Policies

We are here to assist people on their journey to becoming the whole, unique person whom God created them to be.  Although we are Christians, we respect the spiritual journey and religious preference of each client.

THE COUNSELING PROCESS

The counseling process involves a variety of interventions including history taking, ”talk” therapy, journaling, education, support groups, and, if you wish, prayer and scripture.  Your counselor will strive to help you:

• understand the origins of your difficulties,
• examine, challenge and rebuild your belief systems,
• recognize the consequences of your choices,
• improve problem-solving and decision-making,
• learn new communication and interpersonal relationship skills and
• provide tools, skills & coping strategies to manage personal challenges & everyday problems.

Healing is a process, and your therapist will support and guide you through your healing journey. It is the therapist’s responsibility to:

• Answer your questions about his/her knowledge, skills, preparation, experience, and credentials.
• Explain his/her approach to treatment and answer your questions about your options
• Respect your right to make decisions about your own treatment.
• Provide you with the best of his/her knowledge and expertise
• Abide by the ethical code of his/her respective profession.
• Maintain confidentiality of personal information

As with most of the important things in life, what you will get out of therapy will depend, in large part, on what you put into it. For maximum benefit, we suggest that you:

• Attend your scheduled sessions faithfully.
• Openly share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your therapist.
• Do homework assigned by your therapist. Habits have to be broken and new skills learned.
• Recognize that the therapeutic process is sometimes hard work, slow, and uncomfortable.
• Be aware that your growth will produce changes in interpersonal relationships.

It is your responsibility to attend your therapy sessions as scheduled and to pay for your session or your co-pay at the time of service.  Your therapist has set aside this time for you.  If you miss your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged a missed appointment fee equal to the full fee for your session or, if you are an insurance client, $65.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR COUNSELORS

All counselors have a minimum of a master’s degree and are licensed clinical professional counselors. All counselors are licensed to practice in the state of Maryland and are Nationally Certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. All counselors are engaged in continuing education to stay up to date with information in the field of counseling and regularly participate in supervision as needed.

FINANCIAL POLICIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Charged Fees for Therapy Services

• Fee for Initial Intake Evaluation Session is $180.00
• Fee per 45 minute Therapy Session after the initial intake evaluation session is $120.00
• Fees for Group Therapy vary from $30- $40 per session depending on nature and length of the group.
• Fees for the preparation of written reports are determined by the amount of time and expense involved in each case.  This should be discussed with the therapist before services is rendered.  We do not provide psychological or educational testing..
• Missed Appointments: A fee will be charged for appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24-hours notice.   This fee is equal to the full fee for your session or $65 if you are an insurance client. If you have a documented illness, death of immediate family member, or other documented emergency, this fee may be waived. Please note that your insurance company will not pay for missed appointments.
• Fee for a returned check is $36 in addition to the amount of the original check.  After two returned checks, payment by cash will be required.

Payment Due at Time of Therapy Appointment The therapist will collect payment (including insurance co-payments, insurance deductibles, and out-of-pocket payments) at the time of the therapy session.  If payment is missed for more than one session, future sessions will be postponed until payment is made against the outstanding balance.  Payment may be made with cash or checks made payable to you therapist.  In the case of non-payment, your necessary information may be sent to collection agencies for bill payment. Adjustments to Out-of-Pocket Costs Clients with financial need may be eligible for a sliding scale.  In such cases, fees are determined based on gross family income.  A financial statement must be completed and documentation of income provided. Insurance Coverage Most health insurance companies cover “out-patient mental health therapy.”  Many insurance policies require authorization by a mental health management company, or have other restrictions. Please check with your insurance company to learn the terms of your coverage and if pre-authorization is needed before beginning therapy.  We are willing to submit claims for the expected insurance portion of payment.  Please remember that your insurance coverage is never certain until the payment is actually received.  The client is responsible for the balance if denial of payment is made by the insurance company and for the annual deductible of his/her policy.

TERMINATION PROCEDURES

Termination of counseling services is at the discretion of either the client or the counselor.  It is recommended that the client and the therapist mutually evaluate and conclude the therapeutic process.

• If the client decides to go elsewhere, your counselor may provide names of other professional therapists.
• The client has a right to end therapy without moral, legal, or financial obligations other than those already accrued.
• If the client does not keep appointments, or does not fulfill financial responsibilities, or violates other specified counseling policies, the therapist may terminate services with a written notice of termination.
• The therapist will maintain the client’s records in a locked file for seven years for adult clients and for six years past the age of majority for minor clients.

COMPLAINTS OR GRIEVANCES

Complaints or grievances are may be directed to Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists at 4201 Patterson Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 or (410) 764-4732.