Frequently Asked Questions

HOW SOON CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT TO START?

Intakes are based on clinician availability but we are often able to book clients within a week of their request email. Sometimes as quick as the next day if you have flexibility in your schedule. Evening appointments are the most sought after but we try to offer extended days to meet client needs. Daytime appointments are often available right away and can be a great resource during times of urgent need.

THERAPY MAKES ME NERVOUS. WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN SESSION?

We get it therapy is weird. It feels awkward and anxiety provoking to talk to a stranger about your fears, your stressors, your trauma, your failures, your hopes and dreams, your deepest desires, and your quirkiest parts. But once you make it through the office doors you will find it is more like sitting in your good friend’s living room. You will be unwinding from the outside stress, just talking about all the things you have had on your mind, and letting the weight of it all off your shoulders. But instead of a friend who may have good intentions but just doesn’t know what to say, or you’re worried about feeling like a burden too, or who might be involved in the drama themselves it is a masters educated, trained, and fully licensed mental health professional that can be objective, impartial, understanding, supportive and fully honest with you. No judgment, no shame, and nothing to hold you back.

ARE SESSIONS IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL?

Benoit Counseling Center offers flexible virtual telehealth options across Massachusetts alongside personalized in-person therapy at our West Boylston clinic location. We recommend in person therapy whenever possible but understand that for some, in person sessions are difficult to manage. Whether it be due to medical concerns, childcare, or taking time out of work we get life can be complicated. That is why we offer Telehealth to those that may not be able to receive services in person.

CAN YOU PRESCRIBE ME MEDICATIONS?

No. We are licensed mental health clinicians, not medical prescribers. If you require mental health medications you would need to find a Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, or contact your primary care provider. If your PCP wants to consult before prescribing psychotropic medications we are happy to speak with them or provide any needed documentation.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Yes! We accept most major insurance providers for both private and public plans. Now including MassHealth and Medicare.

Networks include: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, United Behavioral Health, AllWays, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, Optum, Carelon, WellSense, Mass General Brigham and many others. If you do not see your insurance listed you can check under the find a provider tab on most insurance carrier websites and search using the clinician’s name to see if they are in your network. We are always working to accept more insurances so we may be in network with providers not listed.

If we do not take your insurance don’t panic. Your insurance will consider us an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill your insurance directly. However, if your plan provides out-of-network benefits, reimbursement may be provided by your insurance for your sessions.

HOW DO I INQUIRE ABOUT OUT-OF-NETWORK BENEFITS WITH MY INSURANCE?

Please contact your benefits administrator (or health insurance plan directly) to inquire about out-of-network benefits for mental health services and ask the following questions:

1. Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?

2. What is my yearly deductible? Has it been met?

3. How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?

4. How much does my insurance plan reimburse for an out-of-network provider for CPT codes 90791, 90837 and 90847?

5. Do I need approval from my PCP?

HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?

We have found that those who are able to meet weekly are able to get the greatest benefit from our work together and tend to see significant and consistent progress. Although weekly is ideal for getting started in therapy everyone is different and we believe in letting you decide what is right for you. However it is important to know that meeting weekly for at least the first few appointments helps with building rapport, exploring your history and building a foundation for long-term healing.

CAN I SEE YOU WHILE TRAVELING OUT OF STATE OR ON VACATION VIRTUALLY? CAN WE CONTINUE WORKING TOGETHER IF I MOVE?

Please treat appointments as you would if we were meeting in person. This means if you are not in the state of Massachusetts you will be unable to attend sessions. Unfortunately, state licensure limits our ability to practice anywhere other than the state we are licensed in at this time. The good news is that if you do live in MA but live a long drive from where the physical office is located, you are able to easily meet and avoid the long commute. Telehealth means more accessibility throughout the state and can also be utilized in the event of poor weather or illness.

HOW MUCH WILL THERAPY COST ME?

Your out of pocket cost for therapy will depend on your individual insurance plan. Depending on your plan type you may have complete coverage, a copay, or deductible. To find out your exact cost we recommend contacting your insurance provider or plan administrator directly and ask about your mental/ behavioral health coverage.

Our fee schedule for insurance is as follows:

• Intake: $200

• 60 Minute: $150

• 45 Minute: $125

• 30 Minute: $75

For private pay clients we offer a sliding scale ranging from $150-$50.