08/20/2024
Want to know a little bit more about our practice? Here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and their answers:
How Do I Become A New Patient At BTC?
BTC 's intake process is designed to determine whether what we have to offer is right for you. Generally, the first step is to call our front office (301-593-4040), where we can give you more information about BTC and obtain details regarding the reason for your call and the services you need. Your information will then be placed on our waitlist. When a therapist with relevant expertise becomes available, they will then reach out to you by phone, email, or both.
What Do I Need To Bring With Me To My First Appointment?
Before you first appointment, you will receive all new registration forms through our secure TherapyPortal. You would be required to complete and sign these forms before the start of the scheduled appointment time.
How Long Will I Be In Treatment?
The length of treatment varies considerably due to a variety of factors, including presenting problem, level of impairment, and participation in treatment, as well as other factors that are hard to predict. Standard CBT for an anxiety difficulty averages 3-6 months, but varies from person to person.
What Are The Fees?
Fees vary by length of session and other factors. We would be happy to provide information regarding fees for your specific needs by phone or email. Our standard one hour intake sessions with individual therapists are $280/session, and subsequent sessions are often 45 minutes long at $240/session. We do not participate with any insurance companies and are considered out of network. However, we do provide monthly superbills.
Do You Have Lower Cost Services?
We are very happy to be able to provide an externship experience for our clients at The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington. This program provides lower cost services for therapy at BTC. These services are provided by doctoral students from local universities and are closely supervised by Dr. Jordan Izzo and Ms. Ruth Golomb. If you would like to work with a therapist at BTC, but find the cost is prohibitive or you do not have health insurance, please ask our front desk staff about the externship program and we will assess the request for working with an extern based on need.
Do You Accept Insurance?
BTC does not accept health insurance and is considered “out of network.” It is the client’s responsibility to check with the insurance company regarding coverage for services. An appropriately coded superbill including procedure and diagnostic codes and other necessary forms that your insurance company may ask you for will be provided and completed. Clients are responsible for any services that are not covered by insurance. Payment for services is expected at the time of each appointment. For more information about fees, please contact one of our front desk staff (301-593-4040).
Can I Request A Specific Therapist?
Yes, you may request a specific therapist. If that therapist is not available, another qualified clinician will reach out to you when they have an opening.
Do I Need To See Dr. Mansueto For A Consultation First?
Dr. Mansueto does not need to see each new client for a consultation. However, you are welcome to request a consultation with him.
Do You Have A Psychiatrist (Or Other Physician Who Prescribes Medication) On Staff?
We do not have psychiatrist on staff; however, we can provide you with referrals for psychiatrists with whom we have developed a working relationship over the years.
Do You Do Psychological Testing?
We do not currently offer psychological testing at BTC; however, we can provide you with referrals for individuals/organizations with whom we have developed a working relationship with over the years.
Do You Offer Groups?
We offer an OCD support group called GOAL (Giving Obsessive- Compulsives Another Lifestyle) which meets every 4 weeks and is ran by our various clinicians on staff on a rotating schedule.
We do not currently offer any other additional therapeutic groups at this time.
What is a Psychology Associate or and LGPC?
A psychology associate is an unlicensed mental health provider who has been approved by the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists to practice psychology under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist. Psychology associates hold at least a master's degree in psychology and are usually students who have yet to complete all of the requirements of their doctoral training or licensing process. LGPC's hold terminal master's degrees in a field of psychology that allow them to practice clinical psychology under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
What is a Psychology Extern?
A psychology extern is a student who is currently enrolled in a doctoral-level clinical psychology program in the area. Two externs per year train at BTC from September through May of each calendar year. Externs are able to provide clinical services at a lower cost and are directly supervised by licensed therapists.
Who Do I Contact If I Have a Suggestion or Complaint About Services?
If you have any concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with your therapist as soon as possible. Should the issue remain unresolved, please feel free to contact our director, Dr. Charles Mansueto, at 301-593-4040, extension 111.
What is Your Cancellation Policy?
Once a client has begun treatment at BTC, the client is expected to let either the clinician or front office manager know about cancelling their appointment 48-hours before their scheduled appointment time. The client can cancel either via phone or email. It is preferable to reach your clinician directly, but if you cannot reach your clinician you can reach the office manager at the contact information below.
If you cancel your appointment in less than a 48-hour notice or do not show to your appointment, you will be charged your full session fee. Please note, some clinicians have more specific individual policies, but the practice wide policy is now a 48-hour cancellation policy.
Office Phone: 301-593-4040
Office Manager email: info@behaviortherapycenter.com
