Frequently Asked Questions

What counseling services does BCA provide?

The counseling services provided through BCA include Individual, Couples, Family, and Child 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 to provide some information about the presenting problem so that the most appropriate counselor can be selected to help you and/or your family.

Some counselors at BCA offer telehealth therapy as well.

 

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.

What are BCA's office hours?

The BCA main 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

Please note that each therapist has their own regularly scheduled office hours.

Can I schedule to see the psychiatric nurse if I receive therapy from somewhere outside of BCA?

Yes!  BCA’s psychiatric nurse can treat people who receive therapy outside of BCA as long as:

  • You are 16 years of age or older
  • You have an already established therapist that you’ve met with at least three times
  • You sign consent forms allowing your therapist to exchange certain treatment information with our nurse
  • You agree to abide by BCA’s scheduling and missed appointment fee guidelines

 

How long does a therapy session last?

A typical counseling session is 53-55 minutes long. However, under certain circumstances, you might only require a 30 or 45 minute session .

 

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 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 and staff. Therefore, in times of inclement weather BCA may decide to close the office or your therapist may decide to offer telehealth therapy instead.  In either circumstance, our office will contact you with your options to either reschedule your office appointment or log onto our portal for a telehealth session instead.  If there is a question about whether or not the office is closed, please call our office number (610) 865-8177 for information about the status of operation at BCA.  

 

Does BCA offer telehealth services?

Yes!  Some clinicians at BCA offer telehealth counseling.  If you are a new client who prefers telehealth as an option, be sure to include that information at the time of referral.  If you are an existing client at BCA, simply ask your therapist if they provide telehealth services.

 

What insurances does BCA accept?

BCA accepts most private insurances, including but not limited to: Highmark, Capital, Aetna, Medicare, Optum, TriCare. 

Unfortunately, BCA does not accept Medicaid or CHIP plans. 

 

"Brandy, the office administrator, initially took my information as I joined this practice; she adeptly matched me to the therapist who perfectly met my needs. I strongly recommend this practice."

"Staff is always friendly and kind. I like the new location too."

Laura, Google Reviewer

"Been coming to BCA on and off over the years and everything has always gone smoothly on the office end as well."

Stephen, Google Reviewer

Contact Us

For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital

(610) 865-8177

(610) 865-2764

2005 City Line Rd | Suite 300 | Bethlehem, PA 18017

info@bcamentalhealth.com

Office Hours

Mon. 8am-8pm

Tues. 8am -8pm

Wed. 8am-8pm

Thur. 8am-8pm

Fri. 8am-3:30pm