Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation?
Hours are by appointment only. Upon scheduling an intake session, inquire about general availability to determine if our therapist is a good fit for you. Please note if an ideal time opens up in a therapist’s schedule, they usually offer that time slot to their current clients first, then offer it to new clients. It’s strongly recommended that clients schedule recurring appointments in advance to secure preferred times.
How can I make an appointment?
To schedule an appointment you can conveniently schedule online by scheduling a consultation via our Alma Profile or sending us a message here. We do not accept appointments via phone at this time. We will try to respond to your inquiry within 24 business hours.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, we have a 24-hour cancellation policy. This policy is in place to ensure that therapists have time to offer the allotted time slot to a new or existing client in need of an appointment. We do have to be strict about this policy since we have reserved the session time especially for you. The cancellation fee can be found in the intake paperwork, which you will have signed before receiving services.
How does payment work?
We currently accept credit card payments through our EHR software or through Alma.
The client’s session fee is due at the time of service. Credit cards are run through our EHR, and clients have the option to be emailed receipts upon request. Many of our clients choose to use their FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) or HSA (Health Spending Accounts) to pay for counseling. If clients want to use this option, they should discuss this with their therapist. Depending on what the client may need for their own records (Or for third-party reimbursement), a receipt (superbill) for Out of Network payments and appointment dates can be given monthly, or quarterly. New clients should speak to their therapist to discuss their preferences.
It is the client’s responsibility to know their own in-network/OON insurance benefits and to be responsible for the amount that their insurance company does not pay due to deductibles, copay, or co-insurance.
Clients can also opt to have a 3rd party pay for their counseling service (employer, family member, other organization etc). Once we have a release of information, the office can work with the 3rd party to ensure that payment is timely. Please have that 3rd party contact our office to set up billing and payment once a release of information has been completed.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We are currently in-network with most Aetna, Optum/United Health Care and Cigna Plans; in addition, to other plans that may be added through Alma. You will only be responsible for your co-pay and any deductibles that have not been met. Please visit our Alma profile to check your estimated cost for services.
We accept select EAPs through Alma. It is the clients responsibility to provide the necessary authorization information for verification of benefits.
If you are out-of-network and wish to use insurance, your therapist can provide a receipt (called a “super bill”) for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you have “Out-of-Network Benefits” for outpatient mental health services. SFTS does not submit OON claims on clients’ behalf at this time. You are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance company. Our clients are usually successful in obtaining this reimbursement.
What should I consider when using insurance?
We panel with insurance companies because they support our mission, which is to provide accessible and affordable counseling services to those in need. With that being said some clients choose not to use their insurance for a wide range of reasons. Some popular reasons are:
* Insurance companies REQUIRE a diagnosis in order to pay for your session. What we find is that not everyone who comes to counseling has a diagnosis. Some are just struggling in relationships, in their jobs, or working through grief.
* The diagnosis that is given, will REMAIN on the client’s permanent health record. This diagnosis will follow the client in school, military, landing federal jobs, security clearances, applying for life insurance, etc.
* Insurance companies can REQUEST the clients’ session notes at any point in time (by using your insurance you waive confidentiality) and many clients feel uncomfortable with this.
* Insurance companies DECIDE what type of treatment they will cover, what type of treatment they will not. Example: Many companies will not cover couples counseling, or will not cover specific diagnoses. Or some will only cover a particular code, even if you need a different code.
* Insurance companies can LIMIT the number of sessions that a client can have.
* The provider a client wants to see is not PANELED with their insurance company, or perhaps is paneled with their insurance company but not your specific plan.
* Insurance company copay or deductible is too high.
Who should I call if I am experiencing a crisis?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 for immediate assistance. GCAL is available 24/7. You can also call 9-1-1, and/or find safe transportation to the nearest emergency room.