+ Does my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, we encourage you to call your insurance provider to discuss your benefits (you can find the number provided on the back of your insurance card). Although our therapists do accept insurance, we are all paneled with different insurance companies, so please refer to our team bios for a specific list of what each therapist accepts. Please remember to bring your insurance card with you to your first visit, or you can send it electronically through our secure simple practice portal (your therapist will send you a link to set up your portal once you are scheduled). Below are some helpful questions to ask your insurance provider:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover per calendar year?
• What is my deductible and have I met it this year?
• What is my copayment or coinsurance amount per session?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Do I need preauthorization for my visits? If so, can I get a preauthorization number, how many visits does this authorize, and what are the effective dates for this authorization?

+ How much does a session cost?

An initial intake appointment costs $150-165/session, and ongoing sessions cost $125-150 each visit, depending upon therapist and population (e.g., adult vs. kids or couples). While your insurance may cover a portion of the cost, you are still responsible for your copay, coinsurance or deductible. Some therapists also offer a sliding scale fee or a reduced self-pay rate. Cash, credit card, or check are accepted forms of payment that each therapist will collect individually during the session. Counseling services are commonly eligible as an expense using your FSA, HRA or HSA plan too, so you may use your account issued card at the time of service. You can also pay expenses out of pocket and submit a receipt to your account administrator for reimbursement, according to your eligibility. For this method, a superbill insurance receipt can be provided at the time of your visit from your therapist.

+ How long is a typical session?

All sessions are typically 50 minutes in length, however some may last longer depending upon the session (e.g., crisis, family session...). Your therapist will discuss session length with you and will determine if certain sessions need more time.

+ What should I expect from my first session?

Upon arrival, feel free to make yourself comfortable in the waiting room. Water and tea are available at your convenience. Please complete intake paperwork prior to appointment (download forms here). If you’re unable to print your paperwork prior to coming, please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork in the waiting room. Your therapist will come out to greet you at the start of your session. The initial appointment is considered the intake session. At this appointment, we review your completed paperwork, discuss current concerns, gather history information, assess clinical needs, and begin developing a plan for treatment to fit your needs. We’ll also get to know each other and assess if we are a good fit!

+ How does telehealth (virtual therapy) work?

Most of our therapists can provide telehealth services as needed on a case by case basis. Please discuss with your therapist if this option is an appropriate method for you. We use SimplePractice which is a HIPPA-compliant software that work similarly to Zoom or other virtual platforms. You are sent an email or text reminder 24 hours prior to your appointment, and then another reminder with a video session link about 10 minutes before your session time. Just click the link to join your session. Prior to using telehealth, you will be required to complete a brief telehealth consent form for treatment, which your therapist will send you electronically. Devices such as computers, smart phones, or tablets can be used to for the video session, and only require you to have a decent internet connection and a private space (e.g., bedroom, porch, or even your car).

+ Does your office provide crisis services?

We are not a crisis center. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in life-threatening situation, please call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Franklin County: 614-276-2273 www.netcareaccess.org Ohio Crisis Text Line: text 4hope to 741 741

All clients are assessed for any crisis concerns in session, and therapists can facilitate the development of a crisis plan and provide resources as needed.

+ Does anyone at Serene Path prescribe medication?

No. However, if a therapist believes you may benefit from medication, you will be recommended to schedule a medication evaluation with your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. We can also refer you to prescribers with whom we work closely.

+ What are your hours of operation?

Our hours of operation vary depending upon each therapist’s schedule, but generally our office suite is open from 9AM to 7PM, Monday through Thursday, and 9AM to 2PM on Friday. Weekend hours vary by clinician. Sessions are by appointment only (no walk-ins). Your scheduling therapist will provide you with specific time slots that are available for an appointment.