| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What insurance companies do you participate with?
Insurance plans vary widely. It is best to check with your insurance company first to verify your benefits. Contact our Office Manager at 410-535-4854 to check on our plan participation.
2. How long do sessions usually last?
Your first visit is usually 60 minutes long. All subsequent therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. Follow-up medication checks with the psychiatrist are generally 15 minutes.
Family therapy may be 45 to 50 minutes long.
Group therapy can be either 50 or 90 minutes depending on the type of group.
3. How many sessions will I need to attend?
It varies depending upon the goal(s) you wish to accomplish and issues that need to be resolved. Most clients will see the therapist and/or psychiatrist on a weekly basis until they are feeling stable, then visits will be spaced out to every other week or as needed.
4. How much will this cost?
A) With Insurance Coverage: We participate with most insurance companies and your out-of-pocket expense is your co-pay for the visit. However, it depends on the benefits that your plan covers. Individual and Family/Marital Therapy are sometimes covered at different rates. Group Therapy coverage benefits would have to be verified separately.
B) Without Insurance Coverage: If you don't have insurance or wish to receive or participate in a service that is not covered by your insurance, please ask our Office Manager about our fees and payment options.
Note: It is our policy to help you with your insurance coverage issues.
5. What is Individual Therapy?
It is one-on-one time with a therapist whereby you discuss issues, problems and concerns. You and your therapist will develop and set achievable goals to improve your quality of life.
6. What is Family/Marital Therapy?
This type of therapy is where either a couple will meet with a therapist and/or other family members such as children or others living in the home will meet with the therapist to discuss and resolve problems. The purpose of Family Therapy is to improve the level of communication amongst its members.
7. What is Group Therapy?
Group Therapy is where a group of people of similar age and problems get together with the therapist to discuss their similar issues or problems and help each other work on solutions.
8. What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist?
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in Psychiatry/Mental Health. Only the Psychiatrist can prescribe medications.
A Therapist may be an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Work, Master’s Level or Doctorate Level Psychologist. The therapist is the one that actually conducts talk therapy ~ individual, group and family therapy sessions.
The first visit is for the initial psychiatric evaluation and may be conducted by the psychiatrist or the therapist.
9. If I have an evaluation by the Psychiatrist, will I be put on medication?
Both you and your doctor will thoroughly discuss your options. Medication is prescribed by the Psychiatrist when it is determined that it will be the most beneficial treatment for you.
10. Why do I need to see a psychiatrist and a therapist?
Clinical research has proven that the most effective strategy for most mental health problems is a combination of counseling and medication. If you have specific questions, email or call the office.
11. What is our confidentiality policy?
Your information will not be discussed/released unless you have a plan to hurt yourself, someone else, or abuse has occured. Otherwise, you must sign a Release Of Information form giving us permission to share this information with your insurance company, another health care agent or family member.
All health care providers are mandated reporters of child or elder abuse.
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