Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Common Thread offer?
Common Thread offers online counseling for individuals, couples/relational systems, and families across Oregon. Our clinicians support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress and burnout, neurodiversity, life transitions, grief, perinatal and postpartum changes, parenting challenges, and relationship concerns. We offer both short-term support and longer-term, deeply relational work.
Do you offer online or in-person counseling?
We are a fully online, telehealth practice, serving clients anywhere in Oregon and California. Sessions take place through a secure, easy-to-use video platform, allowing you to access meaningful care from home, work, or wherever you feel comfortable. Outside of normal business hours, clinicians may offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointment times.
What happens in the first counseling session?
The first session focuses on understanding your goals, history, and the concerns bringing you to counseling. Your clinician will work collaboratively with you to outline an initial treatment approach and answer questions about the process. Many clients describe the first session as grounding and clarifying.
How long are counseling sessions, and can I schedule longer appointments?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Some clients prefer extended sessions — especially for EMDR, trauma processing, or couples work — and your clinician can offer longer appointments at an adjusted rate.
Does Common Thread accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a Super Bill that you may submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement, depending on their plan. We’re happy to guide you through the questions to ask your insurer.
What is the fee for counseling sessions?
Fees are listed on our rates page.
How do I get started or schedule an appointment?
Visit the Connect with Us page, schedule a screening call, and complete the online Intake Form. Once submitted, you’ll receive an invite to a brief screening call to help match you with the best-fit clinician and answer any initial questions.
Are your therapists licensed?
Yes. All clinicians at Common Thread are licensed mental health professionals, with training across evidence-based modalities and relational, trauma-informed approaches.
Do you offer couples or relationship counseling?
Yes. We provide online couples and relationship counseling across Oregon and California. We are poly and CNM-affirming and welcoming. We support partners navigating communication challenges, rebuilding trust, life transitions, parenting stress, and disconnection, as well as partners seeking deeper understanding and resilience in their relationship.
Do you offer neurodiversity-affirming counseling or ADHD counseling?
Absolutely. Our clinicians work from a neurodiversity-affirming framework, supporting clients with ADHD, autism spectrum experiences, executive functioning challenges, sensory overwhelm, and identity exploration. We focus on understanding your lived experience rather than “fixing” you — and helping you create systems and strategies that support your well-being.
Do you offer counseling for teens or adolescents?
Yes. We work with adolescents (generally ages 12 and up) and their families. Counseling can support teens experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, school stress, social challenges, or identity exploration. Parents or caregivers may also be invited into sessions when helpful.
Is online counseling effective?
Yes. Research continues to show that telehealth counseling is as effective as in-person counseling, especially when sessions are consistent and relational. Many clients appreciate the convenience, privacy, and flexibility of working with their clinician from home.
How is Common Thread different from larger counseling agencies?
Common Thread is locally owned and intentionally small, not part of a large out-of-state corporation. The practice is led by a clinician with more than twenty years of experience in the field. This allows us to provide thoughtful, integrated, relational care and gives our clinicians the support they need to offer high-quality, compassionate treatment.
What if I’ve never done counseling before?
Many people begin counseling without knowing exactly what to expect — and that’s completely normal. Your clinician will guide you through the process at a pace that feels comfortable for you. In your first session, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you hope to change or understand, and any questions or concerns you have about starting counseling. There’s no pressure to share everything at once; counseling is a collaborative process that unfolds over time. Our goal is to create a space that feels supportive, grounded, and safe so you can explore what matters most to you.