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Frequently Asked Questions
What usually takes place in sessions?
Usually the first session covers a lot of general information your therapist needs to know. The therapist will ask many questions to get an indication of 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 so that what has worked in the past or not worked can be clearly identified. Your therapist may be taking notes during the first session. Subsequent sessions will be more interactive. At times, you may be given handouts and/or assignments to further educate you and provide you with more resources to address your problem.
Who should attend the first session?
It is recommended that all parties involved attend the first session. If you are coming for couples counseling, the therapist will see both people for the first visit, then each person individually for one or more additional appointments to gather relevant background history, then you will be together for all other appointments. The same would apply for parent child concerns. This would allow everyone to feel like they are 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 7. 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 for 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 also are on most insurance panels (See Participating Insurance Companies page). We do our best to operate our office efficiently and we 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 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 insurance company. Our primary relationship is with you, not your insurance company. We will cooperate with you and your insurance company to expedite payment of your claims. If your insurance company denies 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 for your insurance 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?
David Goodman, Ph.D. Psychologist Associates 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.
Call (630) 377-3535 or e-mail goodmand3@comcast.net
If you wish to discuss your concerns, please leave your phone number
and our practice manager will contact you. By leaving an e-mail
or voice-mail message, you are under no obligation, but we will
be happy to discuss ways in which we might be helpful to you.
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