What is Counseling?
Counseling provides an opportunity to explore and learn about yourself within a confidential, professional relationship. Your responsibility in counseling is to reflect and share your area(s) of concern. In the initial intake appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your needs and concerns as well as provide your counselor with important background information.
Once counseling begins, your counselor will work with you to clarify and deepen your self-understanding, explore options for change, and develop a plan suited to achieve your personal goals.
Counseling is a process which requires work on your part and may involve exploration of painful events and feelings. Your counselor will listen, ask questions, and offer comments. Counseling is not guaranteed to solve your problems, but success is most likely when you are an active participant and your communication with your counselor remains open and honest.
How Long Does a Counseling Session Last?
Counseling sessions typically run 50-60 minutes. Appointments are generally scheduled on the hour.
For mediation services, we prefer a 2 hour session.
What are the fees for services?
Fees for services can vary so please give our office a call. If eligible, claims can be submitted to insurance pending appropriate benefit coverage. Fees apply whether the session is for individual, family, or couples counseling. Fees will vary for other diverse services (e.g. preparation of written reports, phone consultation, mediation services, group counseling, clinical supervision, testing and evaluation).
A 10% discount will be given to self paying clients.
At this time we do not offer a sliding-fee scale, but payment arrangements can be made with the office manager.
How much do I owe for my copay, coinsurance, deductible?
Each plan is different regarding the benefit level for Mental Health services. You should contact your insurance company regarding your benefits prior to coming in for your initial visit to verify coverage. A contact number for Customer Service should be listed on your Insurance Card. Claims/Fees that are denied by insurance due to no benefit coverage become the financial responsibility of the client.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call us at (319) 277-4383. We have a 24/7 answering service available to take your call and we will respond to your message as soon as possible. You may also contact us through the website on the “contact us” page.
What if I or someone I know is in an emergency situation?
If a situation is life-threatening, call 911 or go to your hospital emergency room.
Are counseling services confidential?
Your visits with the staff are private and information about you is not released without your written permission. There are certain limits to confidentiality, such as, if you are a clear and present danger to harm yourself or others; in situations of abuse or neglect to a minor or vulnerable adult; or in the event of a court order for information. Your counselor will be able to provide a more detailed description of limits to confidentiality during your intake appointment.
How do I know if you accept my insurance?
Below is a listing of accepted insurances (not comprehensive). Please be aware that not all plans under our accepted insurances cover Mental Health services and you should consult with your plan if you have concerns. If your insurance company is not listed below, please call the number on the back of your card to see if you have coverage at our office.
We do not participate with Medicare.
We also are paneled with numerous Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Please see your employer for details regarding offered EAP mental health services, if applicable.
- Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- United Healthcare
- Iowa Medicaid (Amerigroup and Iowa Total Care)
- Midlands Choice
- TRICARE
- CIGNA
- Aetna
Are there limits to the number of sessions that I can be seen?
Depending on your Insurance benefits, you may be limited to a certain number of covered visits. It is a good idea to verify your plan benefits prior to coming in for an appointment.
Is there a Psychiatrist on staff Cedar Falls Counseling Associates? Can you prescribe medication?
Cedar Falls Counseling Associates is a non-medical organization, we do not have a psychiatrist on staff and we do not prescribe medication, however, we do coordinate with Medical Professionals as appropriate and work with them in coordinating your care.
If I already have a psychiatrist and/or counselor, can I come to Cedar Falls Counseling Associates?
You are free to schedule an appointment anywhere you choose. If you choose Cedar Falls Counseling Associates we would be very happy to work with you.
Does Cedar Falls Counseling Associates offer support groups?
At this time we do not have any support groups available, but we are able to provide you with various resources in the community which offer support group services.
Does Cedar Falls Counseling Associates conduct psychological/psychoeducational testing and/or evaluations?
We have staff members who are trained and certified to conduct various psychological/psycheducational testing and evaluations. Please contact the office should you be interested in obtaining more information regarding our available testing services.
Does Cedar Falls Counseling Associates conduct substance abuse evaluations?
We are able to conduct substance abuse evaluations and provide a report to the requesting party, however, we currently do NOT have a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Substance Abuse Professional on staff. Often times the court may order or suggest that a person have a substance abuse assessment conducted by a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Substance Abuse Professional, so please determine if this applies to you before scheduling an appointment.