Frequently Asked Questions

Does NCM take insurance?

We do not accept insurance. But we can provide an invoice at the end of your session. You may use that invoice to submit a claim to your insurance company.

What form of payments does NCM take?

We accept cash, check or credit cards.

How do I set up my appointments?

Call our office and speak with Vanessa who will schedule a time that works for you.

How long will I be in counseling?

There is no set time since each person and situation is unique.

Is what I say in counseling confidential?

What you share with your counselor is kept in the strictest of confidence, unless you disclose that you are a danger to yourself or others.

Do I have to be a Christian to seek Counseling at NCM?

We offer care to anyone who has a need regardless of religious background.

Are the Counselors at NCM Licensed?

We are not licensed clinicians. However, as a staff each of us have had a variety of formal instruction ranging from completed degree programs1 to clinical supervision2. From specialized training3 to an intimate knowledge of the relevant therapeutic tools used in our work4. Members of our staff have also presented papers5 and workshops to professional counselors and Christian leaders6. We have published in this field7 (including a professional journal)8 and participated in video curriculum used by counselors around the world9.


1 John Palms has a Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) from California State University, Fresno (CSUF), and Sheryl Busby has a Masters in Christian Ministry (M.A.) from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary (FPBS).

2 For ten years Russell Willingham was under the clinical supervision of Dr. Jonathan M. Olford, Psy. D., Fellow in PsychoPharmacology Registered (FPPR), former clinical director at Link Care Counseling Center in Fresno, California.

3 John has received advanced training in prayer ministry from John and Paula Sandford of Elijah House in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Sheryl has received specialized training in trauma through the The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in Seattle, Washington.

4 As of this writing (2019) the staff brings many decades of study and research, as well as a combined fifty-three years of experience working directly with clients.

5 Sheryl presented her paper The Relational Isolation of Pastors to FPU faculty and again to pastors and clinicians at the “Flourishing in Pastoral Ministry” conference (at Indiana Wesleyan University) in 2013.

6 Russell has presented to other Christian counselors at the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Super Conference on Sexuality in Dallas, Texas (2002) and the AACC World Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (2001). He was invited to present to the leadership of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) at their Biannual Staff Conference held at the University of Colorado (2003). He has made numerous presentations to leaders at various conferences and organizations, including the Exodus International Conference, the Restored Hope Conference, leaders of Youth for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

7 Breaking Free: Understanding Sexual Addiction & the Healing Power of Jesus (InterVarsity Press, 1999) and Relational Masks: Removing the Barriers That Keep Us Apart (InterVarsity Press, 2004)

8 Marriage & Family: A Christian Journal, vol. 5, issue 3, p. 333-342 (Christian Counseling Resources, Inc., 2002)

9 Sexual Healing: Breaking Free from Guilt, Shame and the Past and Special Populations: Homosexuality both part of the Treating Sexual Addictions DVD Course (AACC).

What type of counseling does NCM offer?

We provide care for those affected by relational and sexual brokenness, which includes:

  • Marital conflict
  • Intimacy issues
  • Pornography issues
  • Childhood trauma
  • Shame
  • Infidelity/betrayal
  • Compulsive sexual behaviors
  • Unwanted same-sex attractions
  • Support for family members
  • Codependency
  • Healthy singleness

How can I be a client if I don’t live near the Fresno office?

We provide phone counseling as well as online video conferencing.

(559) 227-1066

5150 N Sixth Street #132
Fresno, CA 93710