Frequently Asked Questions
What about my privacy?
Privacy and confidentiality is of paramount importance. At your initial session, information about HIPAA codes (your legal privacy rights) will be provided. The practicalities and limitations of confidentiality in a small community will be addressed, and your personal preferences will be respected.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 860-245-1282 or Email info@southcovecounseling.com. A response will be provided within 24 hours.
Why should I choose "Private Pay"?
Many clients choose not to involve insurance companies in their mental health care. By choosing to use Private Pay, you are keeping your mental health care information private, off the record, and you are maintaining ultimate control over your health care, instead of the insurance company.
What if I live too far away, or I am unable to travel to sessions?
Telephone or video counseling for Connecticut residents is often available. For details, call 860-245-1282 or Email info@southcovecounseling.com.
What can I expect from the free phone consultation?
The complimentary, initial telephone conversation usually lasts about 15 minutes, and offers an opportunity to discover your comfort level, while helping to assess whether there is a productive client-therapist rapport.
What happens at the first session?
Therapy begins by establishing the positive rapport and trusting relationship essential to successful outcomes. We will identify what you would like to achieve, and if you decide that you would like to start sessions, then weekly appointments will be scheduled at a regular, set time.
What should I expect from therapy?
Evidence-based techniques are utilized from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and/or Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients as they learn to effectively navigate challenging life transitions, relationship struggles, trauma, and/or significant obstacles.
What are your fees?
My full rate fee for each 60-minute, individual session is $140, and payments are made at each session. If you prefer longer sessions, we can discuss this possibility when scheduling our weekly appointments. Initial intake sessions are $185, and usually about 75 minutes. A sliding scale fee is available for a limited number of clients.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
As long as 24-hour advanced notice of a cancellation or rescheduling is provided, there will be no charge. Late cancellations and no-shows will be billed at the full session fee.
How do I get reimbursed for my out-of-network therapy payments?
Psychotherapy services might be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits or health care savings accounts. For a fully informed decision, here are some options to consider before beginning therapy sessions:
1. Closely look over your Summary of Benefits, which will be included in your member information packet or on your insurance company's website.
2. Confirm details of the insurance policy by calling the customer service phone number, found on the back of the insurance card, and asking about out of network (OON) coverage. Be sure to inquire about:
- the amount of your out-of-network deductible
- how much of your OON deductible you've already met
- the specific dollar amount that will be covered per session
- number of mental health sessions covered per calendar year
- if a referral from an in-network provider is necessary
- when/if a pre-certification/pre-approval is necessary
- whether Licensed Professional Counselors are covered
South Cove Counseling, LLC can provide clients with a monthly statement of payment to be forwarded to insurance companies for reimbursement.