How do I know if the provider I am seeing is covered under my plan?
Each of our providers participate with different insurance plans. Some insurance carriers will not cover social workers or advanced practice nurses. We make every attempt to schedule you with an in-network provider however, we cannot guarantee that the provider you are scheduled with is active in your network. It is the patient responsibility to confirm that any/all providers with whom they are scheduled are participating in their insurance network. Patients will be responsible for charges incurred as a result of services rendered with an out-of-network provider.
How to prepare for my first appointment?
In order to get the most out of your treatment, we would suggest you make a list of important information or questions that you may want to discuss with your therapist. Below are some questions that may help you with this process:
- What do you hope to accomplish through treatment?
- What has been happening in your life that made you decide to seek treatment at our facility?
- How long has this been happening and how troubling is it?
- What symptoms are you experiencing? Anxiety, sadness, confusion, sleeplessness?
- What steps have you taken to try to make yourself feel better?
- Have you experienced these feeling in the past? If so, did you take any steps that made you feel better?
- Have you seen any other professions regarding this problem? (Another therapist, doctor, a clergy member)
- Have you attended any type of support group?
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
- Insurance Card
- Photo ID
- A list of all medicines (name, dose, and frequency taken) that you are currently taking for both physical and behavioral health reasons. Bring along contact information for all doctors who are giving you medicine. It would also be important to bring a list of any medications (both physical & behavioral) that you have allergies too or have experienced an adverse reaction to in the past. Any documents that might be pertinent to your treatment (previous psychological testing, hospital discharge summaries, recent laboratory results, etc).
- If you would like us to share your evaluation or treatment plan with any other healthcare professionals (primary care physician, specialist, etc), any other professionals (attorney, clergy, etc.) or family members it will be necessary for you to complete a Release of Information.
- Please be prepared by bringing a list of contact information for these individuals including address, telephone and fax numbers.
What can I do to get the most out of my treatment?
- It is very important to be open and honest with your doctor or therapist.
- Keep your appointments.
- Ask questions.
- Go to appointments as often as recommended.
- Appointments may be more frequent at the beginning of treatment.
- Follow all treatment recommendations.
- Ask your therapist for suggestions about readings and support groups.
How do I describe my problem to my therapist? Its uncomfortable and I'm embarrassed.
Many people find their progress in therapy improves quickly when they focus on specific issues or problems. You can start with whatever is on your mind, and eventually you’ll cover the important points. Therapists understand your discomfort and embarrassment, and know how to help put you at ease. Most people get over their discomfort once they have been talking for a few minutes.
What should I expect from outpatient therapy?
Of course, the speed with which you will see results varies with a lot of factors, including the nature of your problem, how much and how fast you are willing to make changes in your life, and so forth. Most people can expect significant positive results within five sessions, and sometimes sooner. Getting at the tougher issues may take a little longer.
What if my family member is resistant to treatment?
If you have a family member who does not want to engage in treatment, we would encourage you to make an appointment for yourself. This shows you are serious about changing the situation. The therapist will talk to you about what you can do on your own and oftentimes change in one member of a family leads to change in another. Many times this leads others become more open and receptive to therapy.