FAQ
What are your appointment hours? How long are the sessions?
Every clinician has a different schedule, which can include early mornings to late in the evening and weekends. The sessions are generally 45-50 minutes and occur at different frequencies depending on the needs of the client.
How much does each session cost?
The cost of session also vary per clinician and can range from $150-200 each session, depending on the type of session and the experience of the clinician; however, all of the clinicians at Dr. Shantelle and Associates are committed to offering a limited number of sliding scale options based on needs. Please let the intake coordinator know at intake if you are paying out of pocket and/or have financial limitations.
Do you accept insurance?
Every clinician is in network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO; however, many are also in network with Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO, and United Healthcare PPO. Some social workers also accept Medicare. Unfortunately, none of the clinicians can accept Medicaid or Kids Care at this time. Please contact your insurance provider to determine your mental health coverage. Your insurance will be billed at the time of service and your clinician will let you know of any co-insurance or co-pay that needs to be paid outside of what is covered.
How does telehealth work with doxy.me?
In order to meet with your clinician for your session using doxy.me, first you need to use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser. To check in:
1. Click on your clinician's "Virtual Session" button or type your clinician’s Doxy address into your web address bar.
2. Enter your name and click Check In.
3. This will put you in your clinician’s waiting room. As soon as it is time for your session, your clinician will sign on and your session will begin.
**Note: You will always use the same Doxy address for each session, so it is recommended that the webpage be saved as a bookmark so it can be found easily.
How will you protect my privacy?
The clinicians at DSA view a client's right to privacy as not only their legal duty, but as an essential part of any therapeutic relationship. Without written authorization, a clinician will neither confirm nor deny that a client is even being seen in the practice. This includes, but is not limited to, family members, health professionals, and employers. Clinicians are legally required to make an exception to their commitment to privacy when a client is in danger (e.g.,. abuse, domestic violence, inability to commit to safety), medical emergencies, court orders, to prevent a crime or harm to others, and health oversight agencies (i.e audits); however, they will always disclose to the client when these exceptions are required. For further information about these exceptions, please review the Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA) form HERE.
How do I get started?
The first step in beginning to work with a clinician at DSA is to contact us. To do this, please use the form on the Contact page, email us from your personal account, or call the intake phone number. Our intake department typically responds within 24-48 hours and will gather information regarding what services you need, insurance, and availability. You are welcome to request a specific clinician that you would like to work with; however, if you are unsure, Dr. Shantelle will use the information gathered to choose the best fit for you or your child. That clinician will then work with you to schedule your first appointment. Whether your session is virtual or in the office, your clinician will provide you all of the information you need and will answer any other questions that you have at that time.
Where can I access and submit paperwork?
The majority of the paperwork is located online via your clinician’s portal. The portal links can be found in the “Our Team” section under the individual clinician’s biography and in the Get Started section. Once you click on the portal button, you will need to register yourself or your child as the client and fill out all sections of the online form. In addition, the Client-Therapist Services Agreement must be filled out and emailed to your clinician or brought to your first in-person session.
Do you do faith-based counseling?
Yes and no. Some of our clinicians have a large amount of knowledge pertaining to a specific religion (i.e. Christianity, Buddhism, etc.) and are able to integrate therapy and spirituality. However, at DSA, matters of faith are explored at the client’s initiation and without the imposition of our values or beliefs. Ultimately, the focus is on hearing a client’s story and working on development of the connection and understanding. So, if you are looking for therapy centered around religious beliefs, DSA is not the right fit for you. But, if you would like to explore your faith and/or integrate your spiritual practice into the therapeutic process, we are happy to follow your lead