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Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
The first step in determining your mental health coverage through your insurance carrier is to call them directly using the member services telephone number located on the backside of your insurance card. Ensure that you understand your insurance plan by asking the following questions:
- Do I have a HMO or PPO insurance plan?
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per session?
- How many sessions does my plan cover?
- Do I have an annual deductible? If so, has it been met?
- Do I have a copay or coinsurance payment? If so, how much is it?
- Does my insurance cover out-of-network mental health providers?
- Is a referral required from my primary care physician (PCP)?
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matters that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent." Sometimes you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Medical Doctor or Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
- Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
- If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming himself/herself/themselves or has threatened to harm another person.
What can I expect during my first session?
During your initial visit you can expect to discuss the presenting problem which ultimately led you to explore therapy. The therapeutic process, insurance limitations and confidentiality will be discussed in detail. Your initial visit is a time for you and your therapist to get to know one another and begin the process of building a rapport with one another. In getting to know you the therapist will ask that you provide very specific information including but not limited to your childhood, current/past relationships, social history and medical history. This can be an overwhelming process for some. Please be as honest as possible and be sure to share your feelings with your therapist.