Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who do I contact with questions regarding my bill?
2. Will I be charged for a missed appointment?
3. Do I need to be present during my child’s appointments?
4. What is the cost of an assessment?
5. Should my child take their stimulant medication as prescribed on the day of the assessment?
6. Will the psychologists at Huffman Psychology prescribe medication for my child?
7. How long will I be in psychotherapy?
8. How often will I be seen for psychotherapy?
1. Who do I contact with questions regarding my bill?
All questions regarding billing should be directed to staff at Huffman Psychology at info@hpsych.com or by calling 517-337-9554. Assistance with contacting your insurance company to determine your benefits can be provided upon request. All payments should be mailed directly to Huffman Psychology.
2. Will I be charged for a missed appointment?
Yes. Appointments not canceled 48 hours in advance of the scheduled visit are subject to a cancellation fee depending on the type of service. Further information regarding the cancellation policy can be obtained from staff at Huffman Psychology at info@hpsych.com or by calling 517-337-9554.
3. Do I need to be present during my child’s appointments?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian of a minor must remain on site throughout the assessment. A waiting room with free wireless internet access is available for use.
4. What is the cost of an assessment?
Assessments are billed by the hour and the amount varies depending on the complexity of the case. An estimate of the cost can be obtained by contacting Huffman Psychology directly.
5. Should my child take their stimulant medication as prescribed on the day of the assessment?
The question of whether or not to medicate your child on the day of the assessment depends on the question you are trying to address with the assessment. For example, if the question is whether or not your child meets clinical criteria for a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is best to have your child tested while off stimulant medication to obtain a baseline of functioning. However, if the diagnosis of ADHD is well established, you might opt to have your child take their prescribed medication as usual to better understand any additional problems that may be occurring despite use of medication management or determine whether medication is effective in eliminating problems with attention. If needed, the assessment could be scheduled on two different occasions to obtain data while both on and off stimulant medication. This question should always be addressed directly with your psychologist at the time of the intake interview.
6. Will the psychologists at Huffman Psychology prescribe medication for my child?
No. Psychologists do not earn a medical degree or have prescribing privileges in the State of Michigan. Psychologists at Huffman Psychology are in favor of implementing behavioral management strategies prior to consideration of medication management of symptoms. If behavioral strategies have been exhausted, your psychologist may recommend discussing medication options with the primary care physician. Your psychologist can provide consultation directly with the primary care physician regarding the severity of symptoms to determine whether medication management is indicated. Strengths and weaknesses of using medications as a treatment alternative can be discussed.
7. How long will I be in psychotherapy?
Psychologists at Huffman Psychology are of the philosophy that for many patients, short-term and problem-focused psychotherapy can be effective. For some patients, long-term supportive therapy is indicated. The amount of time that any one person spends in therapy may vary depending on symptoms, initial severity, rate of progress, motivation, consistency of appointments, set-backs, and stressors. After the initial appointment, your psychologist will discuss treatment length for you in more detail. Throughout therapy, your psychologist pays careful attention to your progress and will regularly monitor and work towards target treatment goals and completion dates.
8. How often will I be seen for psychotherapy?
Most adults are seen in therapy once weekly or sometimes, every other week. This schedule varies based on your symptom severity level and schedule and is likely to change over time. Your psychologist will work with you to create a schedule that best fits both your clinical and scheduling needs.