FAQ's

In-person appointments in Yardley, PA

Do you accept insurance?

Milestone Counseling and Wellness is currently in the process of exploring several insurance companies. We will update this list as we add companies.

The following therapists are in network for:

  • Hilde McKernan – AETNA & Highmark BCBS
  • Lauren Wenclewicz – Highmark BCBS
  • Alexis Vasquez-Natale – AETNA & Highmark BCBS
  • Victoria “Tori” Vilk – AETNA & Highmark BCBS
  • Nick Caranci – Highmark BCBS

While we always encourage clients to practice direct communication with their insurance provider, we are here to help you understand your in network and out of network coverage for mental health services.

Please contact us at admin@milestonecw.com
if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What does in-network or out-of-network mean?

Out of network means your therapist is not directly covered by your insurance. When working with out-of-network benefits, the client pays for sessions upfront, is provided with what is called a “superbill” to submit to their insurance and is typically reimbursed by the insurance company after a deductible is met.

What are your session rates? How will I be billed?

MCW can send you a superbill which you will submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement rate will vary depending on your plan and your deductible. We are happy to help you navigate this process.  We will keep a credit card on file, and you will be billed at the end of each session. 

ALL INTAKE SESSIONS: $190.00 per session

  1. Hilde McKernan, LPC, Clinical Director – Intake Session $190. All sessions thereafter – $195.00 a session
  2. Lauren W, LPC – Intake Session $190. All sessions thereafter – $160.00 a session 
  3. Dr. Andrea, PsyD – Offers clinical testing and is out of pocket pay only. 
  4. Victoria “Tori” Vilk – Intake Session $190. All sessions thereafter – $160.00 
  5. Alexis Vasquez-Natale – Intake Session $190. All sessions thereafter – $160.00 a session
  6. Samantha Tomlinson, LPC – Intern – Intake & Session – $100
  7. Brenna Kelley, LPC Intern – Intake & Session – $100
  8. Nicholas “Nick” Caranci, LPC – Intake Session $190.  All sessions thereafter – $160 a session

How can therapy help me?

The therapy session is a time and space one sets aside to focus on self. To heal. And to build one’s self. For many, that alone is a move towards progress. From there, in a safe non-judgmental space, you can process, reflect, and heal from troubling past events. Therapy can help you dive in to self exploration to gain deeper self understanding, assurance, and affirmation and live more aligned with your values and truths. You can learn to set boundaries, build health in your relationships, and navigate challenging ones. Therapy can provide a space where you can practice asserting yourself with more confidence, develop coping strategies for challenging feelings and develop problem solving skills. 

What can I expect at my first session?

During the first session you will review the paperwork that will be sent to you before your first session. You will talk more about what brings you to therapy, your mental health and family history, your strengths and concerns, and what you would like to achieve in therapy. You will have the opportunity to ask your therapist questions you may have and assess if working together feels like a good fit so far.

How often should I schedule a therapy session?

Our goal is for you to get the most embodied benefit from therapy. A key element to successful therapy is consistency. For this reason, we strongly recommend a commitment to weekly session.

 What is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 24 hours notice for all canceled appointments. If we are notified with less than 24 hours notice or a no show happens you may be charged a full session fee. It is always best practice to let your therapist know as soon as possible.

Do you offer virtual therapy or in-person sessions?

Yes, we are trained, ready, and willing to provide you with a traditional talk therapy experience. We offer both in person and telehealth sessions. Some clients may find therapy more easily accessible by telehealth. Other clients, especially children may find it more beneficial to meet with their therapist in person. We use a variety of traditional theoretical perspectives and techniques. We can use these traditional approaches on their own when this meets the child’s needs and desired for therapy. We are also equipped to use design tailored, client specific interventions using traditional talk therapy.

What is a sliding scale, and do you offer one?

A sliding scale is a fee structure that allows some flexibility for private paying clients. It can be helpful for those who choose not to use insurance or for those who do not have health insurance. To uphold ethical standards and to strive towards social equity we offer a sliding scale that is income and dependent based. For more information on our sliding scale please contact us.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Please contact us at admin@milestonecw.com
if you cannot find an answer to your question.

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