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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Commonwealth Affiliated Services, Inc.
Mental Health Services
Harrisburg, PA (717) 540-5353

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are you office hours?
Office staff is available from 9 am to 5pm Monday through Friday to answer calls and schedule appointments. Other office hours vary from provider to provider. Check with staff to determine an individual therapist’s or physician’s hours.

Evening appointments are also available.

What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on the provider of the service and whether insurance or private payment is utilized. Most providers take at least some insurances.

Feel free to call and ask about a specific insurance as it relates to a particular provider.

Will I have a copay?
If insurance is used, typically the patient is responsible for a copay or a deductible. Call your insurance provider for specific details about your mental health coverage. The telephone number is provided on the back of your insurance card.

Is my mental health coverage provided by the same insurance carrier as my medical coverage?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some insurance plans have what is known as a “carve out” for mental health coverage. Again, check the telephone number on the back of your card.

What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, debit cards, and Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Payment is expected at the time of the service.

What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that we all have busy lives, but because your time has been reserved specifically for you and we cannot schedule another person during that time, you are financially responsible for your appointment time and will be charged the fee. We require 24 hours advance notice of cancellation.

Will my insurance cover a missed appointment?
Keep in mind that insurance companies do not cover late cancellations and no-shows for appointments, so the fee for a missed appointment will be fully your responsibility.

Do you make reminder phone calls for appointments?
Reminder phone calls are not made because of our concerns about confidentiality.   Leaving messages on voicemail can breach confidentiality if the message is heard by someone other than the intended recipient.

Are my sessions confidential?
Any information obtained is held in the strictest confidence. We comply with all HIPAA restrictions with regard to disclosing information. You can trust your information with us. Please discuss any concerns with your provider.

What if I have an emergency during non-office hours?
We have a 24 hour on call service for emergency situations. A clinician or a psychiatrist can be reached by calling the office and giving information to the answering service.

What if my issue isn’t really a big one?
Any problem, large or small, is welcome. Our therapists are trained in both short and long term therapy and can structure a treatment plan to deal with many issues. No problem is “too small” or “not important enough” to not deserve resolution. If it is troubling you, it deserves your attention and ours.

What if I have other questions?
Our office staff will be happy to discuss any additional questions that you may have. If they are unable to answer your questions, one of our providers will be consulted in order to obtain the answer. We are here to serve you.

Are you handicapped accessible?
Yes. There is a ramp provided for wheel chairs.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Please call the office staff at 717.540.5353 and they will be happy to assist you with scheduling.

How long must I wait for an appointment?
Depending on which type of service you are requesting, the waiting time for an appointment can be as short as one day or up to several weeks. We do our best to accommodate all situations in a timely manner.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist has a medical degree with a specialty in the area of Psychiatry. They prescribe medications for treatment of a variety of mental health issues. A psychologist has a PhD, PsyD, or MS and is trained in the areas of psychological assessment, testing and treatment. They are trained in doing individual, couples and family therapy using a variety of treatment techniques.  Psychologists in Pennsylvania cannot prescribe medications.