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 counseling professional about your work and life. The 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 counseling session?

Each session of counseling lasts about 50 minutes. The number of sessions depends on your needs. While the average number of counseling sessions in my practice is 12 sessions, some people come for fewer sessions and some for more. When you schedule a free consultation, we can discuss how long it might take to achieve your counseling goals.

For example, if you are looking for help with a specific issue such as identifying a new career path, job searching, or updating your resume, we might work together for 4-10 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 the 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 my services are 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, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Viriginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How much does counseling cost?

The fee for each counseling session is $200. I accept credit and debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.

If we decide that any career tests would be helpful, you would pay an additional fee for the cost of the test, plus the session fee.

When you schedule the first session in the SimplePractice platform, you'll enter the form of payment you want to use to pay for sessions. I charge your card at the end of the session and will email a receipt or Superbill to you. Each session is charged separately, unless we have made other arrangements (e.g., using professional development funds, third party paying for sessions).

Do you accept insurance? And HSA / FSA cards?

I am a licensed psychologist but I am "Out of Network" with insurance companies. This means that you pay me directly for sessions and I do not bill insurance. You can use HSA account funds to pay for my services. If you want to submit receipts to your insurance plan for reimbursement, I will give you a "Superbill" that will have the information you need to submit a cliam. 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 counseling that focuses on career issues, I also provide mental health counseling services for anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions.

How often would I come for counseling sessions?

Scheduling is flexible and depends on your needs. Some people prefer to come for weekly sessions until their goals are reached, while others space out sessions. Clients can book, reschedule, and cancel sessions using the Client Portal, and so are in control of when and how often we meet.

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”).