Below is a brief overview of the process and what you can expect from Shalom Counseling. Questions at any stage in the process are welcomed and appreciated!
Initial Phone Consultation
An initial phone consultation is offered before scheduling your first appointment. This usually lasts about 20 minutes and gives us a chance to ask questions, get to know one another, and determine if we feel we are a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule a first session and determine if it will be in-person or telehealth. Fees will be discussed as well as location and other related details. Documentation will be sent to you prior to your first session that includes information about counseling and me as your therapist, privacy policies, and confidentiality.
Your First Session
If we meet in-person you arrive to the waiting area and I will come and invite you to my office at the time of your appointment. If we meet via video, we will take some time to acclimate to the service and experience. I use a video service that is confidential, HIPAA compliant, free to you, and readily available across many platforms.
We will then review your paperwork and discuss any questions you may have before we begin to discuss the details of your situation and your reason for seeking help. A bit of history related to your life will be explored in an effort to better understand your current symptoms and responses. We will discuss your treatment goals and determine together a plan for moving forward. A typical session is 55 minutes.
Fees and Payment
Shalom Counseling does not currently accept insurance. A fee of $170 for an initial intake session and $140 for each subsequent session is due at the time of service. A sliding scale fee schedule is available for those who are unable to pay the full session fee due to financial hardship. Please inquire for more details.
Good Faith Estimate Notice
Notice to clients and prospective clients:
Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Cancellation Policy
Counseling is about relationship; a therapist comes along side you in a relational context to support you in your healing journey. This relational context means we are committing to a relationship that we both engage in to aid your healing. Your appointment is time set aside exclusively for your use and when it is cancelled with short notice, or missed altogether, we are unable to fill this time slot. Cancellation Policies ensure the longevity of the practice and that people needing care are able to access that care. Missed appointments without proper notice will result in a fee up to the full cost of the session, with the exception of illness, COVID-19 illness or exposure, or needing emergency care. The full cancellation policy is shared once we agree to meet.