Getting Started

Treatment begins by calling or emailing us. The office manager will gather information, answering any questions, review policies and procedures and try to schedule your first intake appointment. It is the office manager’s job to gather as much information as possible to assess if we are the best fit to help.
 
Once the intake has been set, the office manager will confirm the dates, times, and directions to the office over email and send you our intake packet to complete and bring to your first appointment. We also provide telephone confirmations for upcoming appointments.
 
While we try to start treatment as fast as possible, the intake process is very helpful as it assists in identify risk factors, core issues, and maintenance characteristics of the presenting problem(s). When treating minors under the age of 12, we traditionally ask to meet with the parents or legal guardians of the identified child or adolescent client at the first appointment.  We are open to other first appointment arrangements in order to best accommodate each client.  If there are any prior evaluations or related documents, please bring them to the intake appointment.
 
Once the problem(s) have been clearly identified from the intakes, we will outline our recommendations and begin treatment. When working with minors, we will almost always ask to meet with the patient’s parents on a regular basis to provide updates and coordinate treatment. Depending on the severity, intensity, and duration of the presenting problem(s), sessions start off either weekly or twice-weekly.  If appropriate, Dr. Novak can provide excellent referrals for identified issues that would require incorporating others professionals as part of a comprehensive treatment.

BILLING, PAYMENT & INSURANCE

Fees for different services vary as they are tailored to meet your individual needs. Please contact the office for specific information about the fees for individual or family therapy, assessments, and other services.
 
For your convenience, we accept a variety of payment methods including check, cash, and credit card.  Payment is due in full at the time of session.  You may be able to use a health savings, flex spending, or other similar types of accounts to cover the cost of treatment.
Dr. Novak is in-network with several Traditional and PPO insurance plans, including BCBS, Aetna, Cofinity, Priority Health, and Cigna.  However, there are also several that he does not participate with and may be considered out-of-network with insurance. 

As a courtesy, if you are choosing to use your health insurance, we try our best to determine your health insurance coverage prior to your first appointment.  Once coverage has been verified with your insurance carrier, we will provide you with the coverage information communicated to us by them.  We cannot guarantee the quote of benefits given to us by your health insurance carrier.  We request that you also contact their health insurance company to determine your coverage, as ultimately, you are responsible for fees for services.

CANCELLATION POLICY

When initiating treatment, we are reserving a special time for each client.  Except for emergencies, we request 24 hours advanced notice to cancel or reschedule sessions or the responsible party will be charged a no show/cancellation fee. If you or your child cannot attend due to sickness, then we ask for at least a few hours notice if possible.

CONFIDENTIALITY

If there is a need to discuss patient information with outside professionals, we will request written consent from the patient or his/her legal guardians. We will only break confidentiality in instances when the patient is a danger to themselves or others or when there is suspicion that the patient is being abused.

EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency, patients should call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room. Patients should not call the office regarding an emergency as we do not provide 24 hour patient coverage.