We receive a number of questions about our services. Here are a few of the questions we’re most often asked:
- What is Psychotherapy?
- Does therapy always work?
- What happens on my first visit?
- How often do I come to therapy?
- What are the fees and is therapy covered under my insurance plan?
- How can I pay?
- What if I can’t pay the full amount?
- Are you a participating provider with my insurance company?
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the counselor and client, and the particular problems you bring forward. There are many different methods used to deal with the problems you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part.
Does therapy always work?
Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.
What happens on my first visit?
Your first session, or “intake”, will be structured to help your counselor understand the problems you are facing. Your counselor may also ask you to take one or more tests or other assessment tools to assist him/her in more quickly and thoroughly understanding you, your problems, and how best to work with the problems you are facing.
The beginning stage of counseling involves clearly identifying the problems you are facing. The second stage involves gaining insights into patterns of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to your problems. You will be able to use these insights to begin making changes. In order for the therapy to be most helpful, you will have to work on things discussed during your therapy sessions. In the last stage you will be encouraged to actively apply or solidify new insights and skills to make change in yourself and your life situation.
How often do I come to therapy?
Typically, your counselor will schedule to see you weekly during a standing appointment time. If you need to change your appointment from time to time, we ask that you verify your next appointment with our staff at the end of each session. If staff is not on duty, confirm your next appointment with your counselor. Changes in appointments can also be made by phone. If you see your counselor at one of our other locations, please call our main office at 803-731-4708 for any changes in appointments. Appointment changes during non-business hours should be made via messages on our voice mail.
What are the fees and is therapy covered under my insurance plan?
The No Surprises Act requires that we provide a “Good Faith Estimate” for self-pay clients that do not have insurance. Our fees are consistent with the moderate prevailing rates in this area. Initial visits are $150. Follow-up sessions are $135. Family/Marital sessions are $150. A session is 45 – 55 minutes in length.
There may be additional charges for tests, report fees, or form/document completion which are not covered by insurance. These fees range from $75-$100, depending what you need completed and the time it takes the provider to complete.
The cost for an ADD clinical evaluation and report to your doctor has 2 separate charges. The clinical evaluation cost with a therapist is determined by your insurance company and is your COPAY/DEDUCTIBLE amount (cost varies by insurance company/policy) + the REPORT fee of $100 (which is not covered by insurance).
The cost for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) evaluation and report for Lexington or Richland County is $300 and will be due prior to being evaluated.
If you have questions about whether your insurance policy covers counseling services, you need to call your insurance company and ask for your “outpatient mental health benefits in an office setting.” For a list of insurance companies we are paneled with, please see the list below. If you have any questions about what your insurance may cover, please do not hesitate to contact our insurance and billing team, Therapist Solutions, 877-535-9923.
How can I pay?
We ask that charges for each session be paid in full at the time of service. You may pay by check, cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. We also accept HSA cards.
What if I can’t pay the full amount?
If you are not covered by insurance and you have a limited income, please discuss your situation with our office staff at the time you are scheduling your first appointment. We have certain providers who may reduce their fees to assist you; however, the demands are often greater than our practical ability to meet. In this case, we encourage you to seek assistance from your church or other community agencies.
If you should experience financial difficulties while you are an active patient, we ask that you immediately discuss it with your counselor so that we can arrange a payment plan to accommodate your needs. Once you become an inactive patient and still have an outstanding balance, we ask that you continue to honor your payment plan. If at any time you choose to ignore your obligation, you will be referred to an outside collection agency.
Are you a participating provider with my insurance company?
We are participating providers with the following insurance companies:
- Aetna
- BCBS Federal
- BCBS PPO
- BCBS State
- Blue Choice
- Blue Essentials
- Cigna
- Medicare
- Planned Administrators
- Tricare
- United Healthcare (UBH/OPTUM)
Patient information forms: