Frequently Asked Questions

Once you’ve set your intake appointment, we will start with an initial assessment to gather a complete history and determine if our practice can meet your individual needs. The primary goal for the first session is to listen to your concerns and discuss what has led you to seek therapy. Based on the information you provide, we will recommend the focus, desired outcomes, frequency, and length of counseling. Your specific goals will determine the strategies and approaches used during counseling. You are welcomed and encouraged to ask any questions or share any concerns about beginning therapy during this time.

To spend our time most efficiently, we avoid the need to complete paperwork in our first session. Before your intake, we will send you a link to a confidential patient portal where you will access the required paperwork. The Office Policies & Informed Consent forms must be read and signed before attending your first session.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve encountered, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Therapy can help you feel equipped to face anything that comes up in life, from a roadblock to an unexpected life transition.

In case of a medical or psychiatric emergency, including a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

We recommend that clients begin therapy with once-weekly sessions in most cases, but the frequency may change as we proceed, depending on your needs. Once you reach your treatment goals, you will decide if you want to schedule “maintenance” sessions to ensure progress is maintained over time. Even after you complete treatment and discontinue sessions, you will always have the ability to return if you ever need additional support.

Some people access therapy for an extended period, while others seek it out for more short-term support. It all depends upon your unique needs.

Yes, we offer in-person counseling sessions. In-person counseling has its benefits, which can include increased privacy, minimal distractions, and personal connection. In-person sessions also allow the therapist to observe a client’s non-verbal cues throughout the duration of the session. These signals can often prove valuable as they give the therapist insights into what you are feeling. However, in light of the recent pandemic, the decision to see your therapist in person depends on your comfort level.

Yes, we offer telehealth sessions utilizing a secure, HIPAA compliant online platform to maintain the same standards of confidentiality as in-person sessions. All you need is an internet connection, a private place, and a laptop, webcam, smartphone, or tablet to engage in telehealth. Some clients find teletherapy beneficial due to its convenience and accessibility. At Women’s Counseling Center of Massachusetts, we can provide teletherapy services to individuals throughout the state of Massachusetts.

We do not prescribe medications. However, clients who require medication are referred to an appropriate prescribing physician. We will work in collaboration with your physician to ensure continuity of care. If you are already taking medication, we can also coordinate care with your prescriber.

To find out your mental health benefits and coverage, you will need to call your insurance company. You can contact them by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card. Your mental health benefits may also be referred to as “behavioral health benefits.”

Does my insurance plan offer any out-of-network benefits for mental health?

Do I have a deductible? If yes, how much of it has already been met?

Are there any limitations on the number of sessions my plan covers for mental health?

How much will I get reimbursed per visit when I see an out-of-network mental health provider?

Do I need any prior approval or referral in order to get reimbursed?

Many insurance plans will offer at least partial reimbursement for counseling fees. For clients who have an out-of-network plan but still wish to use their insurance, we can provide a “superbill.” A “superbill’ (the technical term insurance companies use) is an itemized form that allows you to submit a claim to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. If you choose to utilize out-of-network benefits, we will require payment for services when they are rendered. We strongly recommend that you call your insurance company before your first therapy session to find out if they will reimburse you and what their reimbursement rate is. Ask if they cover the following CPT codes: 90791 (first session) and 90837 (regular session).

You may also have an option to do “single case agreements” through your insurance company. Often insurance providers will allow a single case agreement if you have been experiencing difficulty finding an in-network therapist with a particular specialty that our practice offers.

We want everyone to have access to the mental health care they need.
Our practice can accommodate a limited number of sliding scale arrangements (which determine your session fee based upon your financial situation). If you believe you may qualify, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for the availability of a discounted self-pay rate.

If you need additional support, please visit Open Path Collective.

Absolutely! We believe that everyone deserves equal access to quality mental healthcare. Our practice is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and strives to serve the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Feel free to contact us. We would be happy to hear from you.