NEW PATIENT Information for Therapy
What to expect from your first therapy session at Woodruff Counseling, including fees, scheduling, and in-person visits in Towson.
Towson Therapy Office
Woodruff Counseling offers in-person therapy sessions at the Towson office in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Patient Info
New patients seeking therapy in Towson will complete a brief intake process before their first session to ensure care is tailored to individual needs. We utilize an Electronic Health Record System called Simple Practice. If you decide to start care with us you will be asked to complete some intake documents and consent forms. You can complete the intake paperwork through the client portal. If you have a virtual appointment the link will be sent through the client portal.
In Person Session Schedule
In person sessions are offered out of our Towson office Towson office on Mondays and Thursdays
Therapy Fees and Payment Information
Below is an overview of therapy fees, insurance considerations, and payment options for services at Woodruff Counseling.
Out Of Network Benefits
Some insurance plans have out-of-network benefits. If you have OON benefits here are some important questions you should ask your insurance company:
- What is my annual deductible for out-of-network benefits?
- Have I met any of my OON deductible this calendar year and if so how much?
- What percentage reimbursement can I expect to receive for my OON benefits?
- What is “reasonable and customary” for a 60 minute psychotherapy session CPT code 90837? The percentage that they will reimburse, is of a predetermined number they define as “reasonable and customary”.
Self Pay
Payment Options
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept credit cards, check, cash, HSA, and FSA cards.
We have the right to charge for late cancellations and no shows. Please try to be realistic about your schedule. We know that things come up, communicate with us about what is going on and we will do our best to work with you.
EAP Benifits
What to Expect from Therapy at Woodruff Counseling
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and knowing what to expect can help new clients feel more comfortable before their first session in Towson. The first session is an information gathering appointment. I will take a look at the intake form that you completed, and I will ask you some standard questions to get an idea about your history. For instance, were you ever married, what medicines are you on, have you been diagnosed with a mental illness…standard questions that you would complete at any intake. This first session will mostly be geared around collecting information and getting to know each other. Feel free to ask questions and speak up if there is something you need or you’re uncomfortable.
Here are a few things that you won’t have to worry about…
- You don’t have to lie on a couch unless you want to (I’ve never seen anyone do this but there is always a first)
- I don’t perform hypnosis, play therapy, nor do I do art therapy. These therapies have their place and I believe they can be effective, but they are not me.
- You don’t have to stay…you always have the right to terminate treatment and leave. I hope you don’t, and we can work through the distress, but you are not trapped.
- Your privacy will be respected…I am bound by law to follow HIPAA https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/index.html
There are only a few reasons that would grant me the authority to override your privacy; danger to self or others, child abuse, and other issues that fall under mandated reporting. Otherwise to disclose information to family, doctors, or a friend I will need a signed release of information also known as an ROI.
If you see me outside the office I will pretend that I don’t know you unless you address me. This is to protect your privacy.
Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session is an opportunity to discuss goals, concerns, and what brings you to therapy in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting.
- You will enter and take a seat in the waiting room. I will come and get you. It is possible that I may be running a few minutes late (I try to make this a rarity). Remember, sometimes there are patients in crisis or an emergency. When I am with another patient this may be frustrating, but you’ll appreciate it if you are ever the patient in crisis.
- Once in my office sit down wherever you are comfortable. Sometimes I have some things to play with in your hands feel free to grab one and relax.
- We’re going to talk about how the week went, progress you’ve made, goals you’d like to set, and anything else that is on your mind.
- When working with young children I may utilize toys and games as a means of helping them to relax while we talk but I do not engage in traditional play therapy.
- I can push hard at times and that is simply because I want to see you make the most progress possible. But if it is too much let me know.
Therapy FAQs for New Patients in Towson, MD
There is no one good answer. This will depend on what you are dealing with, your goals, and your schedule. This is something that we can talk about.
Again, there is no straight answer. Some people can go to therapy for just a few sessions and resolve the issues they came in to treat. Others use therapy as a maintenance and come in regularly for years to help maintain growths they have made in therapy.
Directions to Our Towson Therapy Office
Woodruff Counseling is conveniently located in Towson, Maryland, with parking and clear directions provided for new patients.
Towson: The building is on Pennsylvania avenue but if you go around the back of the building you will see a parking lot where you can park for free. If you are in the parking lot, go to the left side where you will see a set of stairs. The office is on the lower level. When you enter you will be in a waiting room. Please take a seat and I will come get you.
Location
Towson, Maryland
Virtual throughout Maryland office in Towson 406 W Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 102
Telehealth
Available Statewide
Flexible scheduling