Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my insurance will help pay for my counseling?
There are many insurance plans that cover a portion, or even all of the costs of counseling. The benefits of your health insurance plan should be verified before you attend your first counseling session. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician in order for you to be covered, while others require you to see someone “on the list”.
There are also insurance plans that will allow you to see a therapist who is not in the network, but will reimburse at a different rate, or require a higher co-pay.
We strongly advise you to call your insurance company and verify the exact nature of your benefits. Because there are so many factors in play when insurance companies determine benefits, we have developed a guide to help clarify your plan's coverage. We suggest you download and print a blank copy of this guide and have it in front of you to fill out as you speak with your insurance representative. This information will be very helpful to both you and your therapist, and help assure that your insurance is properly billed.
How much does counseling cost?
Each therapist at North Suburban Counseling has their own fee structure; however, most experienced counselors in the Columbus metropolitan area charge from $80 to $125 per 45-50 minute session. Fees are usually the same for family sessions or couple sessions. Most group therapy fees are in the $30-$45 fee range for 1 ½ hour group sessions. Please ask your therapist about his/her fees during your initial call or first session.
How many treatment sessions will be needed?
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of sessions that may be needed without more detailed information of a client’s individual needs, adjustment issues generally can be addressed in 6-8 sessions. More serious issues may require additional sessions.
The answer to the question- “How will I know when therapy is completed?” will help to determine the number of sessions required. Obtaining the answer to this question will be a part of the therapeutic process between you and your therapist. It also will help determine, in clear measureable terms, the success of the therapy you receive.
How often will treatment sessions be scheduled?
Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week, at least until there is progress in therapy. If a person is experiencing a crisis, sessions may be scheduled more than once per week. Once treatment is progressing, you may opt to have sessions less than once per week. The appropriateness of scheduling less than once per week is a decision made by you and your therapist.
What will I be expected to pay at each session?
If you and your counselor have agreed to bill your insurance, you will most likely only have to pay your co-pay (after any deductible has been met if necessary) at each visit. People who choose not to use their insurance, will develop a per session payment plan with their therapist during the initial visit. Fees may be paid with cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover (Novus).
What are the business hours for North Suburban Counseling?
Generally we are in the office from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Each therapist does, however, make their own schedule. Many have evening and Saturday appointments.
How long will I generally have to wait in order to see a counselor?
Because counseling is a dynamic process, most of the therapists will have openings to see a new client within a day or two. New clients in crisis usually can be seen within 24 hours of their first contact with our office.
How do I schedule an appointment?
The easiest way to schedule an appointment is to call our office at 614-895-9998. If you call after hours, or when we are with other clients, your call will be returned promptly. You may download and print our new client paperwork and fill it out by hand, or, complete the forms online and then print a signature ready copy to bring with you before your first counseling visit.
I still have some questions. Can I email you?
You can email any unanswered questions to us at questions@northsuburbancounseling.com We will get an answer to you within a day or two (if we know the answer!) or send you a reply that should steer you in the right direction.
