FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CHOOSING A COUNSELOR
WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES?
Our clinicians have a variety of expertise to meet different areas of clinical need.
Check out each counselor's page to see who fits your needs. Feel free to send us a message or call to see who may be a good fit for you!
DO I JUST CHOOSE A COUNSELOR THAT I THINK WILL WORK FOR ME OR SHOULD I LET YOU DECIDE?
If you have a preference of who you see, we can certainly get you set up with the counselor of your choice. Get to know our counselors here! We will also work with you to make the best choice for you.
IF I DON'T LIKE THE COUNSELOR I STARTED WITH, CAN I MAKE A CHANGE?
Absolutely! You can change counselors if you feel your current counselor is not the best fit for you.
I HAVE BEEN COURT APPOINTED TO SEE A COUNSELOR, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
We will help you find the right counselor for you and the expectations of the court. It's helpful if you know what the court is requiring before setting up an appointment.
INSURANCE
Common Questions
WHICH INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?
We have in-network counselors with:
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Aetna
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Anthem
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BlueCrossBlueShield
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Cigna
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GEHA
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UnitedHealthcare
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Optum
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TriCare
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VA Community Care
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And many others
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE?
We can arrange an affordable payment for out-of-pocket payments known as a sliding scale fee.
RATES AND PAYMENT
Common Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
We offer a range of services that have different costs. Feel free to call, email, or message us to ask about the cost of the service that interests you.
WHEN IS PAYMENT EXPECTED?
Usually, we collect copays, coinsurances, and payments toward deductibles at each session. If you need to create a payment schedule, call the office to discuss what options are available. While counselors are not responsible for billing, you can still discuss any billing concerns you have with them or the front desk. We submit your insurance claims daily.
HOW DO I PAY MY BILL?
For copays, coinsurances and payments toward deductibles we will charge the debit card, credit card, or flex spending card/healthcare savings card on file in your client portal. We also accept personal checks and cash payments.
WHAT IF I HAVE A PAST DUE BALANCE?
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You have the option through your portal to pay your outstanding bill at any time.
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If for some reason you find you cannot pay your balance, discuss your options with your individual counselor or the front desk.
WILL MY COUNSELOR STILL SEE ME IF I HAVE A PAST DUE BALANCE?
Your counselor will attempt to work with you to sustain your therapy. We encourage you to discuss your options with your individual counselor.
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE?
Comfortable accommodations and a friendly staff! We have a comfortable couch as well as multiple chairs for you. We have a Keurig with coffee & tea options and music playing to help add comfort. Our counselors also have noise machines they use to help drown out any noise that may be carried during sessions.
IS THE OFFICE EASILY ACCESSIBLE? I HAVE TROUBLE WALKING.
Our suite is technically on the second floor, but we have a chair lift on the first floor for easy access.
Our office also has plenty of parking.
I DON'T HAVE A CAR. DO YOU HAVE A BUS STOP NEARBY?
We have a bus stop on the sidewalk, adjacent to our parking lot.
IS YOUR OFFICE KID FRIENDLY?
We love children of all ages! We have a kids’ section in our waiting area with books, art supplies, toys and games.
IS YOUR OFFICE SUPPORT ANIMAL FRIENDLY?
Yes, we invite all service animals or support animals.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
Common Questions
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call us at 618-726-2048, email us at info@myalliancecounseling.org, or message us through our contact page.
Feel free to reach out via Facebook as well!
HOW SOON CAN I GET IN?
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Depending on which counselor you are assigned to, you may be able to schedule an appointment within 24 hours of entry into our system.
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Most new clients see a counselor within a few weeks of contacting us.
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There are some counselors who have busier schedules than others so it may take longer to get an appointment.
HOW OFTEN WOULD WE MEET?
We generally keep appointments to once per week. But, depending upon your specific needs, your counselor’s availability, and your insurance, you may meet more than once per week or as little as once per month. Your counselor will give their recommendation but ultimately, it is up to you how often you would like to come in!
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT CALLING, CAN I SCHEDULE ONLINE?
Of course! If you are a new client, feel free to message us through our contact page. We can discuss via email what appointment day/time works best for you! If you are an established client, you can either email us at info@myalliancecounseling.org or text your counselor.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING IN PERSON, CAN I MAKE A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?
We offer telehealth (video) sessions for those who are not wanting in-person appointmetns for whatever reason.
WHAT IF I AM LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
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Once you have scheduled a session, that time is your time. You can come as late as you may within your allotted time.
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If you are running late, please communicate with your counselor directly via their personal number. You may also call the office but the message may not always get to your counselor in time.
WHAT IF I MISS MY APPOINTMENT?
We know life happens and it may not stick to your schedule. If you know you will miss your appointment, we ask you notify your counselor directly as soon as possible.
We have a policy that clients notify their counselors or change their schedule online at least 24 hours before your meeting time.
Please note, missing an appointment without 24-hour notice incurs a charge.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING BECAUSE YOU KNOW ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS.
Have no fear, we can still meet even though we may know your family members or friends.
Our counseling will not interfere with your relationships. We excel at nonjudgmental, confidential relationships.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING BECAUSE WE MAY BUMP INTO EACHOTHER IN PUBLIC.
No need to worry, we can keep our relationship confidential. If there is a time when we are at the same location in public, we let you make the first move in acknowledgment.
I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT I'M COMING. CAN YOU ENSURE MY CONFIDENTIALITY?
We take your privacy very seriously. We do not share your name or your information with anyone unless you give us explicit permission in writing.
WILL WE MEET IN A CLOSED ROOM WHERE NO ONE CAN SEE ME?
We do meet in closed offices, but our doors do have clear glass windows in them.
ACCEPTANCE
I AM REALLY MESSED UP; WILL YOU BE ABLE TO HELP ME?
We will use everything at our disposal to assist you. If we cannot help you directly, we will help you find the appropriate assistance.
DO YOU TAKE FOLKS LIKE ME?
We do not turn people away. If we can help, we will help.
COVID POLICIES
Common Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID POLICIES?
We continue to have face-to-face sessions.
Some of our counselors have taken the vaccine, others have not.
We have enough room for social distancing if you decide to distance.
We do not require face masks. You can choose to wear a mask.
Please ask if you need additional personal protective equipment (PPE).