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Frequently Asked Questions
What counseling services does BCA provide?
The counseling services provided through BCA include Individual, Couples, Family, and Vocational Counseling. Often, more than one mode of counseling is utilized during the counseling process. For example, couples counseling may also involve several individual sessions with each of the partners. If children are involved, family sessions will be one aspect of the process. Each step of the treatment process will be discussed and explained by your counselor.
It is helpful at the time of the phone intake with the BCA office staff to provide some information about the presenting problem so that the most appropriate counselor can be selected to help you and/or your family. If the primary issue happens to be one of the children, make sure that information is noted at the time of the phone intake.
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Are there special needs for providing services for children?
Consent for treatment of children is a complicated issue in Pennsylvania. For those parents not presently in marital separation or divorce either parent or a child aged 14 or older may grant consent for treatment. In cases of marital separation or divorce, BCA requests the consent of both parents whenever possible. The consent of both parents is required when there is a court order of joint legal custody and the child is 13 or younger.
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What types of testing does BCA provide?
BCA provides various types of assessments including ADD/ADHD testing for children adults; cognitive testing for intellectual limitations, learning disabilities; personality and vocational assessments; and evaluation prior to gastric-bypass surgery or other medical procedures. For further information on testing see the Psychological Testing and Assessments FAQ page.
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How long are sessions?
Counseling sessions are usually 50 minutes in length. Testing sessions vary in length dependent upon the type of assessment being completed.
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What are BCA's office hours?
The BCA office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 8:30pm, and Friday from 8:00am to 3:30pm. The office staff will be able to answer most questions related to:
- Billings
- Payments
- Insurance reimbursement
- Scheduling appointments
- Directions to the BCA office
Importantly, the BCA Office is accessible for the physically challenged.
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What are the fees & payments?
Please keep the following in mind regarding payment:
- BCA’s financial policy includes the belief that the commitment to your treatment will be improved by understanding fee requirements prior to the first session. Please carefully review the information titled Understanding Your Mental Health Insurance Benefits and Planning for Payment.
- Please note, the use of direct insurance reimbursement for payment must be verified by the administrative staff prior to the first appointment.
- BCA expects payment in full or payment of the co-pay at the start of each session.
- Checks are made payable to Bethlehem Counseling Associates. BCA accepts credit card payments including VISA, MasterCard and Discover.
- Any NSF (non-sufficient funds) checks will be assessed a $30 processing fee.
- A fee is assessed whenever there is a request for processing forms, preparing reports, or copying of office materials or records.
- Any special arrangements for sharing payments between parents presently involved in a marital separation or divorce must be determined prior to the first visit.
- Clients or their responsible parties have the ultimate responsibility for payment if there is a problem with insurance reimbursement or if incorrect information is provided during the insurance verification process.
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How do I schedule appointments?
After your initial session at BCA, it is suggested that you schedule several sessions in advance to avoid scheduling difficulties. Evening hours as well as the early morning hours are the most in demand by clients. Appointments are scheduled with the administrative assistant at the front desk.
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What is the cancellation policy?
Since the scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of a time specifically for you, a minimum 24-hour notice is required for cancelling an appointment. In this way, other clients may be able to utilize the time slot left vacant. A late fee is charged for missed sessions without 24-hour notification.
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What if I have a change of address, phone number, or insurance information?
Any change in address, phone number, or insurance is to be reported to the BCA administrative assistant or counselor as soon as possible.
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Does BCA take emergency phone calls?
A BCA professional is on call for emergency coverage each weekend and holidays. BCA maintains 24-hour answering service coverage as well as a voice mail system for times when the office is closed or when all phone lines are busy. The emergency number is the same as the BCA office number, (610) 865-8177. In the case of an emergency, please make it clear to the administrative assistant or answering service that you need to speak with a BCA staff member as soon as possible because an emergency exists. When leaving a message, make sure you leave a number where you can be reached at work and/or home within 30 minutes of your call.
For general questions and non-emergency issues regarding appointments or fees, please use the voice mail system. Leave your name, number, and time of call and one of the office staff will return your call as soon as possible.
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Does the BCA office close for bad weather?
BCA strongly believes in protecting the welfare of clients. Therefore, in times of bad weather or other special circumstances, BCA may decide to close the office. If there is a question about whether or not the office is closed, please call the general office number (610) 865-8177 and the voice mail system will inform you of the status of operation at BCA.
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