Frequently asked questions
Appointments and Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment with you?
When you first get to this website, a screen should pop up asking how we can help you. If you closed out that screen and need to bring it up again, it's the two chat bubbles at the bottom right of your screen. This will give you a chance to put in what you're looking for help with and whether you're paying with insurance/private pay and will even verify your benefits* for you. Then you'll be able to schedule your first appointment.
Can I see you in person?
No. I no longer have a physical location, I do telehealth exclusively. It's normal for clients to feel a bit hesitant about it, but most of my clients have enjoyed it. I encourage you to give it a try.
How do I refer someone to you?
First, thanks for your interest in sending someone my way! That's the highest endorsement you could possibly give me.
What are your days/hours of availability?
Monday and Wednesday, starting at noon, ending at 8 (last client at 7). One-hour break at 4.
Payment
What insurances do you accept?
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
What if I want to see you but you don't accept my insurance?
Let me know your situation and I can work with you, including a possible reduced cash-pay rate and sending you a list of other providers who may take the insurance you have.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit/debit cards; cash; personal check (if I've seen you more than three times); HSA; and of course insurance if I accept insurance from your provider.
How do you do billing?
If you pay cash, your default card will swipe automatically at midnight the day of every session for whatever you owe.
Will you be accepting [insert your preferred] insurance company?
No way of telling. My billers are constantly setting me up with new insurance companies to work with, but there's no way to know what will come through when. I don't recommend you waiting to get help until I accept your insurance.
What if I have a question about my bill?
Text me on Spruce and ask me to send you the phone number for my biller, and they'll handle it for you.
Treatment
What is your specialty?
Couples counseling. 81% of working therapists say they work with couples, but only 11% have sought specialized training in couple counseling.
Can I see you for couple counseling without my partner?
Yes. Sometimes you'd be surprised how effective couple counseling can be done when only one partner is even interested.
Do you work with clinical issues like anxiety and depression?
Yep. Fill out an inquiry form and let me know what you're seeking help with, and I'll let you know if I might be the right person for you.
Do you work substance abuse issues?
Not really. Bring up the widget on this site (bottom right corner, the double chat bubbles) to input the issues you're seeking help with and it'll let you know if I can help you, or if I'll be sending you a list of referrals.
Do you work with multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder)?
No.
Do you work with children?
I will sometimes work with teenagers age 15 and up. It depends on the nature of the issues. I do not work with children under 15.
Do you work with psychosis?
Not generally, though sometimes depression and bipolar can lapse into psychosis.
Will you be my therapist from now on?
Therapy is not meant to be a lifelong thing. For most people a time will come when you meet your treatment goals and it's time for us to wrap up. I will discuss this with you as we go.
Portal Issues
Schedule appointment -- New Client
1. Click Book Now at top right of any page on my website
Schedule appointment -- Existing Client
If you are already one of my clients (this means you have scheduled at least one appointment on my portal before), but don't remember how to schedule another appointment...
I didn't get the link to fill out my paperwork
1. Go to https://davidflowers.clientsecure.me
Onboarding Issues
I didn't get the link to fill out my paperwork
1. Click Book Now at top right of any page on my website
What does the onboarding process involve?
Onboarding (getting "registered" with me for an initial appointment) involves three steps:
Do I have to have a Spruce account to see you for therapy?
Yep. It's how I communicate with my clients. If you don't want to use Spruce, contact me and let me know you need me to send you my list of referrals. Even if you won't be seeing me as a counselor, I will still help you find someone.
I'm not a very techy person. What if I can't get through the onboarding process?
I understand technology isn't for everybody! But it is how I do business. All clients must do all onboarding steps as directed here. If you make an appointment but are struggling to get through the process, please let me know and I will be glad to either help you with it, or get you a list of referrals. Every office will require different things to get you set up for your first appointment.
Insurance
Will you be accepting [insert your preferred] insurance company?
No way of telling. My billers are constantly setting me up with new insurance companies to work with, but there's no way to know what will come through when. I don't recommend you waiting to get help until I accept your insurance.
What do I do after I have verified my insurance benefits?
Snap a picture of the completed form, then send it to me in Spruce by clicking on the + sign below the text message field.
What insurances do you accept?
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Will you verify my insurance benefits?
No.
Social Media
Can I be your friend on Facebook?
No. I do not have clients as friends and contacts on my social media accounts. I have a Facebook page for my counseling practice and invite you to join me there, at https://facebook.com/davidflowerspsychotherapy.
Can I comment on your posts on your Facebook practice page?
Anyone who follows the page can comment. I may or may not respond to your comment.
Can I use text/email/Spruce to contact you anytime?
Though I am available in all these ways, the vast majority of what happens between us should happen in session. If you have scheduling, billing, onboarding, or other questions, I want you to feel free to contact me. If you are in crisis, you can try to reach me, but I may or may not be available.
Telehealth
How does telehealth work?
You download and install an app on your mobile device called Spruce Care. I use this HIPAA-compliant app to message with you securely, and it's also the app we use for our telehealth sessions.
I'm worried about using technology for telehealth
No problem! A few days before your first appointment, shoot me a message on Spruce and let me know you're nervous, and I'll give you a quick call to make sure everything is set. If there's a problem, I'll walk you through it.
What will I need for our telehealth sessions?
1. A device to connect with -- PCs and Macs work, but not as smoothly as the Spruce app running on a mobile device like a phone or tablet.
Since you do telehealth, can I smoke or drink while we're meeting?
Cigarettes are fine. Other than smoking, I ask that you treat our online sessions basically the same way you would treat a session in person, and refrain from smoking pot, drinking, and using illicit drugs.
Why just telehealth?
My switch to telehealth was prompted by COVID-19. After doing telehealth for nearly 14 weeks, I realized most of my clients enjoyed it, and that I enjoyed it as well! Offering telehealth exclusively has the following benefits, and more:
How long are sessions?
All sessions start at the top of the hour and are 50 minutes long. At quarter to the hour, I will let you know we have five minutes to wrap up.
Miscellaneous
Can you come speak to my group?
There's probably nothing I'd love more. Send me an inquiry form and let me know the topic you're thinking about and the rough time frame. I'll get back to you to discuss details.
Supervision
Can you supervise my post-grad hours?
I can! Please send me an inquiry form, with the following information:
When and where does your supervision group meet?
During coronavirus, we meet on Zoom the second Sunday of every month at 1 pm.