Appointment Information

Making an Appointment

What to Expect At the First Session

Every client and therapist is different, so there is no one-way to conduct the first session. However, there are a few things that you can expect. Therapists are required to abide by the ethical standards of their profession, which include rules of confidentiality. As a client, you will be asked to read, consider, and sign the required "Informed Consent" form that will allow you to enter into a counseling relationship. You and your therapist will discuss the "Informed Consent," which describes the meaning of confidentiality and limits to confidentiality.

You can also expect to discuss the client's and therapist's rights and responsibilities, as well as emergency procedures, payment information and confirmation of counseling session day/time.

In the first few sessions, the therapist will try to learn more about you and gain a sense of your concerns and situation. Please remember that the process of learning is ongoing, however, you can expect that the therapist will ask questions about your presenting concerns and relevant social, personal and health history.

You are encourage to be an open participant in the information gathering processing so that your therapist can do his/her best to help you. Please feel free to ask your therapist any questions and express any concerns you may have.

Canceling an Appointment

The need for regular, planned appointments is very important and should be discussed with your therapist. Individual counseling sessions are usually weekly and last 50 minutes. If you cannot keep your appointment, please leave a message for your therapist at least 24 hours in advance, if possible, so that another appointment can be scheduled. If you miss an appointment, or do not cancel 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full fee. If you are late for your appointment, please know that your session will still end at the planned, scheduled time, and there will be no adjustment in fee.

In the case of inclement weather, you or your therapist may not be able to get into the center for the appointment. Please discuss the "weather policy" with your therapist.

Contacting Your Therapist

To contact your ACCI therapist, please call 301-251-8965, and press #____ after the voice mail message. Your therapist will give you their voicemail box number when you set up the initial appointment.

If you are a current ACCI client, and feel that you are in an emergency situation, you may use the beeper system for the on-call therapist. For the beeper number, please call 301-251-8965. Or you may contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.

Fees

ACCI accepts many different types of insurance and has a competitive sliding scale for those who choose to self-pay. An ACCI Intake Coordinator generally sets the initial fee for service for the client to see a therapist. During the course of therapy, the client's financial situation could improve or worsen. In discussion with the client and clinic supervisor, the fee could be adjusted.

Payment is expected at the time of service. Generally, it is the therapist who receives the payment and issues a receipt if requested. Please make checks payable to ACCI. The office manager will process and submit checks and other payment at the end of each month. You will be notified if a check bounces; this situation should be discussed with your therapist. If services are covered by your insurance-carrier, ACCI will file a monthly claim on your behalf.

An important part of ACCI's commitment to the community is, when possible, clients not be refused treatment because of limited financial resources. Potential clients should talk with an Intake Coordinator to determine what is fair and possible. Short-term therapy is also available, along with a range of therapeutic modalities based on the client's needs.

Parking and Building Access

Some parking is available to clients in the ACCI building parking lot. Please check with your therapist for the appropriate parking space number, the code to leave the parking lot, and front building door code (needed after 9 pm, weekends, and some holidays).

Your car may be towed if not parked in an ACCI designated space. As parking can become difficult in the ACCI lot in the late afternoon, please look for alternative, street parking on West Middle Lance, North Adams Street and North Washington Street. After 5:30 p.m., the parking lot is open.