Stepping Stones Counseling Center Pllc's Online Review Report Card

I really liked my counselor, until I didn't. This place has extremely strict rules for being late. I did all appointments virtually and I was lucky to be able to do that. Sometimes something would come up, typically involving my 4 year old who was always home with me, and I would be late to answer my phone. It was bizarre, because if I was 10 mins late she would completely cancel my appointment, while I would watch my husband answer his phone 40 mins late and his counselor would take him for the last 20 mins. He completely missed his appointments all the time and his counselor never had a problem with rescheduling. I wasn't allowed to be around anyone or my counselor would end the session, but his counselor would talk to him on speaker phone while I was sitting right next to him. His counselor was from the same office, but when i would ask why she follows policies but he does not, she would just avoid speaking on it. I even had to fill out a form with a personal "plan" on how I plan to make my appointments on time going forward. I felt like I was being counseled by my least favorite micro manager or I was in trouble at school. It made my sessions extremely awkward, uncomfortable and forced. Not to mention how often my counselor would try recommending me to a different counselor?! She was practically pushing me out the door and I didn't really want to go to this community health center. She would bring it up every single session. When she saw i wasn't leaving on my own, she dropped me the next time I was late. You know, life happens, and when someone is late because their life is in shambles, you would think a counselor would be a little more empathetic. She knew i was struggling to get through life and she also knew I was severely depressed. To leave a client in a fragile state like that is absolutely disgusting. When she cut me off and stopped responding to me, I went through a week of a massive mental health crisis and had to face most of my pain in total isolation. I'm lucky to be here today. She would NOT be available to me outside of my appointment, even when I was having a serious depression episode, and refused to text me, even though my husband's counselor would text him all day on his personal cell. Late into the evening hours, too! They get paid for the entire hour, regardless. Weird that some counselors follow these "policies" and others do not. Her main objective was not helping people, just getting through her schedule. She would immediately start her next appointment if I was late, even if I had good reason, and lacked empathy that I would expect from someone who's career is literally helping other people. I'm not listing names because honestly, it doesnt matter. What matters is this clinic is ridiculous and I don't recommend it to anyone who suffers with severe mental health disorders or previous/current trauma. I highly recommend Grace counseling. Counseling should never feel forced or awkward and unfortunately, that was my experience here.

I went in looking for help, only to be turned away yet again by another therapist that cannot surpass their own mental and emotional abilities to help me with my trauma. Instead of looking at me as someone actively trying to figure things out, somebody who wants to bring good to the world, just saw me as a horrible person based off their own beliefs. Unfair, and when asked if there was someone better suited I was given no answer. Strongly do not suggest this if you're dealing with real trauma.

*****edit to add they fixed this mistake it took about a week but they did their best. I really do like the therapist Lauren which is what brought me back****When they have you sign the contract pay very close attention because it states somewhere in there that they do not have to alert you or get authorization for how much your bill is or when they will take it. They told me my insurance covered it and then suddenly they took $163.00 from my checking account. Mind you I am off work for the next few months for a new autoimmune condition so that was my car insurance money. They suggested I call billing Monday after charging me this 163 with insurance after 5pm on a Friday. My appointment was a few days prior to this.

Cindy is really kind and a super good premarital counselor. I really love her as a therapist! Highly recommend!

As an MSW graduate student at Columbia University, I myself am in my final year of studying to be a Clinical Therapist. I have nothing but great experiences with Stepping Stones and their staff.

I wish I could give Stepping Stones more than 5 stars! ⭐️ This was the first facility I have been at for more than a couple sessions. I have been here for a little over 2 years and have made amazing progress.

I've been at odds about leaving a review because of the stigma surrounding receiving therapy, but you know what? After experiencing its benefits personally, I've concluded that there's nothing shameful about it, and more people should speak up about this wonderful service. I went 36 years being a skeptic, thinking therapy wasn't for me and all that macho nonsense. I finally gave it a shot and wow, was I mistaken! Stepping Stones isn't just another counseling center -- it's a practice served by professionals who are incredibly passionate about their purpose. Careful thought goes into every detail here and they've made sure to create a warm, welcoming environment. You almost can't find sincerity and compassion like theirs anywhere these days. I've laughed, cried, and even make some groundbreaking personal discoveries with my therapist. Every last bit has helped me to understand and sometimes handle myself better than I had previous to seeking help. Now that I know what I know, regular ongoing therapy isn't a bad thing -- it's maintenance, pure and simple. Everything and *everyone* requires maintenance otherwise breakdowns can happen. That's the natural process. Entropy in action and Stepping Stones is the solution. 5 stars all day. A++. I'm their biggest advocate. If you're reading this and are on the line, give Stepping Stones a shot, they won't let you down. ❤️🤗

My therapist was great but i was told during Covid-19.Copays were waved but I built up a balance and now the office staff calls every 4 DAYS to remind me of this balance. I have tried to communicate with the office staff on this error of follow up calls but wasn't successful. For these trying times and our Mental health is important & not getting harassed by the staff every 4 days would help.

Fixed an issues that needed to be handled and I am thankful that they reached out.

I highly recommend Stepping Stones! It is modern, but yet, a very cozy environment. The staff and owner/founder, Diana Monaco, exhibit exemplary work ethics, do not discriminate, have substantial communication and patient with their clients. They do not force your recovery, they go at your own pace and very willing to learn what works for you. So, if you, a friend or family member are struggling with addiction also, mental health, please contact Stepping Stones. You will not regret becoming a client!