Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will my therapy sessions be covered by insurance?

A. We are covered by many insurance companies. Some plans require that you use a provider on that insurance company's provider panel. Other plans will allow you to see a non-preferred provider with reduced reimbursement. The best thing to do is to call your insurance company using the phone number on your insurance card and explain that you want to know what the coverage benefits would be if you saw Christina M. Weber, LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist) or Don Blasi, PhD (Licensed Psychologist) for therapy.

It is important to find out if the plan requires pre-authorization. If so, get pre-authorized, as some plans will not pay for the session if it was not properly pre-authorized. We file insurance and verify benefits as a courtesy. You are responsible for payment should your insurance company refuse to pay; so it is in your best interest to do the proper work up front.

Q. What if my insurance benefits say that marital therapy is not covered?

A. Insurance companies will pay for medically necessary treatment. Many companies have determined that therapy to improve the marriage is not medically necessary. However, your conjoint therapy may be eligible under certain conditions. Some times one or both parties meet the criteria for one of a variety of DSM-IV TR mental health diagnoses. Often the marital dynamics is an aggravating factor or contributor to that diagnosis. In those cases, couple or marital therapy is a very appropriate and medically necessary treatment modality.

Q. Do you prescribe medicine?

A. We are not medical doctors, so we do not prescribe medicine. Psychotropic medicines are the standard protocol for many mental health conditions. We collaborate with a variety of medical professionals to assist our clients in receiving proper medical evaluations, consultations, and medications.

Q. I am really against medicine for myself or for my child. How do you address this?

A. Many times it is possible to alleviate very serious and less serious symptoms particularly in children and adolescents without medication. We will pursue every non-medicine avenue with you. There are some instances where it is ill-advised not to use medication. Particularly at those times we will direct and help educate you on this important decision.

Q. Since I do not live in the area do you know a therapist in my city you would recommend?

A. It is very rare when we know a practicing therapist in another city. We suggest that you look at http://www.4therapy.com/or the web site of Ms. Weber's professional organization http://www.therapistlocator.net/(American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). Individuals looking for a Christian Counselor should view http://www.aacc.net/(American Association of Christian Counselors). If you are a Roman Catholic looking for an Orthodox Catholic therapist, go to http://www.catholictherapist.com/.

Q. Do you do telephone therapy?

A. There are reasons why we try to avoid telephone therapy, the biggest factor being that so much assessment and therapeutic information is missed by not having the individual physically in the office for appointments. However, there are cases when an individual has been unable to find a therapist who has the special expertise they need or come from the spiritual orientation they desire. We have made special arrangements with these clients which have included telephone therapy. If this is your situation, discuss it further with your therapist.

Q. How do I know that you would be right for me as a therapist?

A. Selecting a therapist is a very personal matter. One is trying to find someone who is qualified to address the concern that you have; someone with whom you feel comfortable and connected; someone whose practice hours, fees, etc. fit with you and your lifestyle, etc. It can help to get references from others, but that is not always possible.

It is best to do your homework, by calling the clinician's office, viewing the web-site if available, and if you still feel unsure you can make a brief call to the therapist for more information. It is natural sometimes to feel uneasy and nervous when you have your first session with your therapist. You should feel more comfortable and have a better idea if the therapist has something to offer that you need by the end of the second or third session. If things don't click; it is perfectly alright to discontinue therapy and begin seeing someone else. Your therapist can assist you with a referral.

Q. What is your hourly fee?

A. Christina M. Weber, LCMFT charges $120.00 / 50 minute clinical hour. Don Blasi, Ph.D. charges $130.00 / 50 minute clinical hour. Rates are re-evaluated at the end of the year, and rate changes typically go into effect the beginning of the calendar year. Monthly payment plans are available for non-court-ordered therapy.