INSURANCE

Some insurance plans also include Out-of-Network benefits as an option. If you don't see your plan on this list, feel free to give us a call so we can help you determine if counseling may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Or, you can check your coverage by calling your insurance plan directly and asking the following questions:

• What are my mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• What is my copay?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session for in-network or out-of-network providers?

• Is a referral or prior authorization required from my primary care physician or managed care company?

• Are Alona Wellness Center clinicians listed on your panel of covered providers?

INSURANCE BILLING POLICIES

For insurance plans that require pre-authorization for services, it is the responsibility of the client to obtain this authorization prior to being seen by your provider. If you fail to obtain authorization, we may reschedule your appointment and any and all charges incurred and not reimbursed as a result of lack of authorization, will be your financial responsibility. 

We encourage you to verify your benefits with your insurance company prior to your appointment. For more in-depth information about this process, please refer to the list of questions noted above.

Insurance reimbursement   

Psychotherapy rates are established using "Usual and Customary Charge" guidelines for the geographical area. 
Insurance and managed care companies establish "Allowed Amounts" for types of services independent of provider charges. Their payment is based on their unique established rate for services and the amount or percentage of patient responsibility. Our administrative staff is happy to contact your company and find out what your benefits will cover and any cost for each session (deductibles that might apply, co-pays, co-insurance, etc.). Give us a call, and we can review the anticipated costs for services provided.

Payment 

Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted for payment. 

We also accept HSA/FSA cards.

CANCELLATION POLICY

In order to provide you with optimal care, your appointment time is reserved specifically for you.  Our providers do not double book.  As a general rule, we ask for 48 hours notice, or a $50 fee will be assessed. This fee is also applicable for missed appointments.

If there is a pattern of cancelled appointments (whether providing 48 hours notice or not), or no-shows, your provider may be unable to continue to provide services, and reserves the right to cancel future appointments in order to make room for clients committed to the therapeutic process.  We will always communicate about this with you, and determine if we’re a good fit prior to making changes to your scheduled appointments. 

We will make every effort to provide you with adequate notice if your provider will be unavailable for a scheduled appointment and are more than happy to reschedule as needed.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

Is therapy right for me?  

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards positive change in their lives.

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can therapy help me?  

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marital issues, and the struggles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communication and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like?  

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session typically lasts forty-five minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

• Real strategies for enacting positive change

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy?  

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Is therapy confidential?  

Communications between our clients and ourselves are held in the strictest of confidence to meet the privacy needs of our clients. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. Your therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. Your therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

• In response to a subpoena

Please ask if you need further clarification regarding any of these exceptions.

 NOTICE TO PATIENTS:

This practice serves all patients regardless of ability to pay.

Discounts for essential services are offered based on family size and income.

For more information, ask at the front desk or speak with your provider.

Thank you.

 AVISO PARA PACIENTES:

Esta práctica sirve a todos los pacientes, independientemente de la capacidad de pago.

Descuentos para los servicios esenciales son ofrecidos dependiendo de tamaño de la familia y de los ingresos.

Usted puede solicitar un descuento en la recepción o hable con su proveedor.

Gracias.

No Surprises Act