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Is counseling right for me?
The short answer: If you are researching therapeutic help online, then you are probably ready to give it a try. The answer is yes.
How do I get started?
If you are interested in getting started with one of our practitioners, simply call the clinic and ask to set up an appointment. You will be ask some brief questions regarding your need for services, as well as some questions regarding your insurance coverage. For your convenience, most billing and/or insurance questions can be answered before you’re even scheduled for your first session. To expedite this process, please have your insurance card ready when you call.
How long does a session usually last?
Sessions can range in length, depending on the needs of the client. Typically, an initial assessment (those clients who haven’t been previously seen by our clinic) runs about an hour. This allows ample time to identify the needs of the client, and to see if the therapist is a “good fit” for the client. Subsequent sessions usually range from 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the needs of the client as identified in the initial assessment, and/or the client’s current life situation. Sessions can last longer or shorter than the “traditional” length of time. Please inform your therapist if you wish to be seen only for 45 minutes, or if you have any other time constraints. It is the goal of our practitioners to meet your needs as a client, and they can work with you to identify the appropriate length and/or cadence of sessions to assist in that process. Often times your insurance company only allows for a certain length of sessions. The office manager will be able to help you determine what your insurance company allows.
When can I get in for an appointment?
Please contact the Office Manager at (919) 434-6398 to schedule an appointment. She will guide you through the process of insurance verification if desired, and give you the earliest possible appointment, usually within the week.
Will you work with my child’s school?
Yes. This can be done with your written permission and especially for younger children may include telephone or written contacts with the child’s teacher, school counselor or principal.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. The practitioners in this clinic are licensed psychologists and counselors; they are not physicians. Only a medical doctor or an advanced practice nurse may prescribe medications. If you and your therapist think that assessment for medication is advisable, we will help to refer you to your choice of medical practitioner, or provide clinical documentation/recommendations to your existing medical practitioner to support such a decision. Please note that a release of information (ROI) is needed for any third party with whom you would like your information shared. Please inform your therapist of any medications you may currently be taking during your first session.
Will you tell me my diagnosis?
It is your right to know everything about your treatment. Please ask your therapist for any information about your treatment, including diagnosis, prognosis, type of treatments recommended, etc.
Do you accept insurance?
This clinic does file insurance with multiple providers. However, due to the intricacies of managed health care, not all insurance is accepted. For questions regarding insurance eligibility, please contact the Office Manager.
What if I have to miss a session?
We understand that circumstances arise in life that may prevent you from making your scheduled appointment time, and we want to make every effort to provide you with a schedule that works best with your day to day demands. We request at least 24 hours advance notice of any appointment cancellations. Per clinic policy, failure to provide adequate notice of non-emergency cancellations will result in a late charge of $25 applies.
Is the information I provide to your staff confidential?
We adhere to patient privacy policies as outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and respect your right as an individual to keep your information secure. However, certain circumstances may exist that require that a portion of your file be disclosed to a relevant party, i.e. insurance companies that require a diagnosis to file insurance, or a court proceeding that requires clinical documentation of services as part of the legal process. In such cases, we will make every effort to disclose only that information which is needed to satisfy the requirements of the involved party, and nothing more. Any and all of your information CAN be shared with any party at your request by signing a release of information (ROI) form identifying the party with whom you would like information shared. This is most commonly used with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, attorneys, immediate family members, etc. Please note that the information of minor clients (under the age of 18) is regulated by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), who can make the above-specified decisions proxy for the client. You are provided a copy of our clinic’s confidentiality and privacy agreement when you complete your intake paperwork and you may request one at any time from the Office Manager. |
Stonebridge Counseling
Child, Adolescent, Adult and Marriage Counseling
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