In response to your peers, provide feedback on the responses to the above questions. Please also identify additional questions that a client may have based on your peer’s responses.  

#1.  Assuming I was employed at my local human services agency as a intake interviewer. The questions I would ask my client would be the following. 

How often will I come to see you?

• If my client ask me this question I would tell my client we could meet three times a week. I would choose to only meet up about three times a week because as sessions with me increased, I will be building a bond with this client and making more availability to address current issues with this client.

Can I reach you after the center closes?

• If a client asks me how can I be contacted, I will make them aware that I am not comfortable giving out my personal number as of yet in the beginning of us meeting. I would rather see them in office or have them leave me a voicemail and  I will get back to them as soon as I get back into the office that way boundaries take place. I would make the client aware that if they were in danger and needed immediate help to contact 911 or if I have a higher up agency that answers on-call 24/7, i’ll have the client talk to them.

What happens if I forget an appointment?

• I would make a patient aware that as long as they touch base with me on a reason why they forgot their appointment then we will be able to reschedule the appointment that we had. If I noticed that it becomes a routine and they missed three appointments in a row, then they could potentially be discharged from intake.

Is what I tell you confidential?

• I would make the patient aware that as far as being a intake interviewer it was OK for me to keep confidentially with my client. I would just make my client aware that if they inform me that they are going to hurt theirself or others then that’s when I would have to break confidentiality. Also to ensure confidentiality while I’m doing my intake, I can also provide paperwork that protects them and shows their HIPAA rights. 

What if I have an emergency?

• If it was an emergency and they are unable to wait to speak to me the next business day, then I would definitely recommend that they reach out to a 24hrs help service, leave me a voice mail, and if need be we the police. To ensure safety! 

How will I know when our work is finished?

• I would inform my client that our work would be finished after a certain amount of months and provide a date. Then go over goals that need to be met, the goals that we set for the client to accomplish by a certain date. Now say that doesn’t work out and and the client did not meet their goals, then we would have to re-evaluate the client’s goal, find out what stopped the client from achievement , then make new goals on now this client would be successful, and go over date when we will check in to see how the client is progressing 

What will I be charged for services?

• I would say that if you had to set up this client with Health services then depending on insurance eligibility. If the client is approved, but has a co-pay, or not approved at all. The client would have to cover costs of bill. 

Will my insurance company reimburse me?

• As far as insurance, rather if you apply through the company or if you have your own insurance, I’m not 100% sure if you will be reimbursed. This is some thing that would have to be looked into.

#2.   How often will I come to see you?
– Response: The frequency of our visits will depend on your individual needs and the goals set during our initial assessment, 
– Justification: Each client’s situation is unique, and it is important to tailor the frequency of sessions to their specific needs and preferences. If you feel a client would be best served due to their acuity with more frequent visits, it would be inportant to check to see what the agency has agreed upon with their insurance plan. If they are only given one hour, it may be possible to split the time up and use two different days for a half hour if the cliebt thinks that owuld be beneficial to them. 

Can I reach you after the center closes?
– Response: Our agency offers an emergency hotline that you can contact after hours for immediate support. You can also leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible during regular business hours. However, if it is an emergency, please call 911 and go to the nearest hospital.
– Justification:  Clients need to feel supported  outside of regular working hours and to have access to assistance in case of emergencies.

What happens if I forget an appointment?
– Response: If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible. Missed appointments without prior notice may result in a fee.
– Justification: Establishing clear expectations around attendance helps maintain consistency in the therapeutic process and ensures respect for both the client’s time and the therapist’s time.

Is what I tell you confidential?
– Response: Generally, what you share with me during our sessions is confidential unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if you abuse a child adolescent, or elder. Your records that may be requested by another agency or facilikty or courts, you will be requested to sign a release of information agreeing to wht specifc information you will allow to be disclosed. Howe er, we work as a multidisciplinary team at t his agency so anyone that is inolved in your treatment will have access to information if it will help them serve you more effectively. 
– Justification: Building trust through confidentiality is essential for open communication and effective therapy. Clarifying the boundaries of confidentiality maintains transparency and ensures the client’s understanding.

What if I have an emergency?
– Response: In case of an emergency, please contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. You can also reach out to our emergency hotline for immediate support outside of regular hours.
– Justification: It’s crucial to provide clients with clear instructions on how to handle emergencies and where to seek help when facing a crisis situation.

How will I know when our work is finished?
– Response: We will work togetgher to develop a treatment plan which you identify goals you want to work on. We will discuss steps on how to work towards these goals and the interventions that will be used. We will review your progress together, and we will collaboratively decide when you have achieved your goals and when it might be appropriate to end our sessions. You can also express your thoughts on this matter at any time. All treatment plans will be signed off by youy to ensure that they represent your goals for treatment. 
– Justification: Setting clear goals and periodically evaluating progress helps ensure that therapy remains focused and effective. Involving the client in the decision-making process empowers them and promotes a sense of agency in their own treatment.

 What will I be charged for services?
– Response: Our agency charges a fee for services, and the amount may vary depending on the type of service and your financial situation. Our business office is currently verifying your insurance benefits. We will provide you information om your deductible, how much of the deductible has been met already,  and what your co-insurance is. I can give you the contact persons number in the business office if you have any questions, The business office can discuss payment options and financial assistance if you are unable to afford the treatment. 
– Justification: Being transparent about fees and discussing payment options upfront helps clients understand the financial aspects of therapy and ensures that they can make informed decisions about their care.

Will my insurance company reimburse me?
– Response: Many insurance companies cover mental health services, but coverage varies among providers and plans. Our business office will find out the initial insurance benefits. Our utilization review department  will obtainb authorization from your insurance company  to precertifiy you to start our program. They will then inform me how many days were approved and I will inform you.  After  we have your initial authorization, we will complete concurrent reviews to obtain further time if needed.  I will inform you each time an insurance review and concourrent review are completed  by the utilization review department and let you know if additional sessions have been granted (Giardino, 2023).
– Justification: Guiding clients through the complexities of insurance coverage helps them make the most of their benefits and reduces potential financial barriers to accessing mental health services.