Frequently Asked Questions
What usually takes place in sessions?
The first session typically covers general information your therapist needs to know. Questions will help him or her gauge your areas of concern, how long these have been an issue, family background and history, support systems, and other information that might prove helpful in evaluating your problem. Prior treatment history, if it has occurred, is important to discuss with your counselor to help identify what has or has not worked in the past. Your therapist may take notes during the first session, while subsequent sessions will be more interactive. In certain cases, you may even be given handouts and/or assignments to further educate and provide you with more resources to help address your problem.
Who should attend the first session?
It is recommended that all parties involved attend the first session. If you’re coming for couples counseling, the therapist will see you both for the first visit, then individually for one or more additional appointments in order to gather relevant background history. From then on, you will likely be together for all other appointments. The same would apply for parent child concerns. This would allow everyone to feel like they’re starting on equal footing. Each party will have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with everyone present. There may be exceptions in cases involving young children under the age of seven. The child psychologists would like to see the parents first and then have an appointment with the parent and child together at the next visit. Other situations could involve exceptions to this as well. Please check with your counselor if you have questions.
How long will therapy take and how often will we meet?
Sessions are ordinarily scheduled on the hour and last 45 minutes. Therapy is a very individual process. There is no set amount of time it takes to complete or come to a stopping point. You and your therapist will work together to identify treatment goals, understand the triggers to undesired feelings and behaviors, learn new coping skills, and draw upon already existing strengths and skills. Some people choose to come more frequently, others less. We work together for a mutually agreed upon treatment interval.
What about payment?
Payment (co-payments, deductible and coinsurance) is due at the beginning of each session. We accept cash, checks and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard & Discover). We are also on most insurance panels [link to Participating Insurance Companies page]. We do our best to operate our office efficiently and when necessary, will use both attorney and collection services (and forward these particular costs to the delinquent account as an additional charge) to secure payment for services rendered. Accounts will be considered delinquent if payment is not received within 60 days of receipt, and a statement fee of $15 per month will be charged.
We will bill your insurance carrier on your behalf after each visit. However, your insurance is a contract between you and your carrier. Our primary relationship is with you, not your insurance company. We will cooperate with you and with them to expedite payment of your claims. If they deny all or part of your claim, you are responsible for payment of the account. Remember, you are a customer of your insurance company and you pay the premiums either directly or indirectly. Therefore, your insurance company must be responsible to you and answer your questions or complaints about your insurance coverage.
What About Missed Appointments?
We understand that emergencies do arise. Please discuss the nature of the emergency with your counselor to avoid a late cancellation charge. Unless appointments are cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of their scheduled time, there will be a full fee charge for all missed or late cancelled appointments at the rate of a normal office visit. Insurance will not reimburse for missed sessions. Sunday appointments must be cancelled by Friday no later than 5 p.m. and Monday appointments must be cancelled no later than Saturday at 5 p.m.
What Are Our Payment Policies Regarding Children’s Appointments?
The adult accompanying the child to the appointment is responsible for the payment. Payments must be sent with an unaccompanied child or a credit card number can be given to the billing office to be used for the unaccompanied child’s visit.
What Are Our Policies Regarding Divorce Situations?
Dr. Goodman & Associates Family Psychologists looks to the adult who has brought the child in for the appointment, to be responsible for payment of services that are rendered to the child. We also expect the parents to be able to work out payment arrangements with each other and not involve our office in any disputes that may arise.
