FAQ

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, both are groups of health professionals licensed to practice psychotherapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Both LCSW’s and LPC’s are regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Health Professions. A LCSW and LPC must have a master’s or a doctoral degree in a mental health field which includes 60 graduate semester hours in an accredited program. After finishing course work, they must complete 2 years of supervised clinical work experience with a qualified clinical supervisor.  Both must also pass a state exam before they are granted licensure. They work in a variety of settings where mental health services are offered, including private therapy practices, hospitals, community service boards, schools, clinics, non-profit organizations.

Psychotherapy is a general term that is used to describe the process of treating psychological disorders and mental health issues. During this process, a trained psychotherapist helps the client tackle a specific or general problem such as a particular mental illness or a source of life stress. Depending on the approach used by the therapist, a wide range of techniques and strategies can be used. However, almost all types of psychotherapy involve developing a therapeutic relationship, communicating and creating a dialogue and working to overcome problematic thoughts or behaviors. Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists.

A psychotherapy session is typically 45-60 minutes per session. The amount of sessions needed are unique to each individual client, specific to the presenting problem of the client and their goals for therapy. Sessions typically begin as a weekly session and is continually evaluated throughout the course of treatment. In psychotherapy, there is no definitive end date. Psychotherapy is an ongoing process wherein the presenting problem can be addressed in a few sessions where other goals can be more long term. This can be discussed in the initial assessment/first visit with your therapist.

Psychotherapy sessions are typically 45-60 minutes in length. The average cost of an individual session is $115-200, for a licensed psychotherapist, per session and group rates vary. Sliding scale fees are available with our supervisees in social work. Our supervisees in social work are psychotherapists who are working towards licensure. Sliding scale fees for an individual session are $75-200. They do not accept insurance. The fee is discussed during the initial call and agreed upon by both the intake coordinator and the client. All fees are due at the beginning of the session. This fee may change at any time and proof of income may be required.

Currently, HCC accepts some insurance companies. If HCC does not take your insurance, you may be able to be reimbursed by your insurance company if you have out of network benefits. Therefore a receipt or superbill may be provided upon request for reimbursement. HCC is currently credentialed with Anthem (Commercial & Medicaid), Optima (Commercial & Medicaid), Aetna (Commercial & Medicaid), United Healthcare, Friday Health Plans and Cigna. HCC accepts cash, check, credit card and flexible spending accounts. Your payment and/or co-pay is due at the time services are rendered. It is your responsibility to get authorization prior to services if needed by your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, our psychotherapist supervisees see clients for therapy for a sliding scale fee.

Some people can manage their symptoms without medication and others need medication to manage their illness and that is okay!  During your medication management appointment, your provider will ask questions to better understand your symptoms in order to explore which medications may help you manage your specific issues.  Medication can lessen the effects of your symptoms, making it easier for you to manage and cope with life’s activities.  Together you will come up with a plan for your treatment.  They will educate you on how to take your medication,  potential side effects, proper dosages and titrations and potential side effects.  Your provider will continue to monitor you on this medication to ensure that it is addressing your symptoms and assess for side effects. Everyone metabolizes medication differently and sometimes it takes time to find the best one for you.  Our providers will work with you to ensure you get the best medication regiment for you.