Frequently Asked Questions
What do you charge?
My rates are:
- $200.00 for a 53-60 minute counseling session (CPT Code 90837),
- $225.00 for an hour of clinical supervision (for individuals; $275 for agencies)
- $1,000.00 for psychological testing (please contact me for more details).
What type of payment do you accept?
Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted (cash or check preferred). Payment is due at the time of service.
Do you accept insurance?
By far, the question clients ask most is whether or not I 'take insurance'. I will briefly answer the insurance question below. I also urge you to look at the document Out of Network Insurance Details' on the 'Contact' page for more information.
For most insurance companies I am considered an out of network provider. This typically means you have a deductible to meet (which varies by plan) and then you will be reimbursed for 80% of your investment. If your employer offers a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) you are also eligible to receive reimbursement (at a pre-tax rate) of 100% for up to 20 sessions.
All that is required to receive reimbursement is a bill from me (called a Superbill) with the necessary details which you will receive at the end of each session. This method works well for a majority of clients and is often less expensive for clients in the long run rather than trying to deal with insurance companies. This method also allows me to provide a high standard of care for a maximum number of clients.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance company to learn:
- Do you have out of network coverage for mental health benefits?
- What is your deductible amount?
- What is your reimbursement rate?
- How many sessions per calendar year does your plan cover?
- Is there a limit on how much your provider will pay per session?
- Is approval from your primary care physician required?
I realize financial considerations are a major component when choosing a counselor and am happy to answer any specific questions you have at any time.
Where are you located?
The office is located at 500 Canal View Blvd., Suite 400 in the Canal View Office Park, please see map (on Contact' page) for further details. This site is centrally located for those within the greater Rochester area.. There office is handicap accessible, has ample lighting and parking, as well as safety precautions present for those leaving after dark.
Do you do tele-health appointments?
Yes. I use a HIPAA compliant platform - DOXY. The link for my room is: https://doxy.me/drjoycew
What are your office hours?
Regular hours are as follows:
Monday: 11am - 6pm (telehealth)
Tuesday: 11am - 6pm (telehealth or office)
Wednesday: 10am - 5pm (telehealth or office)
Thursday: 8am - 2pm (telehealth or office)
Other times may be available upon request.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session, as that hour was reserved for you. Exceptions to this include weather and some illnesses – I try to be very fair with this policy because my clients are typically very fair with me.
Why do people seek counseling?
Most people seek counseling because they recognize that they need some help in being able to face a certain challenge - or they find themselves stuck in a particular dilemma. The counseling process is designed to help individuals resolve their problems with some assistance. The process involves your active involvement as well as personal efforts to understand your thoughts, feelings & behaviors.
What can I expect in a counseling session?
During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the counseling sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For counseling to 'work', you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the counseling sessions.
What can I expect from working with a counselor?
There are both benefits & risks associated with counseling. In addition to symptom reduction, potential benefits of psychotherapy include the improved ability to identify problematic areas, evaluate reasonable options & take action in an honest manner. You may also learn important things about yourself, acquire helpful life management skills & integrate past & present learning toward higher functioning.
Risks of the process, however, might include experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, or having difficulties with other people. Some changes may lead to what seems to be worsening circumstances or even losses (for example, counseling will not necessarily keep a marriage or dating relationship intact). While it is expected that counseling will be helpful, there is no guarantee of any specific outcome; therefore, it is vital that you discuss any questions or concerns about the treatment process with me during the counseling process.
Is counseling confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include, but are not limited to:
- If a child, elderly person or disabled person is being abused. If this occurred I would be required to file a report with the appropriate state agency.
- If an individual in counseling is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. If this occurred I would be required to notify the potential victim or contact the police department.
- If an individual in counseling threatened to harm him or herself. If this occurred I would be obligated to seek hospitalization or to contact a family member or another individual who could provide protection.
- Finally, a court order might require me to release information contained in records or require me to testify in a court hearing.
If you have other questions that are not answered on this page please contact me and I'll do my best to answer them.
