FAQ

Do you accept my insurance and what is my copay?

Here at AMW we accept Highmark, Cigna, UPMC, Aetna, United Behavioral Health, GEHA, as well as some specific plans under these larger umbrella agencies including UPMC Life Solutions, Optum, Meritain, etc. AMW does not accept any state-funded insurance such as Medicaid or UPMC for You. AMW accepts self-paying clients, and while our rates are set we are willing to create payment plans with clients under very specific circumstances. AMW requires that clients contact their insurance company to determine coverage for mental health services including copay information, deductible amounts if applicable, and session limits/coverage if applicable. Clients can find the phone number for these inquiries on the back of their insurance cards. ALL PAYMENTS ARE DUE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE

How frequently do I need to attend therapy?

Frequency can range from several times weekly to once monthly. This will be determined by you and your therapist, and could change throughout the course of treatment. Typically, the first 3-6 sessions are scheduled with weekly frequency to build rapport between therapist and client, and then frequency may change to biweekly or some other frequency which varies case by case.

Do I need to do anything before my first appointment?

Once you have been scheduled, you will receive an email with a link to create a portal account through our EMR system, Simple Practice. This is a secure, HIPAA-compliant site used for creating, storing and maintaining your medical records. Additionally, this site is used for billing to third parties and accepting payments for sessions. Clients can log into their secure portal account to complete intake paperwork prior to their first session, and to edit any information including demographic information, insurance information, and payment information throughout the course of treatment.

What is your cancellation policy?

AMW asks that if clients are unable to make a scheduled appointment that they let their therapist know via secure message, phone, or email 24 hours (or more) prior to the scheduled appointment time. If a client informs their therapist they will not be able to make their appointment within a 24-hour window, a cancellation fee will be applied. A no-show fee is also applied for clients who do not show to a scheduled session. We understand “life happens” and there will be times when the no-show/late cancel fee is waived, such as reasons related to inclement weather. This is a very important policy as it maintains a professional relationship between therapist and client.

What forms of payment do you accept?

AMW accepts cash, check, credit card, and most FSA/HSA plans. All payments are due at time of session.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

AMW offers a sliding scale fee, but it varies depending on treating therapist. Inquire for details.

What can parents expect if their adolescent is participating in therapy?

AMW respects the law which states that any adolescent 14 years of age or older is able to consent for their own mental health treatment. This means that if an adolescent 14 years of age or older does not want a parent/caregiver in their session or involved in their treatment, they are able to make this choice and it is the law that the choice be respected by the therapist. Cases of duty to warn and imminent risk are discussed with the adolescent, and parents are informed of information when it is required by law to do so. Please see the link for any additional information regarding this law: Age of Consent Law - PA.