Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about getting started with one of our providers.
Each therapist keeps their own schedule, so contacting one of us directly – either by using the email link on our profile pages, or by calling 703 680-4200 and leaving a voicemail message with the therapist of your choosing – is best.
We understand that it is often difficult to make that first contact, and so we do not expect or need you to go into the details of your personal concerns during that preliminary communication; that is what the initial sessions are for.
We have found that it is best to use that initial phone call or email exchange to navigate the nuts and bolts of setting up the initial appointment, getting directions to the office, and addressing any essential insurance/payment issues.
In the first session, and perhaps the second session as well, the therapist will ask you to describe the concerns or difficulties that prompted your visit. This will include a discussion of relevant background and personal history, as well as other information that will help the therapist develop an initial understanding of you and your concerns.
In essence, the initial visit(s) entail a diagnostic evaluation. While different therapists structure this portion of the process in different ways, the therapist’s primary goal is to gather the types of information that will allow them to develop a preliminary impression about which type of treatment makes the most sense.
At the conclusion of the evaluation, you and the therapist will discuss their initial impressions and recommendations – whether counseling or therapy is needed, which type of therapy to undertake, whether the therapist is a good fit for your needs – you and the therapist will decide together the best way to proceed.
You will find that we have a private waiting area, but we do not keep a receptionist. Use the Checkin iPad on the wall opposite the lobby door to alert staff to your arrival. Because you set your appointment up directly with your therapist, he or she will be expecting you, and will meet you in the waiting area.
Be sure to fill out the New Client Registration forms, available in the waiting area and online. Restrooms are down the hallway to the right, after you leave our waiting area.
PLEASE DO NOT KNOCK ON THE DOOR TO THE BACK OFFICE AREA
Knocking or calling out will only disrupt the therapy sessions that are taking place in the adjacent consulting rooms. If there was a misunderstanding about a scheduled appointment, call or email your therapist – other staff that may be in the office will not be able to assist you.
For in-person payments, we accept cash, checks, money orders, VISA and Master Card. Should a balance be due for any reason, payment in full should be made at the time of the next session, sent via US Mail, or dropped in our secure payment dropbox in our lobby, using one of the preprinted payment envelopes available next to the dropbox. Payments can also be made via PayPal.
If we are submitting claims for service to a Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna plan, you will be responsible for paying any copayment and deductible at the time of service. For Medicare plans, copayment is due at the time of service, unless you have a Supplemental policy, in which case a claim will be submitted by Medicare to the Supplemental plan after they have finished processing our initial claim. For TRICARE plans, we collect the full allowed amount from you at the time of service, and submit claims on your behalf; Tricare will send the benefit check directly to you.
If you are not using health insurance, or if your insurance is written by a carrier other than the four mentioned above, payment in full is due at the time of service; we will provide you with documentation that you can use to file a claim with your health plan.
More information about our billing and payment practices.
Neuropsychological assessments typically involve a clinical interview in which you discuss your problem as well as details about your family, social, and medical background. Following this interview, you will complete measures of your thinking skills, personality, and mood with pencil/paper and computerized test measures. These test scores are compared against others like you to determine your areas of strength and weakness. Baseline Neuropsychological Testing determines your current cognitive status, and provides a basis for evaluating any changes that may occur over the coming years; this allows for the early detection and diagnosis of any degenerative changes.
Most neuropsychological assessments take between 4 and 8 hours, though time varies depending on the nature and setting of each individual.
New Patient Forms
New Patients need to complete our New Client Registration forms (Patient Information, Patient Agreement, HIPAA consent, Credit Card Authorization). There are two options for this. It is best is to use our Online Form; the data that you enter is automatically and securely imported into our patient account database. As an alternative, you can download a PDF version of these forms.
Authorization to Release/Exchange Protected Health Information (PHI)
Because effective evaluations and treatment often require obtaining or sharing clinical information with other providers, we may ask you to execute this form to authorize disclosure of confidential PHI.
Child Intake Form
Your provider may ask you to complete the Child Intake Form, which is available as an online form.
Neuropsychological Testing Intake Questionnaire
If you are anticipating undergoing a neuropsychological evaluation, your provider is likely to ask you to complete this form to obtain detailed information about your health status, your medical history, and your history of exposure to neuropsychological risk factors.