Lighthouse Integrative Counseling Services, LMFT, LCSW, PLLC
650 Hallock Avenue
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
631-403-3318
Frequently Asked Questions:
What insurance are you in-network with?
1199 SEIU
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Healthfirst
Northwell Direct
United Healthcare
UHC Oxford
UMR
Even though we are not on most insurance panels, if you have out-of-network benefits within your insurance plan, your insurance company may cover between 50-80% of the cost. We can help you find out the information you need and will submit the claims to your insurance company monthly for reimbursement. We believe people should be able to choose the therapist they want, even if they are not in the insurance network. We can offer a sliding scale fee in order to make treatment affordable for those with no insurance coverage.
Is Telehealth (Online Video Sessions) covered by Insurance?
Just about every insurance company is covering the cost of Telehealth Sessions due to the Covid-19 crisis. You can go online, call, or have us check for you.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy can take months or years for goals to be reached depending on the issues at hand. However, clients usually can tell if they are benefiting from treatment after only a few sessions. Play Therapy typically can resolve issues between 25-45 sessions.
Do you see my child alone for play therapy? If so, how am I as the parent involved in the treatment process?
Most of the time the child is seen alone for play therapy sessions but not until the second session when the child feels comfortable with the therapist. All children are different and have different levels of comfort with the play therapy process. It also depends greatly on the age of the client and the issues that brought them to treatment. Very young children (three and under) are usually seen with a parent. Parents are included in the treatment process by phone consultations, five minute check-ins either before or after the session, and/or during parent sessions without the child present.
How long is a Play Therapy session?
A play therapy session is usually 40 minutes long for children seven years old and up. Sessions for younger children are typically 30-35 minutes.
Are therapy sessions confidential for children and adolescents?
While the law states that confidentiality only applies to those 18 years and over, I ask that parents respect the privacy of the therapeutic relationship in order for treatment to be effective. It is agreed upon during the first session that goals, themes, and general progress can be discussed between parents and therapist and that if any issues of safety become a concern, confidentiality is no longer a priority. That is, if the client expresses any thoughts/plan to hurt themselves or others, safety takes priority over confidentiality and parents are immediately brought into the session to discuss a safety plan.
What if my spouse/child won't agree to come for therapy?
Often times all of those involved my not be on board for therapy. This is understandable. We encourage new clients to come for one session then decide if they want to continue. If a spouse or partner is not willing to come for couples counseling, it is possible for the other person to work on coping with the current situation in individual therapy. We also provide a free, 15 minute consultation for potential clients to meet the therapist, see the office, and get a better feel for how the therapist works. Especially when it comes to finding a therapist for your child, we think it is wise for parents to "shop around" for a well-trained therapist that is a good fit for your child.