---
title: "Guides and Answers | Ubuntu Counseling"
url: https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/resources
description: "Longer guides from Heather Swaney, MA, LPC in Eugene, Oregon: choosing a therapist, first sessions, insurance, telehealth, and what she does not provide."
lang: en
---

Resources

# Guides and Answers

Some questions need more than a sentence. These guides are the longer answers, written so you can read them at your own pace before you ever pick up the phone.

## How to Use These Guides

Looking for a therapist can be tiring. You may be comparing names on a list, trying to work out what a credential means, wondering whether your insurance will help, or simply trying to picture what happens when you walk through the door. These pages are meant to take some of that weight off. Each one answers a single question as plainly as I can.

Some of these pages exist to say clearly what I do not provide. I do not diagnose or assess autism, I do not test for ADHD, and I do not provide ABA. People search for those things every day, and I would rather tell you honestly up front than have you find out after a phone call. Those pages also explain what I do offer, and where you might look for the thing you need.

None of this replaces a conversation. If something here raises a question, or you are not sure whether I am the right fit, bring it to the free 30-minute call (https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/contact). That call is also where we can talk about fees, format and timing for your situation. I see people in person in Eugene (https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/office) and by telehealth anywhere in Oregon (https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/oregon-telehealth).

These guides are general information, not advice about your particular situation, and reading them does not create a therapy relationship. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Before You Start

## Guides for Getting Started

Choosing a therapist, what the first session looks like, how payment works, and how to decide between the office and telehealth.

### What to Expect in Your First Session

You are not expected to arrive with it organized. Most people describe a situation rather than a problem, and that is a perfectly good start.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/what-to-expect-in-your-first-session

### How to Choose a Therapist in Eugene

This page is meant to be useful even if you choose someone else. Finding the right person matters more than finding me.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/how-to-choose-a-therapist-in-eugene

### Therapy and Medication for ADHD

I am not a prescriber. I do not give medical advice, recommend medications or comment on what anyone should take. This page is about how the two kinds of help differ.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/therapy-and-medication-for-adhd

### Do You Take Insurance?

The short answer is no. I do not bill insurance and I do not accept the Oregon Health Plan. Here is exactly what that means for what you pay.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/do-you-take-insurance

### In Person or Telehealth: How to Choose

Both formats are real therapy. The right one depends on your life, your body, your home and who is coming, and you can change your mind.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/in-person-or-telehealth-therapy

Plain Answers

## What I Do and Don't Provide

Therapy and support only. These pages explain the difference between what I offer and what other professionals provide, so you can find the right place for each need.

### Autism Assessment in Eugene, Oregon: What I Do and Don't Provide

I do not diagnose or assess autism. Here is what I do offer, and where to look for assessment.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/autism-assessment-eugene-oregon

### ADHD Testing in Eugene, Oregon: What I Do and Don't Provide

I do not test for ADHD. Here is what therapy can offer, and where testing happens.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/adhd-testing-eugene-oregon

### Affirming Therapy and ABA: How My Work Differs

I do not provide ABA. Here is how neurodiversity-affirming therapy differs.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/autism-affirming-therapy-and-aba

More

## Short Answers and How I Work

### Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers about fees, sessions, telehealth and getting started.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/faq

### How I Work

The therapy approaches I draw on, and how they are chosen with you.
https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/approach

Next Step

## Start With a Free 30-Minute Call

A short conversation so I can hear what is going on and we can decide together whether this is the right room for it.

Get in touch: https://ubuntucounselingeugene.com/contact
(458) 215-1465: +14582151465

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