who need a reduced fee. This is discussed during the free consultation, with no documentation required and no judgment. If cost is a concern, please say so — Brooke would rather have that conversation than have it be the reason you don't reach out.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card? Yes. HSA and FSA cards are accepted for sessions. If you have a balance on either, therapy is a qualifying expense — it's worth checking.
Brooke's Specialties
Who Brooke works with, and her core focus areas for therapy.
What do you specialize in? Brooke's core areas of focus are anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ affirming care, women's mental health and life transitions, self-esteem and identity, and neurodiversity. These aren't just listed specialties — they're the populations and issues she's built her practice around.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients? Yes. Camden Counseling is a genuinely affirming practice. Brooke works with queer, trans, nonbinary, and questioning individuals, and her practice is built as a safe, non-judgmental space regardless of where someone is in their identity. You don't need to have language for your identity to start therapy, and you won't need to educate Brooke about your experience before the real work begins.
Do you work with neurodivergent clients? Yes. Brooke works with clients who have ADHD, autism spectrum experiences, and other neurodivergent presentations. Her approach adapts to the way your brain actually works — not a one-size-fits-all model that assumes neurotypical as the default. If you've had experiences with therapy that felt like it wasn't quite built for you, that's worth mentioning in a consultation.
Do you prescribe medication? No. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Brooke provides talk therapy and does not prescribe medication. If medication is something you're exploring or currently using, that's absolutely something to discuss — Brooke can collaborate with your prescribing provider if helpful, and can provide referrals to psychiatrists if you're looking for a medication evaluation.