Frequently Asked Questions

What types of therapy do you offer?

I offer individual therapy for adults and teenagers, specializing in grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. My approach blends relational warmth with evidence-based care, and I tailor therapy to each client's needs, goals, and circumstances.

Do you only work with grief, or do you treat other concerns as well?

No. While grief is a specialty, I also work with adults and teenagers experiencing anxiety, stress, identity exploration, OCD, relationship challenges, burnout, and other forms of emotional distress or life transition.

What is grief therapy?

Grief therapy provides space to process loss and adjust to life after a major change. Together we focus on meaning-making, emotional processing, and integrating loss with compassion.

Are grief therapy and grief counseling different?

The terms grief counseling and grief therapy are often used interchangeably, and there is no single universal distinction between them. Some providers use “grief counseling” to describe more short-term or supportive care, while “grief therapy” may refer to a deeper or longer-term therapeutic process. At Vargas Counseling and Consulting, I use the term grief therapy to reflect the depth and flexibility of the work. Depending on your needs, therapy may include both supportive grief counseling and deeper therapeutic exploration.

Do you offer in-person therapy?

Yes. I offer in-person therapy for adults at my office in the South Denver area. The office is a warm, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed space where you can feel supported and at ease during your sessions. In-person appointments are available by appointment and may be a good fit for clients who prefer face-to-face therapy or find that being physically present in a dedicated therapeutic space supports their work.

Do you offer virtual or online therapy?

Yes. I offer secure telehealth therapy for adults throughout Colorado and Pennsylvania, including clients in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, the Main Line, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Virtual therapy can be a flexible and accessible option for clients who prefer to meet from the comfort of their own home.

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

Your first session is a collaborative conversation about what brings you in, what kind of support feels helpful, and what goals you’d like to explore. I’ll work to ensure you feel comfortable as we begin working together. If you attend an in-person session, you’ll meet with me in my warm, comfortable office in the South Denver area. If you attend virtually, we’ll meet through a secure telehealth platform.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions may be available upon request.

How often should I attend therapy?

Most clients attend weekly or bi-weekly, depending on individual needs and goals. We’ll collaborate on a schedule that feels sustainable and supportive.

Do you accept insurance?

I accept United Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente (must be in the Denver-Boulder area for Kaiser benefits). Other than United and Kaiser, I am an out-of-network provider. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide superbills for partial reimbursement. I also work with Mentaya for a streamlined reimbursement process. Learn more in the services page. Many clients choose self-pay for increased privacy, flexibility, and choice of therapist.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment is due at the time of service through the Carepatron client portal. I accept major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.

How long does grief therapy take?

There is no “right” timeline for grief. Some clients seek short-term support during acute loss; others choose ongoing therapy for deeper integration and meaning-making. We will tailor the pace to your needs.

Do you offer support for non-death losses?

Absolutely. I work extensively with clients navigating losses such as divorce, immigration, estrangement, infertility, chronic illness, identity shifts, career changes, and other major transitions.

Is your practice affirming and inclusive?

Yes. My work is grounded in respect, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. I welcome clients of all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, lonely, or unsure how to navigate your current circumstances, therapy may be helpful. A free consultation can help us determine whether we’re a good fit.

How do I schedule a session?

You can schedule a consultation using my scheduling link or reach out with questions using the contact form on my website or by emailing me directly (Laura@vargascounseling.com). I respond promptly and am happy to help you get started.

Where can I find additional resources?

The Grief Support Center is a great place to learn more about grief and find resources and support in your local community.