Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to schedule an appointment for a new patient?

Email us via our contact form or call (972) 250-1700 and press “1” to leave a message. One of our therapists will contact you so please be on the lookout for an email or a call from our number. We do our best to return calls within 48 hours. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please visit your nearest emergency room or call 911.

How will a therapist be selected?

Sometimes families are referred to a particular therapist or are drawn to a particular therapist after reading our bios. Our initial consultation/intake process is also designed to help us find a therapist who will be a great fit. 

Do you take insurance?

We have a few providers who are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What is the cost for paying privately?

The initial consultation/intake is $225, with regular sessions ranging from $100-$200, depending on the therapist working with you. You can see all of our hourly rates on our website under the heading  “About Us.” 

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check and all major credit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover). We also accept FSA and HSA credit cards if they are processed by Visa or Mastercard.

How will I be billed for the service?

In most cases a credit card will be put on file after your initial consultation/intake appointment. Typically, sessions are billed the next business day, excluding major holidays. The card may be changed or updated at any time by calling the front desk. Please provide a new card if your card is expiring.

For children’s therapy, will you involve parents in the therapy process?

Yes! We love working with parents and believe this is critical to your child’s success. We typically spend the first five to ten minutes of each session talking with parents privately and we also schedule regular parent meetings to work together to assist your child. Parent meetings may be done in person or via Zoom. If you choose to have a Zoom meeting, a link will be sent the day of the meeting. In the case of divorced or divorcing parents, parent meetings may be done separately or together. 

What is the best way to communicate with my child’s therapist?

Email is the best way to reach us as we are often in sessions throughout the day. We will make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours.

If I need to change or cancel an appointment, what is the process?

Call (972) 250-1700 and press 2 to reach our front desk. To avoid a late cancellation or “no show” fee, we require 24 hours’ notice to cancel. Emailing your therapist about the cancellation is also appreciated. 

Do you send reminders about upcoming appointments?

We offer reminders by email or text as a courtesy but this system is not fail-proof! We ask that you not rely on the reminder system. If you are unsure about an appointment please call our front desk to confirm.

My child will be coming from school and may be tired from the long day. Any tips to make the appointment more productive?

We encourage a quick snack on the way and using the restroom before signing in. Since we often paint or do crafts, wearing play clothes is encouraged. 

What should I say to my child after their appointment?

We encourage parents not to ask how the session went or have the child thank the therapist. Therapists tend to say goodbyes in the playroom.

While my child is with the therapist, do I stay in the waiting room?

While we often meet with parents for a few minutes at the beginning of the session, the remainder of the session time is for the child and therapist. If your child should need you (restroom, separation concerns), the therapist will escort your child to you. Sometimes with older children, adults may run a quick errand. This is not a problem provided the therapist knows the best way to reach you and you return before the session ends.

What is Play Therapy? 

Play Therapy is to children what talk therapy is to adults. Play Therapy utilizes play, children's natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. Play Therapy is often utilized with children ages 2-10.

What is Activity Therapy?

Activity Therapy involves the use of individualized activities (arts and crafts, sports, games, puzzles, etc.) as an integral part of the therapeutic process. Older kids often feel more comfortable “talking while doing”. Our office has art rooms, a pool table, a ping pong table, foosball, gaming systems, etc. Activity Therapy is often utilized with kids ages 10-18. 

Do you see adults in your office as well as kids?

Yes, we love working with adults!

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Yes, telehealth (Zoom) online appointments are available. Please talk to your therapist to determine if this might be right for you or your child.

My spouse and I are divorced (or divorcing). What do I need to know about setting up counseling?

When parents are separated, divorcing, or divorced, we require consent from both parents prior to scheduling an intake appointment. In addition, we need the most recent court order (Temporary Orders, Final Decree of Divorce, etc.). In the case of current litigation, we are happy to discuss with you the best way to begin seeing your child.

I have a teenager who may be driving themself to their session. Is that a problem?

Not at all. Your therapist may request an email from the parent, prior to the session, for you to share any updates on progress or new concerns.

My teenager is resistant to coming to counseling. Any tips to assist?

This is very normal! We recommend that you validate their feelings (i.e., allow them to express their feelings to you while you acknowledge and listen) and let us help with the rest. Often teens are a bit anxious at first but find that the process is much different (in a good way!) than what they might have expected.

What is your mask policy?

Following CDC recommendations, we no longer require masks to be worn. However, we have masks available upon request.

What if someone in my family tests positive for COVID?

We ask that you or your child have a negative COVID test to keep the appointment. If you and/or your child attending the appointment have tested negative but are living with someone still showing symptoms, you and/or your child need to wear a mask to the appointment.

What if someone in my family has a fever but tests negative for COVID?

We ask that you do not bring the sick family member (sibling, etc.) to the appointment and that the child or adult being seen wears a mask. 

How long are the counseling sessions?

The typical session length is 50 minutes. However, at times they may end a few minutes early or run a few minutes longer.

What if I’m running late? Will I still have the full 50 minute session?

Unfortunately if you are running late the session start time cannot be held and will still end on time. An email to the therapist or call to our front desk that you are running late is very much appreciated.

Does your office prescribe medication?

No.

Does your office offer services other than counseling?

Yes! BBHC offers a Speech Therapy Department as well Psychologists who can provide Psychological Evaluations for Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, among other things. 

Does your office provide after hours crisis services?

No, we are not an emergency clinic and do not offer 24-hour crisis intervention services. If there is a life-threatening emergency, go to the Emergency Room and ask for the psychologist on call or call 911.  You can reach the NorthSTAR Mobile Crisis Unit at 1-866-260-8000. The national suicide hotline is 1-800-273 TALK (8255) or dial 988.