For your convenience, our most common questions are answered right here.
Not finding what you want? Reach out directly through our Contact Us page
or Call us at 919-562-1080.
Q: What is the difference between a Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LPC, LPA and a Psychiatrist?
A: A Licensed Psychologist has earned a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D, Ed.D or Psy.D) and can provide psychotherapy as well as educational, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. A clinician who does not have a doctorate cannot be called a psychologist (education settings may be an exemption) and does not have the title of a doctor. A doctoral degree is the highest level of educational degree in the practice of psychology.
A Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) all hold a master’s degree in their related fields of training. They can provide psychotherapy, but not medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) specializing in mental health issues. They may treat problems through the use of medications; however, some of them do psychotherapy as well. Psychiatrists do not administer tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention or emotional functioning.
Q: Does insurance pay for Mental Health Services?
A: Typically, most insurance plans pay for mental health services, including individual, and family therapy However, each plan differs in terms of deductible that needs to be met, the number of sessions allowed and the co-payment. It is the responsibility of each client to find out his/her benefits prior to making the first appointment by calling the toll free number listed on his/her insurance card (the mental health/substance use number typically found at the back of the card). In the event that the insurance does not pay for services, the client is responsible for the entire cost of the session.
When calling the insurance company, the information you need is: Is there a deductible? Have I met my deductible? How many visits per year are covered? What are the dates of the benefit year? Which services are covered (e.g., individual therapy, family therapy, psychological testing, ADHD testing, group therapy)? What percentage will I be reimbursed if I pay out-of-pocket for services? Do I need an authorization number?
Q: Are all the providers on all insurance panels listed?
A: Some of our providers accept all insurances listed, however some only accept a few of them. Please call the office to get a listing of the providers who are in-network providers for your insurance panel. Providers who are not on the insurance panels work on a “fee-for-service” basis.
Q: How do I reach a specific provider?
A: The most effective way to reach us is to call us at 919-562-1080. In the event you get the voice mail please leave a message, indicating who the message is for, the reason for the call & a call back number. Your call will be returned within one business day, unless specified otherwise. In the event of an emergency please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Although, you can reach us through our e-mail address [email protected], please be advised that we cannot guarantee confidentiality via e-mail, and will respond to your e-mail via a telephone call and not e-mail (please include your telephone number if you e-mail us). Our e-mail is typically for making an initial inquiry or an initial appointment only. Existing clients please do not use it for any therapeutic issues.
Q: How is my privacy protected?
A: Our facility is HIPAA compliant and no information is released about our clients to anyone without their written permission (other than what is needed for insurance reimbursement purposes). For those under the age of 18, the parent*, or legal guardians sign all consent forms and decide who receives any information or receives any evaluation reports that are conducted. Please be advised that confidentiality may be broken if there is suspected child abuse, or if a client is a suicide risk or homicide risk. By law we have to report this. We will review these privacy rules with you and answer any questions that you may have. This information is also found in our Patient Agreement.
*Starting 7-1-2016 we require signatures of both parents on the consent forms for children under 18.
Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?
A: After the first appointment has been scheduled, please arrive 15 minutes earlier than the appointment time to fill out paper work. Please bring your (a) insurance card and your benefit information (information that your insurance company has given you regarding pre-authorization, co-pay, number of sessions allowed etc.), (b) a picture ID (driver’s license), (c) a list of all the medications you are taking, (d) cash or check for the session fee or the co-pay amount as identified by your insurance plan. Please note that we do not accept credit or debit cards.
Q: How much does therapy cost?
A: Diagnostic Interview (first appointment) $275.00
Individual Psychotherapy (45-minutes) $225.00, Individual Psychotherapy (55- minutes) $250.00, Couples psychotherapy (55 minute session) $250.00
If you have insurance and are seen by an in-network provider you will be responsible for the co-pay, and if applicable the deductible as indicated by your insurance. You will be responsible for the full cost of the session if your insurance does not pay for the session. For service provided by our providers who are not on the insurance panels, fee-for-service charges will be applied. Charges for testing/evaluations vary; please call the office the testing/evaluations fees.
Q: What is the cancellation Policy?
A: We require a 24- hour notice for all cancelled appointments. When you are given an appointment that time slot is reserved for you and the full session fee will be charged for all cancelled appointments and you (not your insurance) will be responsible for this amount. This amount will be due before or at the next appointment given to you.
Inclement weather: You will be contacted by your therapist if the office is or will be closed due to inclement weather. If the office is open, and inclement weather makes driving conditions unsafe for you, please call and cancel your appointment. You will not be charged the late cancellation fee due to inclement weather.
Q: When is therapy terminated?
A: Termination of therapy is typically mutually agreed upon by the client and the provider when the client has met his/her therapeutic goals. If you decide not to continue therapy, please let your provider know. If you miss a scheduled appointment without notice, your therapist will try and contact you to reschedule. If you do not respond, reschedule or do not contact the office or your therapist, your file will be closed within 30 days from the date of your last appointment. It will be considered the termination of therapy and you will no longer be considered under the care of your therapist. However, if you decide to resume therapy after your file has been closed, please contact your therapist at 919-562-1080 to schedule an appointment.
Your therapist has the right to terminate therapy for reasons such as non-payment of bills, repeated no-show appointments, destructive behaviors, non-compliance etc. Please feel free to discuss these issues with your therapist.