What happens during the free consultation?

The consultation is a short phone call to give you a chance to ask me anything you want to know about working with me: how I approach the work, what to expect from a session, whether I can meet your scheduling needs, how billing works, or anything else that would help you decide if this is the right fit. This isn't a clinical intake or a deep dive into what you're going through, just an overview so we both feel comfortable working together. If you want to move forward after that, we'll talk about next steps.

Are you accepting new client?

Yes, I’m currently accepting limited amount of new clients.

How do I schedule?

You can book your preferred appointment type here. If you'd prefer to reach out first, you can email me at mike@mikeorourke.co.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. You can reach out directly. That said, if you're coming from a physician or psychiatrist, I'm open to coordinating with your care team when that's useful.

Where is your office, and what should I know before coming in?

My office is at 201 3rd Ave E., Polson, MT. There is on street parking and a small parking lot in the rear of the building. The door to the office is on 2nd St.

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a phone or computer with a camera. Sessions are never recorded. Telehealth is available to anyone located in Montana. Research consistently shows it's as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.

How often would we meet?

Most people start with weekly sessions. Over time, we may shift to biweekly or less frequent sessions depending on where you are and what you're working on. We'll figure that out together.

How long does therapy typically last?

There's no single answer to this. It really depends on what you're working on, how long certain patterns have been in place, and what you want to get out of it. Some people work with me for a few months around a specific transition or challenge. Others stay longer because they find the ongoing work valuable. What I can say is that I don't aim to keep people in therapy longer than is useful. We'll check in on progress regularly and you'll always have a say in the pace and direction.

Do you work with couples or families?

My therapy practice is focused on individuals. I offer couples or family therapy only as additions to individual therapy with an identified patient. If that's something you're interested in, reach out and we can talk through what that might look like.

Do you work with teenagers or minors?

Yes. I work with teenagers and adults. In Montana, individuals 16 and older can consent to their own therapy and book directly. For younger teens, a parent or guardian would need to be involved in the process. If you're a parent looking for support for your teen, feel free to reach out and we can talk about whether it's a good fit.

How much do sessions cost?

My rate is $160 per individual session. Couples, families, and group fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I accept a number of insurance plans. Because coverage varies, the best way to confirm is to contact me directly at mike@mikeorourke.co or 406-360-1795 before scheduling.

What is the sliding scale, and do I qualify?

I hold a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients who need a reduced fee. If cost is a barrier, reach out directly and we'll figure something out.

What does out-of-network mean, and how does reimbursement work?

If I'm not in-network with your insurance plan, you may still be able to get reimbursed for a portion of session fees through your out-of-network benefits. I work with Thrizer to make this process straightforward — rather than paying the full fee upfront and waiting for reimbursement, Thrizer lets you pay only your estimated co-insurance at the time of the session and handles the rest directly with your insurance. I can walk you through how it works when we connect.

What approaches do you use?

I draw from several evidence-based frameworks depending on what fits the person and the work — including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches. I don't follow a single model rigidly. The research is pretty clear that the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the fit between approach and person matters more than any particular method. So we'll find what works for you.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. As a therapist, I don't prescribe medication. If medication is something you're interested in or your care warrants it, I can coordinate with a prescribing physician or psychiatrist.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes, with a few specific legal exceptions. Confidentiality can be broken if there's a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, if there's suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. Outside of those situations, what we discuss stays between us. I'll go over this in detail during our first session.