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Therapy, Therapists, and Insurance Frequently Asked Questions


  • I just know I need help. What kind of services should I look for?

    There are many different types of services mental health professionals provide. These include individual therapy, family therapy, couples/marital therapy, group therapy, and substance abuse counseling. Depending on your insurance, these services may or may not be covered. You can call your insurance company and ask for a ‘benefit check for behavioral health or mental health’ services. They will inform you what is covered under your plan. Their number will be on the back of your insurance card.

  • I see therapists list different types of therapies on their profiles, like humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, existential, solution-focused, psychodynamic, etc. Which one is the best? Which one do I need?

    This is how mental health professionals communicate their approach and style to therapy. There is no best type of therapy, but more which one fits with you and what you are looking to get out of therapy. A quick Google search on the therapy will give you an idea of how this clinician perceives mental health. The clinician will draw on this therapeutic approach for treatment recommendations. If you are not sure about this, call up the clinician and ask them about their approach and how this impacts their treatment plan. Clinicians are happy to explain their approach so you feel comfortable with their style. Finding a good therapist fit is a key component to productive therapy.

  • I know I’m having trouble with specific things. How can I find someone who can help with my particular concerns?

    Many therapists have a profile on Psychology Today or on the practice’s website. Psychology Today allows you to select things that you are specifically looking for in a therapist in your area, and it will provide you with a list. It also allows you to select your insurance as an added filter so you only see therapists who take your insurance and treat your specific concerns. You can look on the practice’s website to find the providers and read their profiles and any of their special interests. You can click the link below to check out our provider’s Psychology Today profile or read about them under the providers tab on www.rosecransassoc.com.

  • You guys have so many different types of abbreviations behind your names. What is the difference between an LPC, LCPC, LSW, LCSW, LMFT, CDAC, and LCP? What do they mean?

    It is good to know which type of professional you are seeing and their educational level and type of license. We are going to break these down into sections to help simplify.


    LPC and LSW

    LPC is a licensed professional counselor who has earned a master's degree in counseling or in clinical psychology. LSW is a licensed social worker who has earned a master's degree in social work. These individuals are practicing on what we call a limited license and must be supervised by a fully licensed professional (i.e., LCPC, LCSW, or LCP). They are not allowed to practice on their own. They are required by the state to earn a specific amount of hours after obtaining their limited license prior to sitting for the state full-licensing examination. If you are seeing an LPC or LSW, then you need to know they are required to be supervised and will be consulting with their supervisor about your case. You are allowed to know who that supervisor is and the supervisor’s contact information. You are allowed to request that you do not want to see a limited-licensed professional.


    LPCP and LCSW

    LCPCs are licensed clinical professional counselors who have earned a master's degree in counseling or in clinical psychology. They are fully licensed and can practice independently without supervision. An LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who has earned a master's degree in social work and is fully licensed by the state to practice independently without supervision.


    LMFT

    LMFTs are licensed marriage and family therapists. They are specifically trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders in the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. Master’s and doctoral level can be an LMFT.


    CDAC

    CDACs are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Master’s and doctoral level students can become CDAD certified.


    LCP

    LCP is a licensed clinical psychologist who has earned a doctoral degree in psychology, is fully licensed by the state, and can practice independently without supervision.


    There are LPCs and LCPCs who have a doctoral degree, but these individuals are working on accumulating hours toward taking the psychologist licensing state examination.


    If you are meeting with a doctorate therapist who has either an LPC or LCPC only, then they will be consulting with a supervisor about your case. You have the right to know who the supervisor is and their contact information, and you are allowed to request you do not want to see this level of a professional.


  • So now I know the differences between the types of professionals and their credentials. What does that mean for me?

    The difference in educational level and licensure can mean the difference in the kind of expertise you are provided with and the type of services you are seeking. There is the additional component of required supervision for limited-licensed professionals. Use this information to help you make an informed decision about your mental healthcare and what fits for you and your needs.

  • I found a therapist; what should I expect at my first appointment?

    The initial appointment or intake session is a chance for the therapist to get to know you and what brings you into therapy. They will ask questions about your medical, developmental, social, occupational, educational, psychiatric, and substance history. They will also ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing and how these symptoms are impacting your life. Therapists will provide you with a treatment plan before the end of the session.

  • I have insurance. How can I use that?

    When you call to make your first appointment, Rosecrans & Associates will collect your insurance and policyholder's information to verify we are in-network with your insurance company. We will check your benefits to make sure you are covered. You can call your insurance company and inquire about your benefits and if you are covered for behavioral health. You will have to specifically ask about behavioral health coverage; otherwise, they will only provide you with medical coverage information. Your insurance company will provide you with the specific details of your plan and your estimated cost.

  • My insurance company is in-network with Rosecrans & Associates, and they told me my benefits, but I’m confused about what "deductible," "co-pay," "co-insurance," and "out-of-pocket" all mean.

    Most plans have a deductible that must be met before the insurance company will begin to pay for covered services. After you meet your deductible, insurance will begin to pay for covered services. You may have a co-pay or co-insurance. Copays may be due before and after a deductible has been met, and they are a flat fee due at the time of service. Coinsurance is paid after the deductible has been met and is a percentage of the service charged, not a flat fee. Out-of-pocket is a maximum or limit you pay each calendar year for covered services. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, your health plan will pay 100% of the covered costs.

  • I called my insurance company, and they said I have to call a different company that covers my mental health benefits. What does this mean?

    There are insurance companies that contract out mental health benefits to other insurance companies. These are called “carve-out plans.” This does not mean you are not covered for mental health. It means that a different insurance company covers your mental health benefits, and you will need to call that company to check your mental health benefits. This is important to know because Rosecrans & Associates may be covered under your main insurance plan but not covered with the outsourced insurance company. This is why we verify insurance prior to your first appointment to ensure you are covered.

  • Who bills my insurance? Do I have to?

    We will file insurance claims on your behalf. If you want to file the insurance claim on your own, we will collect our service fee at the time of service and then provide you with a superbill.

  • What is a Superbill?

    A superbill is an itemized form that includes details of the service required to submit a claim to your insurance company.

  • What if I find out Rosecrans & Associates is out-of-network? And what does that mean?

    Out-of-network means Rosecrans & Associates does not have a contract with your insurance company; therefore, there has been no negotiated rate between the provider and your insurance company. There are several options if we are out-of-network with your insurance company. We can provide you with a superbill to help you file a claim with your insurance company. We can also work with you and your insurance company on creating a Single-Case Agreement. A single-case agreement is an agreement between the insurance company and the provider that they will make an exception and cover you as if the provider were in-network even though the provider is out-of-network.

  • I don’t want to use my insurance. Can I still see a therapist?

    Yes, you can! You are not required to use your insurance. If you would like to choose this option, our office staff can discuss fees prior to scheduling your initial appointment. Our fee schedule will also be included in the information packet on the patient portal.

Pre-Surgical Bariatric Psychological Evaluation – FAQs


  • 1. Why do I need to get a psychological evaluation?

    Many insurance companies require a psychological evaluation or letter from a licensed clinician since all bariatric procedures are elective surgeries. Most surgeons require it to help determine the best post-surgical outcomes for patients.

  • 2. Is a bariatric psychological evaluation covered by insurance?

    It depends on your insurance company and policy. The best way to find out is to call your insurance provider and ask for a benefit check for psychological assessment services.

  • 3. Will having depression or anxiety prevent me from having the surgery?

    No—depression and anxiety will not prevent surgery, unless they are severe and untreated. Many individuals experience reduced symptoms after surgery.

  • 4. What’s involved in a bariatric psychological evaluation?

    The evaluation includes an interview about your psychological and medical history, substance history, eating habits, weight history, and knowledge about your type of bariatric surgery. You will complete several self-report tests to aid the clinician’s assessment.

  • 5. Are the tests trying to trick me?

    Absolutely not. The clinician uses these tools to quickly and accurately understand your history since they have no prior knowledge of you. The goal is not to prevent surgery—the clinician understands bariatric surgery can be both medically and psychologically beneficial.

  • 6. What should I bring to the evaluation?

    Bring your ID and insurance card, as you may need to fill out paperwork. It’s recommended to bring something to drink and a snack.

  • 7. When will I get the results of the evaluation?

    The clinician usually has results within a week and may schedule a session to discuss results and recommendations with you.

  • 8. Can I see someone about my pre-surgical and/or post-surgical eating?

    Yes, the practice specializes in helping individuals change eating habits related to bariatric surgery, which can reduce anxiety about sustaining healthy eating habits after surgery.

  • 9. I struggle with binge eating. Will this prevent me from having surgery?

    Binge eating will not stop you from surgery, but it may delay psychological clearance. Binge eating can continue after surgery, so learning to change these patterns is beneficial. The practice specializes in treating binge eating to help you move forward in your path to surgery.

  • 10. Can a clinician help me lose weight prior to the surgery?

    Yes—clinicians can help you learn new eating habits and strategies for weight loss, focusing on lifestyle change rather than short-term diet solutions.

  • 11. Is there a bariatric support group in the area?

    A support group is currently being developed. If interested, you can call the office for more information.

ADHD Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions


  • 1. What is the difference between ADHD assessment and testing?

    ADHD assessment refers to the entire evaluation process—from the clinical interview through the feedback session. ADHD testing specifically refers to the battery of tests administered during the testing phase. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, “testing” is the specific phase used to rule out other diagnoses while gathering data for diagnosis.

  • 2. Why do I need testing for ADHD as an adult?

    Adults may seek ADHD assessment to confirm a suspected diagnosis for medication management, workplace or school accommodations, or personal understanding. ADHD assessment helps prescribing physicians ensure an accurate diagnosis before prescribing controlled medications and can support requests for accommodations under the ADA.

  • 3. What else can it be if it’s not ADHD?

    Symptoms that seem like ADHD may actually be caused by other conditions (e.g., anxiety, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders, learning disorders, or medical diseases). Comprehensive testing helps rule these out to ensure the correct diagnosis.

  • 4. What does “rule out ADHD” mean?

    There is no biological test for ADHD; instead, clinicians use multiple evidence-based tests to rule out other possible diagnoses and determine whether the individual’s symptoms are best explained by ADHD. This is why testing can take several hours and involves a thorough battery of assessments.

  • 5. What types of tests are used in an ADHD assessment?

    Tests vary but are selected for their evidence-based validity. They may assess intelligence, memory, executive functioning, attention, verbal fluency, mood, and personality—helping clinicians differentiate ADHD from other possible explanations for symptoms.

  • 6. What should I expect during the ADHD assessment process?

    An ADHD assessment includes three main phases:

    • Clinical interview: A 60–120 minute interview covering developmental, educational, medical, and psychiatric history.
    • Testing phase: Several hours of standardized psychological tests designed to rule out other diagnoses and assess core ADHD symptoms (often scheduled in one long session or split into two).
    • Feedback session: After testing, the clinician will review results with you and answer questions, with the option to share reports with providers or support personnel.

Hypnosis FAQ


  • 1. How does hypnosis work?

    Hypnosis works on a person’s suggestibility once they reach a deeply relaxed “hypnotic state.” After induction into this state, suggestions are presented to the individual and repeated to increase their impact. 

  • 2. What’s a hypnotic state?

    A hypnotic state is similar to when someone “zones out” during everyday activities — you remain aware of your surroundings but enter a different, focused mental state that can be used for therapeutic benefit. 

  • 3. Is there evidence it works?

    Yes. Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in treating various clinical conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, habit control, sleep disorders, and more. 

  • 4. Are you going to make me quack like a duck?

    No — hypnosis works through suggestibility, and you must agree to the suggestion. Stage hypnosis often misrepresents hypnosis as mind control, which is not how therapeutic hypnosis works. 

  • 5. Will I lose control?

    No. You remain in control during hypnosis — you choose whether to follow suggestions presented during the session. 

  • 6. Can I get “stuck” in a hypnotic state?

    No. Hypnosis involves focused attention and control by the patient, so it’s not possible to get stuck in a hypnotic state. 

  • 7. I don’t know how to feel about hypnosis. Is it true what I’ve seen in movies or on TV?

    Hypnosis in media is often exaggerated or misunderstood; it is not mystical or magical. It has scientific underpinnings and practical therapeutic uses. 

  • 8. Can anyone be hypnotized?

    People vary in their ability to enter a hypnotic state. Hypnosis works best when the individual is willing to accept suggestions — if someone believes they cannot be hypnotized, that may be true for them. 

  • 9. Can hypnosis be harmful?

    The hypnosis process itself is not harmful, but an inexperienced or untrained hypnotist may use it in ways that are ineffective or inappropriate. It’s important to work with a trained professional. 

  • 10. How do you use hypnosis for mental health or pain?

    Hypnosis can help individuals manage anxiety, panic, and pain by using the mind to create positive sensations and emotional responses through suggestion and focused attention. 

  • 11. Can I learn self-hypnosis?

    Yes. Hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis — the clinician provides suggestions, but the individual accepts and uses them. Clients can learn to enter a hypnotic state and apply suggestions on their own.

Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you need more information about our services, our team is happy to assist you. Call 847-461-8414 or contact us today to speak with a member of Rosecrans & Associates.