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How do I access services?

Please call the office in your region to initiate services (find office locations here). You will be asked to provide insurance information, a brief description of your needs and availability, and responses to other brief questions that will allow your needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Our friendly staff will verify your insurance benefits, determine your potential co-pay, and call back to schedule your first appointment. Once you have been scheduled with a therapist, you will be asked to complete intake paperwork provided by mail or email that you may bring with you to your first appointment.

 

Is there a wait time before being scheduled?

It is our goal to schedule your first appointment as soon as possible. However, wait times may vary depending on your availability and the requirements of your insurance, as well as the availability of therapists who specialize in treating your concerns. Appointment times are offered M-F during day and evening hours, though exact hours vary by location.

 

What can I expect on my first visit?

Office staff will review your paperwork and pass it along to the therapist. Your therapist will review the information you provide, conduct an assessment interview, evaluate presenting concerns and provide an initial diagnosis. You and your therapist will begin to identify goals for treatment and discuss the frequency and time of future sessions that would work best for you and your needs.

 

Read more about our approach to counseling at Encompass.

 

Is my information and treatment confidential?

We highly value the importance of your privacy and follow HIPPA guidelines to ensure that your information is confidential and secure. Your therapist cannot disclose your personal information without your consent with the exception of extreme circumstances in which you report harm or potential harm to yourself or others. You will be asked to sign our Informed Consent policy at the start of treatment, indicating that you understand and agree to these terms. If you request that your information be shared with others, you will be asked to sign a Release of Information to give permission for specific information that you wish to be disclosed.

 

How often will I meet with my therapist?

Several factors determine the frequency of your sessions, including your level of need, your schedule and your therapist’s availability, and what is allowed by your insurance. Your therapist will usually discuss this with you during your first visit. Session frequency is often weekly or biweekly and may decrease as you make progress.

 

How long will each session last?

Session length is typically approximately 50 minutes, though there may be exceptions during the initial assessment or for special purposes.

 

How long will treatment last?

This varies substantially and is based on many factors, including your diagnosis, level of need, rate of progress and what is allowed by your insurance. It is also impacted by your commitment to following the recommendations of your therapist outside of session.

 

What are my rights as a client?

You have many rights as a client which include (but are not limited to) the right to be treated with respect, the right to be informed of your diagnoses and treatment plan, the right to consent or refuse treatment, the right to confidentiality with disclosure of limitations, the right to not be discriminated against and more.

 

What are my responsibilities as a client?

To best meet your needs, as a client you will be expected to provide all information relevant to your care, to actively participate in sessions, to provide 24 hours notice in the event of non-emergency cancellations, and to make payments or copays at the time of service.