Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Counseling

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Is Psychotherapy Confidential?

Therapists are bound, both ethically and legally, to maintain confidentiality. They must keep the contents of therapy confidential, and even the existence of therapy sessions.

There are several exceptions to the rule of confidentiality. The times when a therapist must reveal information are when:

	A client discloses information that makes the therapist suspicious of child or elder endangerment, neglect or abuse
	A client reveals information that suggests a danger to oneself or to others.
	A client is court ordered or under the supervision of the Department of Social Services
	A client requests that information be sent to or discussed with insurance companies, doctors, employers, attorneys, agencies, or other individuals, and they do so at their own choice. When clients request a release of information they must sign a written consent form.
	There are also legal situations in which a client gives up the right to confidentiality. For example, the client may file or participate in some form of litigation which involves the subpoenaing of records or requires that testimony be given by the therapist.

What Days and Hours Are You Available for Counseling?

Counseling is arranged by appointment. If you are interested in working with Dr. De Los Reyes, set up an appointment by calling him at:

(562) 547-0910

His typical office hours, by appointment, are:

9 AM to 7 or 8 PM

A counseling session is typically 50 minutes long. The initial intake session is often longer and may be scheduled for 90 minutes. The first time clients come for counseling they are asked to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so they can complete necessary intake forms and understand office policies.

How Long Will I be in Psychotherapy?

That is a hard question to answer. The length of therapy varies. Some people have multiple issues and chronic problems and prefer long term care. Others want brief therapy.

The length of therapy depends on a number of factors - for example, the client's degree of trauma, personal background and family history, motivation, learning style, defense system, etc. Everyone has a different need for help and a different rate at which they change.

Will My Health Insurance Pay for Psychotherapy?

Every insurance plan is different. Some cover outpatient mental health services and others do not. Some cover marriage and family counseling; some do not. Some allow you to see any therapist you select. Others limit you to selecting someone who is on their list of "Preferred Providers".

If your plan covers "out of network providers" (therapists who are not on the insurance company's Preferred Provider list) it may reimburse at a different rate than it does for a "Preferred Provider". This means that you may have a larger co-payment and/or you may have a higher yearly deductible than if you choose a "Preferred Provider".

Before coming to therapy, contact your insurance company and ask several key questions:

	Are "Outpatient Mental Health Services" covered by my insurance plan
	If so, what types of services does my plan cover?
	Must outpatient counseling services be "preauthorized" by the insurance company? : (Preauthorization usually involves an insurance company representative interviewing you about the problem(s) you have been experiencing. Next the representative typically faxes or mails a form to your therapist. The form contains an authorization number and initial number of sessions which are approved for reimbursement. (Without preauthorization and the form that verifies it, some insurance companies will not pay for your counseling)
	What is my yearly plan deductible?
	What will my co-payment be for each session with an "in-network" provider? For an "out-of-network" provider?
	How many yearly counseling visits does my plan allow?
	To what address should insurance company billings be sent?

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DE LOS REYES COUNSELING