Common Questions | HTCounseling.Com

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I get started with Healing Tree Counseling?

Getting started is simple. You can:

Call our office at 540-808-3382
Email us at info@htcounseling.com
Submit a request through our website contact form

Once we set up your account, we will send you a secure link to our client portal where you can complete your intake forms, after which, we can schedule your first appointment. If needed, your forms can be completed on paper in the office prior to your first session.

How are appointments handled at Healing Tree?

Your first appointment is generally an initial evaluation, which lasts approximately 50 minutes. This will allow enough time to gather information about why you are seeking assistance at this time, as well as assure that you have ample time to ask questions. Follow up sessions will last 50 minutes and are generally each week at the same time to provide consistency. You may be asked to practice something during the week in order to continue the work done in session. This is optional and is available if you feel it would enhance your experience.

What documents will I need to complete?

Before your first appointment, you will complete several intake forms through our secure client portal. These include:

· HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

· Informed Consent / Service Agreement

· Informed Consent for Telehealth

· Authorization for Electronic Communication

· Intake Self-Biography

These forms provide important information about confidentiality, your rights, our policies, and allow us to better understand your history and goals for therapy.

How do I choose a counselor?

Each of our counselors has unique specialties, training, and theoretical approaches to therapy. We encourage you to review our counselors’ profiles on our website to learn more about their areas of focus, experience, and therapeutic style.

When you contact us, you may let us know if there is a specific counselor you are interested in working with. If you are unsure, we are happy to help match you with a provider based on your needs and preferences.

What can I expect in ongoing sessions?

Follow-up sessions are typically 50 minutes and are often scheduled weekly at the same time to provide consistency. The frequency of sessions may be adjusted depending on your goals and progress.

Your counselor may suggest optional strategies or exercises to practice between sessions to enhance the work you are doing together.

How much will each session cost?

Payment is required at the time services are rendered.

Current fees are:

· Initial Consultation: $200

· Individual Psychotherapy (adult or child): $175

· Couples/Family Therapy Session: $175

We accept cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A $25 service fee will be charged for returned checks.

Can my insurance pay for my sessions?

We currently accept the following commercial insurance plans:

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia
Anthem HealthKeepers
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (including the Federal Employee Program)
Cigna
Evernorth
Optum
Sentara
UnitedHealthcare

We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time

If you do not see your insurance listed, please contact our office to discuss your options. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify mental health benefits, copays, deductibles, and any session limits.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

· Late cancellations (less than 24 hours): $60 fee

· Missed appointments (no-show): $60 fee

Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, and this policy allows us to remain available to all clients.

How private is my information?

All interactions with our counselors or staff, including scheduling, records, session content, and progress, are kept confidential in accordance with professional ethical standards and state and federal law (HIPAA).

Confidential information may be disclosed without your consent only in the following situations:

If there is imminent risk of harm to you or others
If there is suspicion of abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly person, or person with a disability
If records are ordered by a court of law

You may also provide written authorization allowing us to coordinate care with other professionals.

What rights do I have under HIPAA?

You have the right to:

Review or request a copy of your medical records
Request corrections to your record
Receive an accounting of disclosures
Request confidential communication methods
Revoke consent in writing (with certain legal limitations)

Private health information may be used for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, insurance billing, and when required by law.

What if I am in crisis?

Healing Tree Counseling is not a 24-hour crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

You may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.