FAQ
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A: The Northwest Center for Cognitive Therapy does not require a physician referral before a client can be seen. If your physician or another provider has been involved in your mental health care in the recent past, it is often useful to have the provider send us notes before the first session. This way, we know what kinds of interventions have been attempted, or are ongoing.
Some insurance companies require you get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a therapist. Check with your insurance company to see if this is the case.
Q: Does insurance pay for CBT?
A: Most insurance companies cover mental health care, typically paying 50% to 80% of the fee. Some companies limit the number of visit for which they will pay. All are required by law to reimburse certain major mental health diagnoses at the same rate as other medical disorders. Number of visits for these diagnoses cannot be limited. Because policies differ so widely, check with your insurance company about benefits.
Q: Do you take Medicare and/or Medicaid?
A: We take both Medicare and Medicaid.
Q: How long does a psychotherapy session last?
A: Generally, sessions run 50 minutes.
Q: How many sessions will it take?
A: Cognitive behavior therapy is typically short term. You and your therapist will determine the number of sessions, but most people attend 4 to 10 sessions.
Q: Which is better: medication or psychotherapy?
A: Neither is “better,” and many mental health problems are best addressed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If you physician has recommended you take a medication, it is important you keep taking it. Psychotherapy will teach you skills for coping with your upset feelings and for identifying behaviors that would be helpful to change.
Q: Can I get my medication from NWCBT?
A: No, you will continue to get prescriptions from your family doctor or psychiatrist.
Q: What about confidentiality?
A: The Codes of Ethics for Psychologists and Social Workers dictate strict client confidentiality. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act also mandates confidentiality for patients. This means that no information about your status as a client, nor discussed in your sessions can be divulged without your written permission. There are three exceptions to the confidentiality rule: if a client expresses suicidal or homicidal intentions, if records are subpoenaed by a court, and when the client’s insurance company requests dates of service and diagnosis information.