frequently asked questions

FAQ

What should I expect for my first appointment?What does a relationship expert do?How much does therapy cost?Who will know that I am coming for therapy or coaching?How long are therapy sessions?How often will I attend therapy sessions?If I want to bring my child in for therapy, do I have to attend too?Can you provide a mental health evaluation for court purposes?Do you have a practitioner who can prescribe medications?Do I have to come to the window to check in at every appointment?What are your office hours, and what do I need to bring with me on my first appointment?What are my rights and responsibilities as a client?

What should I expect for my first appointment?

If you were unable to fill out your paperwork on our client portal system, you will need to come 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork so that you have time for your whole session. Your therapist will get you from the waiting room for your appointment.

What does a relationship expert do?

A therapist trained in couples and family therapy can clarify how to create happier and healthier relationships. By understanding your relational patterns, subjective interpretations, and the powerful and often unconscious marital map that fuels them, significant change is possible.

How much does therapy cost?

Most therapy services are covered by insurance, and the only cost to the individual will be the co-pay. If you would like to know what your co-pay will be, please call the number on the back of your insurance card.

For services not covered by insurance, or for those who do not have or want to use insurance, our therapists offer private pay fees for service.

Who will know that I am coming for therapy or coaching?

Our client’s relationships to their therapist and the center is a private matter. All information is kept strictly confidential.

How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long.

How often will I attend therapy sessions?

Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan that best fits your needs.

If I want to bring my child in for therapy, do I have to attend too?

If you would like to bring your child in for therapy, at least one parent or guardian must be in attendance. It is most helpful, however, if each member of the family is able to attend. If you have questions or concerns about this, please discuss them with your therapist.

Can you provide a mental health evaluation for court purposes?

We are unable to provide this service.

Do you have a practitioner who can prescribe medications?

We do not provide this service. To find a practitioner who is covered by your insurance, please call your insurance company.

Do I have to come to the window to check in at every appointment?

No. After you are established with your therapist you may make yourself comfortable in the waiting room.

What are your office hours, and what do I need to bring with me on my first appointment?

All of the therapists make their own appointments. They try to be accommodating and may have limited availability during unconventional hours. You will have to discuss this with your therapist.

Please bring your insurance card to the window. The office will make a copy.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a client?

Clients have the Right to Receive Services:
- With respect for cultural and ethnic identity, religion, disability, gender, age, marital status and sexual orientation.
- In a physical environment that is safe, sanitary, conducive to effective treatment and which appropriately safeguards the privacy and confidentiality of client/provider interaction.
- From providers who are qualified, competent, focused on each individual’s care and are reasonably accessible to the client. Free of unprofessional involvement with providers or staff.
- That emphasize client participation in developing a treatment plan which is specific to his or her needs, and includes the client’s agreement to work toward defined goals.

Clients have the Right to Current Information Concerning:
- Diagnosis, treatment, benefits and costs in the terms that the client can reasonably understand.
- Names and credentials of providers involved in the client’s care. Practices that relate to client care and treatment services.
- Client's responsibilities to ensure better treatment outcomes.
- Records pertaining to the client’s care, having the information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when protected or restricted by law.
- Resources available through Samaritan for communicating concerns or questions and for resolving disputes, conflicts or grievances.

Clients have the Right to Protection of Privacy and Confidentiality:
- In case discussions, consultations, examinations and treatment services.
- In communications and records pertaining to care, except cases such as suspected abuse and danger to self or others, when reporting is permitted or required by law.
- In cases where clinical information is shared to assure medical appropriateness, such as to a referring primary care physician, a signed release will be obtained from the client. The confidentiality of the information will be emphasized when any information is released.
- Clients with concerns about treatment may call the Clinical Director at (518) 374-3514.