Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dovetail Counseling located and who do you serve?
Dovetail Counseling is based in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the State Bank Financial building. I work with adults from La Crosse, nearby communities like La Crescent and Winona, and anyone in Wisconsin seeking in-person or virtual therapy. If you are searching for a licensed therapist or mental health counseling in La Crosse or Wisconsin, you are in the right place.

What types of therapy and counseling services do you offer?
I offer individual counseling using evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma. I specialize in therapy for ADHD, executive function challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. Sessions are tailored to your needs to support your healing, growth, and mental wellness. Group therapy is coming soon.

Is teletherapy or online counseling available?
Yes, I provide secure teletherapy sessions for anyone residing in Wisconsin. Virtual therapy is a great option for those who prefer the convenience and comfort of getting mental health support from home. In-person sessions are also available at my La Crosse office if you would rather meet face-to-face.

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy and how does it help with trauma?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an innovative, evidence-based approach that uses guided imagery and bilateral movements to help people process and recover from trauma. Many clients find ART to be a gentle and effective way to address traumatic memories and move forward.

How do I schedule a therapy appointment?
To get started, fill out the contact form on my website (https://dtcounseling.org/contact). I will reach out to schedule a free phone consultation, where we’ll talk about your needs and determine if we are a good fit. If we decide to work together, you’ll set up an account in my secure client portal to complete your intake paperwork online. Once your paperwork is finished, we can complete your first session.

What can I expect from my first therapy session?
During your first session, we will review your intake paperwork, and I will take time to understand your goals, experiences, and what you hope to get out of therapy. This is a time for us to begin building connection and trust so you feel supported from the start. All intake paperwork should be completed at least a day before your session.

How long are sessions and what are your fees?
Most sessions last about 50 minutes, though other lengths are available. Fees depend on the appointment length, and I offer a sliding scale for those who need financial flexibility. For full details, please visit my fee page (https://dtcounseling.org/services-1).

Do you accept insurance or offer affordable counseling options?
I accept several insurance providers through Headway, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Quest Behavioral Health, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, and Aetna. I am in the process of applying to United Healthcare (Optum) as well. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a detailed invoice called a “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance company. I also offer private pay options, and my sliding scale helps make counseling more accessible to those who need it. All payments are processed securely through a HIPAA-compliant platform. For more detail check out my Headway profile page (https://care.headway.co/providers/jennifer-walker-9?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=143663)

Is therapy confidential and what are the limits of confidentiality?
Your privacy is very important to me. Therapy sessions are confidential, and we will discuss all the limits of confidentiality at your first session. If you use insurance, your provider may require some information related to your treatment. As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I am a mandatory reporter, which means I must act if I believe you or someone else is at risk of harm or if a minor is being harmed. I may occasionally consult with other licensed professionals for supervision, but I only share the minimum information necessary and always protect your identity.

How do I find the right therapist or know if therapy is right for me?
Finding the right therapist is about feeling comfortable, heard, and respected. I encourage you to request a free phone consultation with me through my contact page (https://dtcounseling.org/contact) to see if we’re a good match for your needs. There is never any obligation to continue if you decide therapy with me is not the right fit. Therapy can benefit anyone who wants to work on personal growth, cope with life’s challenges, or heal from difficult experiences.

Do you offer therapy for ADHD or executive function challenges in adults?
Yes, I specialize in working with adults facing ADHD and executive function challenges. Using a blend of therapies such as CBT and ACT, I help clients develop skills to manage attention, organization, and emotional regulation so they can thrive at work, home, and in relationships.

Can therapy help with anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues?
Absolutely. I have extensive experience helping clients overcome anxiety, depression, and stress related to life changes or adjustment disorders. Therapy provides a supportive space to understand what you are going through and learn effective strategies for feeling better.

What are the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches you to accept difficult feelings and commit to actions that reflect your values. Both approaches are proven to help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.

How often should I attend therapy sessions and what is your availability?
Most clients find that weekly sessions are helpful in the beginning to build rapport and momentum. Together, we can decide what schedule works best for you. My practice is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM. I do not offer evening or weekend appointments.

What is your cancellation policy?
When you schedule an appointment, that time is reserved specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice so I can offer your spot to someone else. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in a fee, as it is important to keep my schedule full in order to serve as many clients as possible.

Will I have homework or resources between sessions?
Depending on your needs and goals, I may offer resources, activities, or “homework” to support your progress between sessions. This is always tailored to what you are comfortable with and what will help you most.

What should I do if I am experiencing a mental health crisis?
Dovetail Counseling is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in crisis or have urgent safety concerns, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room or crisis center right away.

Can I contact you between sessions?
You are welcome to reach out between sessions if you need to reschedule or have a quick question, but ongoing therapy is only provided during scheduled appointments.

Are virtual therapy sessions as effective as in-person therapy?
Many clients find that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person counseling for most issues. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your privacy and create a supportive environment, whether you are meeting with me in person or online.

How does group therapy work and when will it be available?
I am planning to launch group therapy in the near future. Group counseling offers a supportive space to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. If you are interested in group therapy, please let me know so I can contact you when groups are forming.