Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers about getting started, your first visit, telehealth, insurance and billing, and privacy.
Getting started
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Balanced Life Counseling Services is accepting new patients for in-person and telehealth appointments at our Salisbury and Bethesda offices. Call 443-978-8688 or send us a message to get started.
How do I make a first appointment?
Call 443-978-8688 during office hours or use the form on our contact page. Tell us who the appointment is for, which office or telehealth you prefer, and your insurance plan if you plan to use one. Our new patients page walks through each step.
Who do you work with?
We work with children, teens, adults, couples and families. Each clinician’s profile on our team page says who they see and what they focus on, so you can ask for someone who fits.
Can I ask for a particular therapist?
Yes. Read the profiles on our team page and tell us who you would like to see when you call or write. If that clinician is not available, our office staff can suggest someone else whose background fits what you are looking for.
Where are your offices?
Our Salisbury office is at 560 Riverside Dr., Suite B101, Salisbury, MD 21801. Our Bethesda office is at 4400 East West Highway, Suite 33, Bethesda, MD 20814. Each office page has its own directions link.
Your first visit and ongoing sessions
What happens in the first session?
Your therapist invites you to share what has been going on in your life, what is on your mind, and any goals you would like to discuss. You are invited to speak openly, and you will not be criticized, interrupted or judged. Read more on what to expect from therapy.
How often will I come?
You and your therapist decide together how often to meet. Weekly sessions are typically recommended in the beginning, because meeting regularly helps the working relationship develop more quickly.
How long is a therapy session?
A standard individual therapy session is 45 to 50 minutes. We also offer 30-minute individual sessions. Your first visit is an initial assessment.
Will I have homework?
Sometimes. Your therapist may suggest something to do between sessions, such as exercising three times a week or writing a nightly journal entry. At your next session you can talk about how it went and where you got stuck.
Telehealth
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available through both offices. Whether telehealth is an option for you depends on where you are located during the session, so please ask when you call. See telehealth therapy for how it works.
Insurance, fees and billing
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We currently accept CareFirst / Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Claimsbridge, Core Source, Humana, Integra Administrative Group, Medical Assistance / Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, UMR, and United Behavioral Health / UnitedHealthcare. Coverage depends on your plan, so please verify your benefits before your first visit.
How much does therapy cost without insurance?
Our self-pay fees are $150 for the initial assessment, $130 for individual therapy (45 to 50 minutes), $65 for a 30-minute individual session, $130 for family therapy, and $35 for group therapy. Details are on our insurance and fees page.
Do you have a sliding fee scale?
Yes. We offer a Sliding Fee Program based on household income and family size, which may reduce the amount you pay, even if you have insurance. Applications are on our insurance and fees page and at the reception desk, and staff can help you complete one.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. Otherwise you may be required to pay a missed appointment fee.
How can I pay?
We accept cash, check, and credit cards.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you do not have insurance or are not using insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your care will cost. Our No Surprises Act page explains your rights.
Privacy and safety
Is what I say in counseling confidential?
Yes. What you discuss in a counseling session is protected health information. There are exceptions: if a client threatens to harm themselves or someone else, we will make every effort to ensure the safety of all, and if abuse of a child or vulnerable adult is suspected or disclosed, mental health professionals are required by law to report it. See patient privacy.
What should I do in an emergency?
Our office does not provide emergency services. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. Our crisis resources page lists more options.
How do I use the patient portal?
Existing patients can sign in through the Patient Portal link at the top of every page. If you have trouble signing in, call our office at 443-978-8688.
Ready to get started?
In-person and telehealth appointments in Salisbury and Bethesda.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. This office does not provide emergency services. More crisis resources
Take the first step
We are accepting new patients for in-person and telehealth appointments in Salisbury and Bethesda. Call us, or send a short message and we will get back to you.
In crisis? Call or text 988 or call 911. This office does not provide emergency services.
