ABOUT US

About Counseling Associates in Keokuk & Fort Madison, Iowa

When you walk through our doors, you’re immersed in a comfortable, welcoming environment – one where you feel safe and respected.

That atmosphere is a testament to Michael Maher, who co-founded Counseling Associates in 1996 and serves as its Executive Director.

Mike has been a licensed mental health counselor for 38 years and has earned an excellent reputation in the communities that Counseling Associates serves. He’s described by staff and clients as compassionate and non-judgmental, a person who encourages and supports them on their path or journey.

Through his leadership, the therapists and staff at Counseling Associates offer hope and healing.

“We all have our unique styles or approach, but everyone here is interested in the welfare of people,” Mike says. “We want people to be able to manage their life better than when they came in.” 

History of Our Professional Counseling Office

mike maher speaking
Prior to co-founding Counseling Associates with two other therapists, Mike worked in counseling offices in Pittsfield, IL, and Macomb, IL, after graduating from Western Illinois University. 

In 2007, Mike bought the business from his partners, who continued to work for the business for a while. One later retired and the other moved from the area.
Counseling Associates has witnessed tremendous growth through the years, going from a staff of 3 to a staff of 19. A Fort Madison counseling office opened in early 1999 and Integrated Health Home services were added in 2014 to help bridge the gap between direct care and therapy and provide a more integrated approach to treatment.

“My interest in mental health happened more by coincidence than design,” Mike says. “My passion for the advocacy for good mental health care has evolved over the years. It has been primarily influenced through the process of being invited into the life of another human and being tasked with helping them live their life better … a responsibility I take very seriously.”

What We Do

Counseling Associates provides high quality outpatient counseling services to individuals (including children and adolescents), couples, and families. Areas of specialized care include:
  • Parent Child Interaction Therapy
  • Integrated Health Home services
  • Trauma based therapies, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
  • STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving), a group treatment approach for borderline personality disorder.
Additional services include:
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • Community based presentations on a variety of topics
  • 24/7 Crisis Hotline
  • Crisis debriefing for organizations when a traumatic event occurs

Counseling Associates Rates & Insurance

Insurance

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
  • Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
  • What is my deductible and has it been met?
  • How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Rates

  • $155 Initial intake 
  • $140 for 60 minute follow-up
  • $115 for 45 minute follow-up
  • $70 for 30 minute follow-up 
We are credentialed with a number of insurance companies and Employee Assistance Programs. If you are uncertain if you have mental health benefits, please contact our office for assistance.

**If you do not have the ability to pay for counseling services, no one seeking help with our office will be denied access to services due to inability to pay.  We offer a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income Please contact our office to make arrangements.**

Payment

Cash and check are accepted for payment. We accept debit/credit card payments for your convenience.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you may be billed for the full cost of the session.

Confidentiality & Privacy

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person or persons, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law to ensure their safety.
Privacy Policy
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