Frequently Asked Questions
Does Within Reach Counseling, LLC offer a consultation to make sure you are the right counselor for me? Absolutely! The right personality fit is one of the biggest predictors of successful counseling. We offer a free 15 minute consultation to help you assess whether or not we are the right fit for you.
What does an initial appointment usually look like?
After a 15 minute consultation, you and your counselor will schedule a time for the counselor to meet with you in your home or through telehealth. In order to uphold privacy, we ask that you let us know who will be in the home during the appointment prior to the beginning of the initial sessions, and that you have a private, quiet space where you and your counselor can focus on your session together. An initial appointment will include filling out some intake paperwork, discussing your expectations for counseling, and a discussion of your goals for treatment. Before the end of your session, you and your counselor will discuss a treatment plan that will include how often and how long an average appointment will be (weekly/bi weekly/monthly, 30, 60, 90 minute sessions).
How long do appointments typically last?
Appointments last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This is of course very individual and some people may find 30 or 90 minutes to be best for them.
What are Within Reach Counseling, LLC’s rates?
$140/hour, billed at 15 minute increments. If you prefer a 30 minute session, you will only be billed for 30 minutes.
Does Within Reach Counseling, LLC offer a discount for individuals with Medicare?
Yes! For individuals with Medicare, Within Reach Counseling offers a reduced rate of $90/hour.
Will Within Reach Counseling, LLC charge any additional fees for travel?
No. At no time will Within Reach Counseling, LLC request any additional payment from you for time traveled or mileage.
Does Within Reach Counseling, LLC accept insurance?
Within Reach Counseling, LLC does not accept insurance. Your insurance carrier may cover some or all of the costs of counseling through Within Reach Counseling, LLC as an Out of Network Provider. Please call your insurance carrier directly to inquire. Typically, if services are covered as Out of Network, Within Reach Counseling, LLC will provide you with a “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.
We don’t accept insurance for a few specific reasons:
In order to receive mental health services through your insurance carrier, you need to have a mental health diagnosis. Some of the issues our clients are facing can be resolved through counseling, but are not diagnosable mental health concerns according to the DSM-V (the primary diagnostic manual used by therapists in the USA). Grief/bereavement is a perfect example. Grief is not a diagnosis recognized by the the DSM-V, yet many experts would say that grief is distinctly different from, and is treated differently than depression. If using insurance, individuals experiencing grief may be made to fit into the predetermined mold subjecting them to inappropriate treatment.
Loss of privacy. In some states and under certain circumstances, you may be required to disclose that you have been diagnosed with a mental health concern. Some examples of this breach of your privacy include employers in some states are able to ask you after they offer you a job if you have been diagnosed with a mental illness (Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania » Rights & Responsibilities for Employees). You will likely also have to disclose that you have sought mental health counseling to a life insurance carrier if you are applying for life insurance (Will Mental Illness Affect Your Life Insurance Cost?). At Within Reach Counseling, LLC, we value your privacy.
Does Within Reach Counseling, LLC charge a cancellation fee?
Yes, a cancellation fee of 100% of the cost of counseling will be charged for cancellations after 7pm the day before your appointment (i.e. for a Monday appointment, please call to cancel at least before 7:00 pm on Sunday). Those with valid medical or life emergency reasons will be exempt from paying the cancellation fee.
What kind of payment does Within Reach Counseling, LLC accept?
We accept cash, check, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit, and HSA (Health Savings Account).
Can another person of my choosing join my session?
It depends. Within Reach Counseling, LLC understands that sometimes it is important to involve your loved ones in your sessions. To make sure that this is in line with your goals and that we plan appropriately, we ask that you discuss having others join appointments with your counselor prior to having another person join the session. There will be no additional cost for having another person join the session if it is mutually agreed upon in advance.
For in person sessions, should I prepare food or clean my house prior to your arrival?
It is absolutely not necessary or expected for you to do either. You should feel no obligation to “host” our counselors.
The only exception to ensure safety of yourself and the counselor. If your home has cockroaches, bed bugs, other pests, or hazardous molds, we request that you resolve those issues prior to your counseling appointment. We would be happy to assist you in finding these types of organizations if needed. If you need to cancel an appointment in order to resolve these issues, no charge for the appointment will be incurred as long as you cancel prior to the counselor’s arrival to your home. You may also elect to participate in a telehealth session instead until the pest/mold concern is resolved.
What do I do with my pets during an in person session?
We love animals! However, animals are often sensitive to their owner’s emotions and may misinterpret your distress for a threat and act accordingly. Until your pet becomes accustomed to our counselor’s presence, we kindly request that you keep them on a leash, in a kennel, or in another part of the home during your appointment. We would be happy to call you on arrival to your home so that you have adequate time to find a place where your pet can wait comfortably.
Don’t see your question listed here? No problem! Give us a call or send us an email and we would be happy to answer any remaining questions you may have.