Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, our most frequently asked questions are answered right here. Q: Will my insurance cover?A: That isn’t something we can answer for you directly. We recommend checking out our Billing & Insurance page for information on what you need to do to find out if something is covered by your insurance but you would need to contact your insurance company for more information. If we bill your insurance and they process the claim, we only bill you what your insurance company says you would owe. Q: How much does counseling cost?
A: Our professional fees for counseling changed effective May 1, 2024 and prices vary depending on the length of the session as well as the service provided, and the degree level of the provider. Call our intake coordination line at 608-663-0763 ext. 100 more information. Other rates may apply for Pre-Marriage counseling if doing a Prepare-Enrich assessment. For more information on paying out of pocket or our sliding fee scale, please visit our Billing & Insurance page. Q: What generally should I expect in the first session when I see a therapist?
A: Your first visit is about 55-60 minutes. We are a State Certified clinic so we do have some paperwork to do at the first visit, but future visits should involve less paperwork and more of the therapy process. Q: What is the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist?
A: Psychotherapists are generally Masters level therapists, but a few of ours have their Doctorate degree (which is more advanced). Psychologists have a Ph.D and many do psychological testing in addition to psychotherapy/counseling. Currently our Ph.D therapists are only offering psychotherapy counseling at this time and not psychological testing. Psychiatrists are the only ones of these three that can prescribe medication and we do not have any prescribers at this time. Q: What does it mean if my therapist is in training?
A: An In Training therapist has successfully graduated from their Masters program and completed their internship where they gain counseling experience. Unlike other programs, mental health counselors need 3000 hours of supervised counseling before being granted their full license. The In Training therapist will be under the supervision of one of our therapists who hold a Ph.D until completing their required hours. However, this doesn't mean that you will have two counselors in your session. The In Training therapist already has sufficient counseling experience and is fully qualified to have your session one on one. Q: Do you have anyone that prescribes medication there?
A: No, we recommend you contact your insurance company or your primary doctor to help you find a psychiatrist since we do not have anyone that prescribes and you will want to find someone within your insurance network. Q: How do I know if the clinic will be closed for weather?
A: Updated clinic policy for closures due to weather: We now post all weather or other closure updates on our Facebook page. Make sure you are on the Facebook page for Samaritan Counseling Center of Southern Wisconsin. Q: Can I bring my dog or other animals to my therapy sessions?
A: We do not allow you to bring any animal in to therapy. Service Animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. We follow ADA guidelines for Service Animals. This does not include many Emotional Support Animals. For more information on what qualifies as a Service Animal, please visit ADA Service Animals Website Q: What does 24 business hour notice mean if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
A: As an example, if your appointment is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 AM, we would need a message on our scheduling line by Tuesday before 11 AM if not sooner. The business hour notice is referring to those appointments scheduled for Monday. Please call our scheduling line for all cancelling and rescheduling of appointments. We do not accept calls over the weekend as enough notice for cancellations on Monday and we are able to check the time stamp on voicemails if you do give enough notice. Q: What does spiritually integrated therapy mean?
A:At Samaritan Counseling Center, spiritually integrated therapy means our therapists are trained to include your spiritual or religious beliefs in the counseling process — if that’s something you want. Many clients seek us out for Christian counseling, and several of our therapists have backgrounds in theology or are ordained ministers. We’re equipped to integrate faith into therapy in a thoughtful and respectful way. At the same time, we work with people from all faith traditions — and those who don’t identify with any religion or spiritual practice. If you prefer to focus solely on your mental health without including spirituality, that’s absolutely okay! We provide high-quality, evidence-based mental health care regardless of whether spirituality is part of your therapy. We respect your preferences and welcome everyone at our center. Q: What do I need to do before I come in for my session?
A: All new client paperwork is now done online through a software program we use called TherapyNotes before you can schedule an appointment. Our intake coordinator just needs your email address and date of birth to get the process started. If you are using your insurance, you will also need to include a copy of the front and back of your insurance card through that portal or email it to us. They can help walk you through that process. For more questions on insurance, please visit our Billing & Insurance page for more information. Not finding what you want? Reach us directly through our Contact Us page.
