Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy FAQ
Why should I consider therapy?
Life gets challenging at times. While a certain amount of stress and emotional ups and downs are to be expected, dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and unresolved trauma for extended periods of time can take a toll on our overall mental and physical health. Maybe you carry painful experiences with you that then shape how you approach current interactions and relationships. Therapy provides a non-judgmental and confidential space with a caring professional who can help you look at the pieces of your life that are in need of healing and growth.
Why can’t I just talk to a friend or family member?
We very much hope that you do talk to a friend or family member about challenges you are experiencing in your life! Supportive relationships are crucial to our well-being. Therapy differs in the sense that the focus of therapy is on you, your healing and growth. Your therapist can be an objective, confidential, and non-judgmental third party whom you can feel safe discussing concerns or experiences in which you might not feel comfortable talking about in other relationships. Your therapist also has tools and training to help you look at various problem areas with curiosity and compassion. Just like a medical doctor might address physical ailments, a therapist can help improve your mental and emotional health.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
Just like each individual, the length of therapy is unique. When you work with your therapist, together you will assess at the beginning of services both the frequency and duration of sessions based on your presenting concerns and goals. Your therapist will then review your needs, with regards to sessions, regularly as you both assess progress and areas that you might still want to address.
Do I need to be Catholic or Christian?
No. While our therapists have received training in integrating the Catholic faith with research backed therapy practices, services are offered to individuals regardless of religious practice.
What is faith based therapy/counseling?
If your faith is important to you, then we believe that it is important to the therapeutic process as well. Faith based therapy integrates your religious beliefs and values with evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Do you currently have a waitlist? How does a waitlist work?
Great news! As of August 2026, we have availability for therapy with our two new interns. To begin the process, please click “Therapy Options” at the top of the page. After you submit this form, you can expect to receive an email to set up an initial consultation with our business manager.
Ian Masson is currently adding all new inquiries to a waitlist (minimum 5 month wait)
If you are interested in being added to Ian’s waitlist, click “Therapy Options” at the top of the page to fill out a contact form and we will follow up with you. After you submit this form, you can expect to receive an email that notifies you that you have been added to the waitlist.
If you currently need more immediate services, please call or email me and I would be happy to provide referrals for other therapy options. Thank you!
540-227-4088
jacqueline@agapecc.net
Do you take insurance?
Interns cannot bill insurance, so their services are strictly out-of-pocket pay only. However, since they are interns they can give quality care at lower cost.
Ian Masson is currently paneled with the following insurance through Headway: Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, United UHC, and Quest Behavioral Health. He also accept self-pay options and can provide superbills if you are interested in submitting to your insurance for out-of-network benefits.
How are services currently offered?
Services are currently offered in two “locations”:
through a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform (online, through video call);
in person services, at one of the following two location:
107b E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (play therapy clients)
114 E Edmondson St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (adolescents, adults, and couples)
New office address beginning August 2026:
105 N Main St #242, Culpeper, VA 22713
Intern FAQ
What is therapy with an intern?
Therapy with an intern is quality mental health care provided by a graduate student in their final phase of clinical training. These individuals have already completed their advanced university coursework and are earning their final required practice hours before graduation.
Are interns qualified to provide therapy?
Yes. Interns possess training in research based counseling techniques. They are fully equipped to help clients manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship changes, and life transitions.
How does clinical supervision work?
During therapy with an intern at Agape, your care is overseen by Ian Masson, a fully licensed clinician. The intern meets weekly with Ian to review treatment plans and clinical progress. This structure ensures you benefit from the combined insights of two professionals.
When you see an Intern, their supervisor reviews your care behind the scenes to provide multiple layers of expertise. This means your treatment plan benefits from:
Case Consultation: Interns regularly consult with their licensed clinical supervisors to discuss diagnoses, track your progress, and ensure the best methods are being used.
Session Review: Supervisors frequently review case notes and, with your consent, may review audio or video recordings of sessions to offer feedback and fresh perspectives.
Ethical Safeguards: The collective oversees the legal and ethical standards of your care, guaranteeing you receive high-quality treatment.
Is therapy with an intern confidential?
Yes, completely. Your privacy is protected by the exact same HIPAA privacy laws and ethical codes that apply to licensed professionals. The only person who will review your case details is the intern’s designated clinical supervisor, Ian Masson and Agape staff as needed.
What are the benefits of choosing therapy with an intern?
Affordability: These sessions are offered at a reduced rate, making care highly accessible.
More Attention: Interns maintain smaller client loads, allowing them to dedicate significant time and energy to your specific goals.
Collective Supervisor Expertise: You are effectively getting the input of two or more therapists—the intern working directly with you and the senior clinicians advising them.
Essentially, you are keeping the benefits of a dedicated intern with the safety of seasoned clinical oversight
What happens when the intern's placement ends?
Academic internships usually last between 6 and 12 months. If you still require care when their term ends, the intern will coordinate a smooth, warm transition to an incoming intern or a licensed therapist on our team. If someone on the Agape team is not a good fit, we will provide referrals to ensure you can receive the care you need.