FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Chrysalis Center, we understand that starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions. Whether you're curious about our services, how the process works, or what to expect in your first session, we’re here to help. While every client’s journey is unique, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about mental health treatment, nutrition counseling, and the overall experience at Chrysalis.

If you don’t see your question listed here, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to provide more information.

GENERAL FAQ


  • Absolutely! While Chrysalis Center offers a specialized program for eating disorder treatment, we are not exclusively focused on eating disorders. Our team provides comprehensive mental health counseling for a wide range of concerns. These include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, substance use disorders, self-harm, and challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, and marital issues.


    Whether you are seeking support for a specific issue or just need help navigating life’s challenges, we are here to help!


  • The length of therapy varies for each individual and depends on your unique goals, concerns, and circumstances. At Chrysalis Center, you’ll work collaboratively with your therapist to determine the frequency and duration of sessions that best support your needs.

    Most clients begin therapy on a weekly or biweekly basis, and session frequency may shift over time as you make progress or as your needs evolve. The overall length of treatment depends on factors such as the complexity, severity, and duration of the issues being addressed.

    Therapy is a highly personalized process—and we’re here to help you move at a pace that feels both supportive and sustainable


  • The cost of therapy at Chrysalis Center depends on your payment method and insurance coverage. Session fees typically range from $0 to $200 per service, depending on your individual benefits and whether you are using insurance or choosing to self-pay.

    Our dedicated administrative team is here to assist you with insurance verification and billing questions. If you plan to use insurance, we’re happy to file claims on your behalf. To better understand your coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to ask about your benefits for outpatient mental health services in an office setting.

    Please bring your insurance card to your first appointment so we can confirm your coverage and provide an accurate estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.

    If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use it, we offer affordable self-pay rates to make therapy more accessible.


  • Therapists at Chrysalis Center are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in providing counseling and psychotherapy. They are not medical doctors, so they cannot prescribe medications.


    However, we are pleased to offer in-house medication management services through our psychiatric nurse practitioner, Aiereal Lloyd, who works closely with our clinical team to support clients who may benefit from psychiatric medication as part of their treatment.


    When specialized care is needed, we also collaborate with trusted psychiatrists and medical providers in the Wilmington area to ensure our clients have access to comprehensive, coordinated care.


  • Your first appointment at Chrysalis Center is an intake session, designed to help your therapist get to know you and understand what brings you to counseling. Before your session, you’ll complete some initial paperwork, which your therapist will review in advance.

    During the session, you and your therapist will talk about your personal history, current challenges, and the goals you have for therapy. This conversation helps us tailor your treatment to meet your unique needs and build a strong foundation for your care.

    While the first session is focused on information gathering, it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and begin forming a connection with your therapist.

    We’re here to support you every step of the way—and we’re honored to be part of your healing journey.

EATING DISORDER FAQ


  • At Chrysalis Center, we understand that eating disorders exist on a spectrum—and many people struggle with disordered eating or body image concerns without meeting full diagnostic criteria for a clinical eating disorder. We often use a continuum model to help individuals better understand their relationship with food, weight, and body image.

    On one end of the continuum is normative eating with a healthy body image; on the other end are serious, diagnosable eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Many individuals fall somewhere in between. In fact, most American adolescents and adults report concerns about body image, weight preoccupation, and a history of chronic dieting.

    It’s important to seek help when these struggles begin to dominate your thoughts, disrupt your daily life, or lead to unhealthy behaviors—such as excessive exercise, laxative misuse, self-induced vomiting, or using food to manage emotional distress. Even patterns like overeating, restricting, or feeling out of control around food can signal that support is needed.

    If you're questioning your relationship with food or your body, we encourage you to speak with an eating disorder specialist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the recovery process—and you don’t need to wait until things get worse to ask for help.


  • Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can severely impact your physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. They also have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder, with research showing that approximately 10% of individuals with an eating disorder may die from the illness if left untreated.

    Getting help early makes a difference. Recovery is possible, and treatment can lead to lasting change. In fact, studies show that with consistent care over the course of a year, many individuals experience a significant reduction in eating disorder behaviors and improved functioning. For those with a longer or more complex history, healing may take more time—but full recovery is achievable and sustainable with the right support.

    If you're struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns, reaching out is a powerful first step toward reclaiming your health, your confidence, and your life.


  • If you're concerned that a friend, partner, or family member may be struggling with an eating disorder, it’s natural to want to help. However, forcefully confronting them or trying to "fix" the situation on your own can often lead to resistance or shame. Many individuals with eating disorders may not recognize the severity of their behaviors, or may be fearful of change.

    Instead, try to approach your loved one with compassion. Gently express your concerns, using “I” statements to avoid blame (for example, “I’ve noticed you seem really stressed around food lately, and I’m worried about you.”). Offer resources and suggest that they speak with a professional, while letting them know you’ll support them throughout the process.

    It’s also important to care for yourself during this time. We strongly encourage parents, partners, and close friends to seek guidance from an eating disorder specialist, even before formal treatment begins. Having support as a caregiver can help you better understand what your loved one is experiencing—and how you can be part of their healing.