FAQ's
How do I make an appointment?
Please call us to schedule your initial consultation. 248-765-1795
How much time will the provider spend with me (or my child) at the consultation?
Initial consultations are scheduled for 45-60 minutes. During this time, we will discuss your concerns, pertinent medical history, and treatment options. If you choose to continue treatment, additional appointments will be scheduled. Therapy sessions are typically 30-60 minutes in length. Psychiatry follow-up appointments are 20-30 minutes.
How much will the consultation cost?
Fees can be discussed before an appointment is scheduled. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have health insurance, it will usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment. It is important that you carefully read the section of your insurance coverage booklet that describes mental health services so that you fully understand your insurance plan- including deductibles and pre-authorization requirements. If you have questions about the coverage, call your plan administrator. Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept cash, HSA's, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. In families where parents do not share the same household, payment is the responsibility of the parent who accompanies the child to the appointment. Any portion of treatment that is your responsibility is expected at the time of service.
Do you file claims with my insurance company?
We participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have coverage provided by another insurance company, you will have to file a claim directly with them. In those instances, a billing statement will be provided for you to file directly with your insurance company for reimbursement.
What if I have to cancel my appointment?
Illness and other unforeseen events are inevitable. If you need to cancel and/or reschedule your appointment, please call our office at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. Cancellations received with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a fee.
What if my child or I needs psychological or educational testing?
After your initial consultation, we will review the testing process with you. A return appointment for you or your child to complete the testing, as well as a separate appointment for you to meet with your provider to review results, will be scheduled.
I don’t want to take my child out of school for the appointment. Do you have after-school appointments?
Some after-school and weekend hours are available; however, due to the limited availability of these, just as with other professional appointments, there will be times when appointments will need to be made during the school day. We ask that you pre-arrange the absence with your child’s school; an absence slip can be provided if needed.
Can you prescribe medication?
Yes, we have medication treatment available and coordinated care with your psychologist is provided.
What is Psychological Testing?
Psychological testing refers to the battery of tests administered to evaluate the intellectual, learning, emotional and/or behavioral functioning of you or your child. Adults are typically self-referred for an assessment or referred by their physician or other healthcare providers. Children are typically referred for an assessment by their parents, pediatrician, or school for evaluation of:
• Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without Hyperactivity)
• Learning disabilities
• Giftedness
• Processing problems
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Emotional disturbances (depression, anxiety, mood disorders)
• Dyslexia
• Disruptive behavior disorders
• Anxiety/Depression
• Social problems
The test battery varies depending upon the referral question(s), and can include a structured interview, assessment of intellectual capability, learning/processing measures, measures of attention and memory, language measures, academic achievement measures, personality measures, self-report surveys, parent and teacher checklists, and a school consultation. One or two testing sessions may be scheduled, depending on the number of tests/measures being given.We can answer any questions that you may have regarding specific names of tests that will be administered during testing.
How much will testing cost?
Psychological testing involves administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests; it also requires preparation of a written report and meeting with parents to review the results. The cost for a full assessment is determined by the total number of hours required by the psychologist(s) to complete the full evaluation process from testing time with your child to results review session with you. Typically, a full assessment ranges in price depending on the referral question. A partial assessment (i.e., IQ only for giftedness) can be much less.
Is the cost covered by insurance?
We participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield and will bill them directly for evaluation services. However, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to determine benefits/deductible. Please be aware that insurance does not cover the full cost of testing even if we accept your insurance. If you have insurance that we do not participate with, you will receive a receipt to submit to your insurance company; some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of your costs. When you call your insurance company to verify benefits, ask the following:
• Is the cost of psychological testing covered?
• Is there a deductible?
• What portion will be reimbursed?
• Is a referral needed from a primary care physician?
• Is pre-authorization required?
If your insurance company requests a list of the tests being administered or billing codes, that can be provided to you. You will receive a coded billing statement at your follow-up appointment which you may file with your insurance company for reimbursement.
What should I tell my child about the testing appointment?
Preparing your child for testing will minimize anxiety and encourage cooperation. Before the day of testing, it is helpful to remind the child what the day will be like. Try to avoid calling it “testing,” as this word makes many children anxious. Explain that children learn in different ways and that this appointment will help parents and teachers understand how he/she learns best. The day will include a variety of questions, puzzles, drawings, and stories as well as some school-like tasks like reading and math. While your child will be challenged, he or she will likely have fun with some of the tasks and overall feel good about the day.
On the day of testing, make sure your child is well rested and has eaten a good breakfast. Please feel free to bring any snacks you think your child may like. To avoid fatigue, breaks will be taken during the testing to allow your child to use the restroom and have a drink or snack. Children may also like to talk with their parent(s) during the breaks.
What happens after the testing?
Approximately one to two weeks after the testing, you will return to the office without your child for a results review and discussion. (If your child is to come with you, we will let you know; at times teenagers are invited to come.) The initial results review appointment typically takes 45 minutes. At this appointment, the testing results will be reviewed, recommendations will be discussed, and any questions you may have will be addressed. A follow-up review may be required and is often encouraged.
A written report is provided at the results review session or within one week of that appointment. The report provides a written record of the testing that was completed, and provides specific recommendations so that parents, educational staff, physicians, and other professionals working with your child can coordinate a treatment plan that will enable your child to succeed.