Frequently Asked Questions

What counseling services does BCA provide?

The counseling services provided through BCA include Individual, Couples, Family, Child, and Vocational Counseling.  Sometimes, more than one mode of counseling may be utilized during the counseling process.  For example, couples counseling may also involve several individual sessions with each partner, or family sessions may be recommended during the counseling process with a child or adolescent.  Your counselor will discuss each step of the process with you.

It is helpful at the time of the phone intake with the BCA office staff to provide some information about the presenting problem so that the most appropriate counselor can be selected to help you and/or your family.  

What if I want to obtain counseling for my child?

Consent for treatment of children is a complicated issue in Pennsylvania. For those parents not presently in marital separation or divorce either parent or a child aged 14 or older may grant consent for treatment.  In cases of marital separation or divorce, BCA requests the consent of both parents whenever possible. The consent of both parents is required when there is a court order of joint legal custody and the child is 13 or younger.

How long does a therapy session last?

A typical counseling session is 53-55 minutes long.  However, there are some insurances that only cover a 45 minute session. 

What are BCA's office hours?

The BCA office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.  During these hours, our administrative staff can answer your questions related to:

  • Billings
  • Payments
  • Insurance reimbursement
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Directions to the BCA office

Each Clinician has their own regularly scheduled office hours.

What are the fees & payments?

Please keep the following in mind regarding payment:

  • BCA’s financial policy includes the belief that the commitment to your treatment will be improved by understanding fee requirements prior to the first session.
  • Please note, the use of direct insurance reimbursement for payment must be verified by the administrative staff prior to the first appointment.
  • BCA expects payment in full or payment of the co-pay at the start of each session.
  • Checks are made payable to Bethlehem Counseling Associates. BCA accepts credit card payments of VISA, MasterCard, Discover & American Express. 
  • Any NSF (non-sufficient funds) checks will be assessed a $30 processing fee.
  • Each Clinician at BCA reserves the right to charge a missed appointment fee of $100 for any appointments canceled with less than 24-hours notice.
  • A fee is assessed whenever there is a request for processing forms, preparing reports, or copying office materials or records.
  • Special arrangements for sharing payments between parents involved in a marital separation or divorce may be worked out between the parents, however BCA requires that the parent who brings the child to the session is responsible for the payment in full or the co-pay at the time of the session.  Any missed appointment fees will be charged to the parent holding the insurance, or the parent who made the initial referral.
  • Clients or their responsible parties have the ultimate responsibility for payment if there is a problem with insurance reimbursement or if incorrect information is provided during the insurance verification process.

How do I schedule appointments?

After your initial session at BCA, it is suggested that you schedule your next few sessions in advance to avoid scheduling difficulties.  Evening hours as well as the early morning hours are the most in demand by clients.  Appointments are scheduled with the administrative staff at the front desk.  You may also schedule an appointment during normal business hours by calling (610)-865-8177.

What is the cancellation policy?

A scheduled appointment involves the reservation of a time specifically for you, so when clients cancel on short notice, he or she prevents another patient from being seen.  BCA expects that you call us by 2:00 pm on the day prior to your scheduled appointment to notify us of any changes or cancellations.  To cancel a Monday appointment, please call our office by 2:00 pm on the prior Friday, as our office is not staffed on the weekends.  If prior notification is not given, BCA reserves the right to charge $100 for the missed appointment.  Missed appointment fees must be paid in full before scheduling future appointments.  Additionally, any future appointments already scheduled may be removed until missed appointment fees are paid in full.  The missed appointment fee is meant to serve as a deterrent from not showing up to scheduled appointments, or cancelling last minute.

What if I have a change of address, phone number, or insurance information?

Any change in address, phone number, or insurance should be reported to the BCA administrative staff as soon as possible.

Does BCA take emergency phone calls?

A BCA professional is on call for emergency coverage during business hours. On weekends and holidays, BCA advises you to go to your nearest emergency room, or call crisis intervention for your county.

For general questions and non-emergency issues regarding appointments or fees, please use the voice mail system.  Leave your name and number and one of our office staff will return your call as soon as possible.

Does the BCA office close for bad weather?

BCA strongly believes in protecting the welfare of our clients. Therefore, in times of bad weather or other special circumstances, BCA may decide to close the office.  If there is a question about whether or not the office is closed, please call the general office number (610) 865-8177 and the voice mail system will inform you of the status of operation at BCA.