What forms of payment do you accept? Payment can be made by check, cash or credit cards.  You are asked to pay for sessions each time you come.  A nominal 3% convenience fee is charged for credit/debit card payments. How long do sessions last? Initial sessions are 1 hour long and subsequent sessions are 50 minutes.  Do you provide phone or online counseling? No.
Do you accept insurance? I do not participate as an "in network" provider for any insurance company. However, services rendered may be eligible for reimbursement as an "out of network" provider. Clients are responsible for paying the fee upfront and seeking reimbursement on their own. I will work with you to supply you with all of the necessary paperwork to seek reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company before-hand to see if they will offer reimbursement. A "check list" of specific questions to ask your insurer in order to verify your benefits is provided here for your convenience.   CHECK-LIST when CALLING YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTHINSURANCECOVERAGE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In October 2009, you should know that a new Federal law went into effect mandating insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health treatment as they do for medical/surgical coverage.  Known as the "parity law", this is great news for those seeking mental health treatment as it ends discriminatory practice toward those seeking mental health care.  For example, if your insurance plan covers your medical care at 80%, your plan must now cover your mental health care @ 80%.  For more information the Paul Wellston and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), please click here Mental Health Parity Law What are some ways I might be able to afford counseling? * A FLEX BENEFIT Saving Account is an account into which you can put pre-tax dollars to cover the costs of insurance co-pays and other eligible medical expenses your insurance doesn't cover (such as counseling).  Open enrollment for these accounts depends on your company / organization's fiscal year or upon hire.  Check with your HR / benefit coordinator to see if this option is available to you.  You do not have to fully fund the account - e.g. you can begin to get reimbursed for an eligible expense even if that money has not yet been placed into your account.  This can also be a tax savings as funding a FBSA reduces your taxable income.  * We might discuss a pre-determined number of sessions so that you can budget for the cost. Short-term counseling has been shown to be very effectice at times by remaining very focused on plans and goals. * Credit card payments can be arranged for a nominal surcharge. * Call to discuss these options.   What are your office hours? By appointment only.  Please call for availability. What's a "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor"? An LCPC is independently licensed provider of mental health services. LCPC's have a 60 credit master's degree in psychology or counseling from accredited colleges and universities. LCPC's are licensed in the State of Maryland by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists Do you prescribe medication? No. Counselors, social workers and psychologists are not permitted to write prescriptions in Maryland. Only psychiatrists (who are M.D.'s) and other M.D.s are permitted to prescribe medication in Maryland. What if I need medication? I work closely with a number of psychiatrists in the local community to whom I can refer you for medication evaluations. I am familiar with psychiatric care and can work closely with him/her to coordinate the best possible care for you.  Sometimes your family doctor may prescribe medications as well. I can coordinate care with her/him too. How is your counseling practice "green"? Financial statements are printed only upon request (rather than automatically printing statement for clients who do not require them) thus reducing unnecessary paper use I recycle shredded paper, plastic/aluminum and expended printer cartridges Office windows are tinted to reduce heat & cooling costs Most light bulbs in waiting area and office are low-energy flourescent I use retailers in my office building for office supplies and related services thus reducing the need to drive.   Some office furniture is previously used Live plants in office help to clean the air How do I get to your office? The Village of Cross Keys is located at 5100 Falls Road in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore City. It is located between the Cold Spring Lane & Northern Parkway exit off of I-83.   CLICK here for DIRECTIONS Enter your starting address: Street Address:  City:  State:  ZIP Code: