Frequently Asked Questions ...and answers
What should I expect in my first appointment?
Prior to your first session, please fill out and bring your new client forms and review the disclosure and consent form. Also, please bring with you any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss. The therapeutic relationship is an extremely important one and it's an honor to walk with you in your journey. We will spend our first session getting to know one another, learning about your goals, and beginning the healing process.
What should I bring to session?
Please bring your new client history form as well as session payment.
Cancellation Policy:
We know your time is valuable, and ours is too. Out of respect for our staff and our other clients, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment.
The first time a client misses an appointment, we will make a note in your file.
All future missed appointments will incur a full session ($95) fee.
Can I afford counseling?
People often wonder if they can afford the care they need. It is a financial commitment to make positive changes in life and the goal at Bridges is to make counseling affordable for those who are dedicated to working through issues and toward their therapeutic goals.
Session fees are $110 per 55 minute session.
Regardless of the amount you pay, your session time will be used wisely and spent as an investment into your mental health. Sessions will be scheduled on an as needed basis without a contract for required number of sessions. The goal is to help you achieve your counseling goals.
Session fees are due at the time of service. Fees can be paid in cash, check, credit, debit, FSA or HSA card.
“Good Faith Estimate” Law
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, or hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimage in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, before you schedule an item or service
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Your Good Faith Estimate is part of your intake paperwork.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
The Good Faith Estimate for all clients is $95/session. The total cost will be $95 per session and are scheduled at the discretion of the client.”
Is Bridges Counseling in my insurance network?
Some of our counselors are in network with some insurance. If you are hopeful to use insurance, we recommend you research which counselors accept insurance to be sure your insurance is accepted. Even if the counselor you work with is not in network, a receipt can be provided to you for your sessions and if you wish you can submit this receipt to your insurance carrier for possible out-of network-benefits.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), Bridges Counseling IS able to accept payment via one of these accounts. Receipts will be provided to clients who wish to use one of these types of accounts for reimbursement/payment. It is recommended that clients check with their insurance carrier and/or Human Resources departments prior to sessions to determine how to use their funds for payment/reimbursement.
We allow clients to choose self pay or possible insurance use to ensure that our clients have the most ownership and privacy associated with their counseling. Read more about our decision HERE
Why would I pick a counseling practice not in my insurance network?
The counseling relationship is the most critical aspect of the counseling journey. Therefore, finding the right counselor for you, regardless of insurance network, to help you achieve your goals is of paramount importance.
Another consideration when choosing a counselor and deciding to use insurance to help cover cost are the issue of privacy as well as limits of care placed on a client when insurance is involved with their counseling journey. When insurance companies are involved with the payment of sessions, they also are privy to the diagnosis(es) made during counseling sessions. Insurance companies may request you to release this information at a later time or disclose it when changing insurance carriers. Bridges Counseling is not an insurance carrier and cannot advise on the details of plans, but does recommend clients become fully aware of the privacy rights associated with individuals plans.
Can my out-of-network benefits help pay for my services?
Some insurance plans will reimburse you for counseling services. You are encouraged to call your insurance company to obtain a quote for your eligible out-of-network benefits. At time of service you will be asked to pay your session fee. You can then submit a receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. The receipt contains the information your insurance company needs to process your claim and reimburse you according to your benefits. If you plan to submit to your insurance, please ask for an insurance receipt at the time of your visit.
What is your privacy policy?
Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Bridges Counseling and our clinicians adhere to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board of professional standards regarding confidentiality. Anything you say will be kept confidential with the following exceptions: 1) if it is determined you are a danger to yourself or others; 2) on the rare occasion that a court subpoena for records is received; 3) child or elder abuse is discovered; and 4) when it is request in writing by you, the client, that Bridges communicate information to someone else.
What should I do in an emergency or crisis?
Bridges Counseling is not equipped as a crisis intervention office. If a life-threatening or other crisis situation arises, please dial 911 for your local police or call Netcare at (614) 276-2273.