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, 2022 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 to my therapy sessions?
A: We do not allow you to bring your pets 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: This is a question we get asked a lot and it is something all of our therapists are specially trained in. Therapists at other clinics may claim to be a Christian counselor or spiritual, but many do not have the training that our therapists do. Some of our therapists also have a theology background or are ordained ministers. Our unique approach also includes incorporating your own personal spiritual beliefs into the therapy process. We work with individuals of all faith backgrounds, and only integrate faith into the therapy process if this is something that the client wants. If you do not want it to be part of the process, no problem, and no pressure. We respect your wishes and work with many individuals that are not religious or spiritual. We 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 over Docusign before you can schedule an appointment. Our intake coordinator just needs your email address to get the process started. If you are using your insurance, you will also need to email them over a copy of the front and back of your insurance card. 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.
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, 2022 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 to my therapy sessions?
A: We do not allow you to bring your pets 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: This is a question we get asked a lot and it is something all of our therapists are specially trained in. Therapists at other clinics may claim to be a Christian counselor or spiritual, but many do not have the training that our therapists do. Some of our therapists also have a theology background or are ordained ministers. Our unique approach also includes incorporating your own personal spiritual beliefs into the therapy process. We work with individuals of all faith backgrounds, and only integrate faith into the therapy process if this is something that the client wants. If you do not want it to be part of the process, no problem, and no pressure. We respect your wishes and work with many individuals that are not religious or spiritual. We 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 over Docusign before you can schedule an appointment. Our intake coordinator just needs your email address to get the process started. If you are using your insurance, you will also need to email them over a copy of the front and back of your insurance card. 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.
