FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an in network provider for the following companies:
Ambetter
Amerigroup
BCBS
Beacon
Magellan
Medicaid
Optum/United Healthcare
Superior
Out of network:
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance provider or employee benefit plan. Please check with your insurance company to determine your financial responsibility for therapy sessions before the initial session.
Please review with your provider what your current benefits are by asking some of the following questions:
Do I have mental health benefits that cover out of network providers?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Payment
Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted for private pay clients and for co-pays and deductibles.
Insurance claims will be filed for you; however, you are responsible for co-pays at the time of service. Any co-pay or deductible that is not collected at the time of session will be charged to the client’s credit card on file once the Explanation of Benefits is received.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must occur at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment; otherwise, you will be charged a 50.00 cancellation fee.
Can my child benefit from therapy
Children can be significantly helped by therapy if they are experiencing sadness, anger, worry, or anxiety that lasts more than two weeks. They can also benefit from the therapeutic process if their grades have dropped, have experienced a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, or have experienced changes in eating or sleeping habits. Expressing thoughts of suicide, developing an eating disorder, or participating in violent acts are all signs that your child needs help.
What should I expect at our first session?
I will meet with you and your child together for a portion of the initial session. I will also meet with your child individually for a portion of the initial session to complete an assessment activity. Please plan on spending up to 90 minutes on your first visit. Be prepared to talk about what has prompted you, your child, or family to seek treatment. Assessments frequently are completed in the first session; however, there are occasional situations where additional information is needed to complete a thorough assessment. If treatment is recommended, initial goals for treatment will be discussed in order to establish a working understanding of the treatment focus.
What do I tell my child about going to therapy for the first time?
What you tell your child about seeing a therapist for the first time will differ depending on the age and maturity of your child. Be honest about the fact that your family is going to see a therapist. Do not mislead your child in thinking they are going somewhere else. Talk to your child in a positive and upbeat manner about the idea of going to therapy. Let your child know that they are not in trouble, and they are not going to see a therapist because there is something "wrong" with them that needs to be "fixed." Please help your child know that sometimes we all need a little extra help to deal with things that are challenging. If your child has previously expressed a challenge with something, you may explain they are going to see the therapist for help with the challenge.
What is your policy regarding confidentiality?
Confidentiality is a strict guideline in the practice of social work protected by state law and by the rules of this profession. All information concerning clients is held confidential and is released only through procedures consistent with the law and professional ethics. Social Workers cannot even acknowledge that a person is our client outside of certain specific situations:
The client has signed a written release to speak with a specific person
An emergency that requires breaking confidentiality
There is an incident of child abuse
The client is a danger to themselves
The client is a danger to someone else
Outside these exceptions, we uphold a client’s confidentiality.
What is your policy regarding confidentiality specifically between parents and children who are clients?
Confidentiality is more complicated when a client is a minor. While there is a professional relationship with the parents, as their consent is required, the child is the client.
Factors such as client safety, the child/adolescent’s need for privacy, trust and investment in the treatment, and the parents’ desire to be involved, must all be carefully considered. Each case results in a personal boundary that the client, the parents, and myself agree will best serve the treatment and the client. Consultation with parents is essential. I consult with parents with the child/adolescent’s awareness and permission.
How does therapy work with children or teens?
I will spend the majority of the visit with your child individually to address the identified issues. Sometimes, I will work directly with the parent before and/or after that time to discuss concerns, make recommendations, and provide feedback about things to work on at home. I also recommend meeting with the parent(s) occasionally to discuss progress and any concerns.