Frequently Asked Questions

What is Career Counseling?

Career counseling is a specialized type of counseling that focuses on your career and work needs. Career counseling involves talking to a trained career counseling professional about your work and life. The career counselor works with you to help you figure out your next career steps. Career counselors have information about occupations, job searching, and making career changes. Career counseling may involve taking career tests to assess your interests, personality traits, skills, and values.

What happens in a career counseling session?

Each session of career counseling is an hour. The number of sessions depends on your career needs. While the average number of career counseling sessions in my practice is 10 sessions, but some people come for fewer sessions and some for more. When you come in for your initial session, I will let you know how long it might take to achieve your career counseling goals.

For example, if you are looking for help with a specific issue such as identifying a new career path or updating your resume, we might work together for 3-6 sessions.

If you have multiple work and life-related concerns, such as feeling dissatisfied with your job, experiencing difficulty in your relationships at work or home, and have low self-confidence, we might work together longer to help you increase your self-confidence, sort through your feelings about your job, and help you decide on a plan of action. Counseling is very unique to you and we work together for as short or as long a time as feels helpful to you to meet your goals.

What is the difference between a Career Counselor and a Career Coach?

Career counselors are mental health professionals who have training in general counseling skills and have advanced coursework in career counseling and vocational assessment. They should be licensed to practice psychology or counseling in the state in which they practice. I am a licensed psychologist (LP) in Minnesota and New York (and can also work with clients living in PsyPact States) and have specialized training in conducting vocational assessments and counseling people on career issues.

Career coaches also help people with career issues, and they may or may not have a background in mental health counseling. Some coaches have business or human resources experience or obtain certifications in coaching or career development. There are no regulations on who can call themselves a “career coach” so it is important to ensure that a career coach has the appropriate credentials to provide career guidance you need.

Will you find a job for me? Do you write my resume?

No. My role as a career counselor means that I provide you with the information, knowledge, support, and confidence you need to conduct your own job search. I offer guidance on the job searching process, such as where and how to look for jobs, and help you improve your interviewing skills. I work closely with you on revising and improving your resume, but I do not fully write the resume for you and I do not provide job placement or job recruitment services.

What is the difference between career counseling and personal counseling?

Both career counseling and personal counseling involve sharing your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional, and both have the overall goal of empowering you to create the career and life you want. Career counseling is focused on the specific issues going on in your working life or career path.

In addition to talking to the counselor, you may engage in different activities during the session such as interpreting career tests, working on your resume, and practicing new skills. There may be some overlap between career and personal counseling when emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-doubt are getting in the way of moving forward in your career path.

How do I make an appointment for a session?

I recommend starting with a Free Consultation! We'd meet for 20 minutes to figure out if career counseling is a great fit for you. From there, you'll then be able to easily schedule a counseling appointment online through the Client Portal or contact me directly by email, phone, or text.

Do you work with clients in different states?

Yes! I am licensed and authorized to work with clients living in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Viriginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How much does career counseling cost?

The investment in an individual career counseling session is $200. If you opt to take career tests, you would pay an additional fee for the cost of the test, plus the session fee. You pay at the end of each session, and I accept credit and debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.

Do you accept insurance for career counseling? And HSA / FSA cards?

Unfortunately, career counseling is not covered by most mental health insurance programs. However, while I do not bill insurance for career counseling, you can use any HSA account funds to pay for services with me. Some clients may be able to submit receipts to insurance for reimbursement. Check your HSA account or health insurance plan materials to know your plan coverage.

Do you offer mental health or personal counseling?

Yes. I am a licensed psychologist and in addition to career counseling, I also provide personal counseling services.

Do you accept insurance for personal counseling?

No. My counseling services are private pay, meaning that you pay me directly for counseling. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be able to use HSA funds to pay for services or to submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement.

How often would I come for career counseling sessions?

Some people prefer to come for a session each week until their career counseling goals are reached. Others prefer to space out the sessions and come every other week or once a month.

How do you pronounce LaRae Jome?

LaRae is pronounced La-Ray (rhymes with “Okay”).

Jome is of Norwegian origin and is pronounced Joe-Me (rhymes with “Show Me”).