Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees?
Because fees vary by associate and by the type of therapy offered, it is best to please contact us for the current fee schedule. We have a small increase in fees annually.
Do you take insurance?
We will provide you with a “superbill” to submit to your PPO insurance for reimbursement at out-of-network provider rates. Our billing manager is diligent in helping you receive the maximum reimbursement possible but we recommend contacting your insurance company to fully understand your benefits, deductible, and exact reimbursement rates for the codes we utilize.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, ACH (eCheck), and all major credit cards. We require that each client have a payment authorization on file with us for automatic payment. Payment is simple at Compass Clinic because we do it automatically rather than requiring you to respond to a weekly or monthly invoice.
Are you vendored with the Regional Center?
Yes, we are a Regional Center vendor under our former name “Rich & Associates”. If your child is a Regional Center client, then the Regional Center will provide reimbursement for some services. We also accept Self-Determination Plan funds (SDP) and are already established with several funding agencies. We are happy to consult with you if you currently have traditional Regional Center funding and would like to explore SDP. It is important to note that not all Regional Center clients are appropriate for our services. Please contact us for to discuss your child and the services we might recommend.
How is your approach unique?
While our basic approach adheres to the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we follow a family-centered model in all of our services. Even in the social skills groups and individual sessions, parents are involved in or are a part of the intervention. Our philosophy is that change is maximized with parent participation. It is important for parents to know how to encourage skill-building outside of the child’s time with us. We are also well-versed in cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies to ensure your family is equipped with tools necessary for the change you desire.
What kinds of children are a good match for your services?
Our group services are best for the child who is having problems in one or two areas, but is otherwise doing well. The children in the groups are usually bright, well-meaning children who just need some pointers on how to be welcomed and accepted by others. These children might have a diagnosis of some kind, but are all children who are in a mainstream classroom. Children who are having great difficulty in more than one area are a good match for individual sessions. We also work with particular issues, such as dealing with divorce, improving homework behavior, phobias, and breaking habits (e.g., thumb-sucking, nail-biting).
Is it a good idea to put my child in a group with other behaviorally-challenged children?
We get this question a lot. Because the groups are structured with clear expectations right from the start, few problems arise. Any negative behavior that is displayed is handled in a consistent and positive manner. Every action in the group is a teachable moment – not just for the children involved but for the onlookers, as well. It is important for children to know where the limits are. For children that tend to get taken advantage of, the group is helpful in pointing out how they should expect to be treated – what is okay and what is not okay. When a child has a tantrum or meltdown, it is also instructive for other children that sometimes behave this way. As in, “Wow, look how upset he is over this. Isn’t it hard to play with him right now?” or, for older kids, “What if you were judged on your worst day?” These moments encourage perspective taking. We want you to know that we value your opinion every step of the way. If you are ever concerned about whether this is the right place for your child, please speak with the lead therapist about your concerns.
When will I see improvement?
Without ever meeting you or your child, this is a hard question to answer. In our experience, most children demonstrate noticeable improvement during the first 8-12 weeks. Some children improve faster, and a small group of children need more time. In our social skills program, it is unusual for a child to achieve all of their goals in a 12-week period, but it has been done. For young children and their parents participating in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, the average length of treatment is 16 weeks.
Do you see adults?
We definitely work with adults struggling with their own social and emotional difficulties and with parenting issues. Young adults navigating new environments, such as college, or figuring out relationships, career goals, and emotional well-being are welcome to contact us for guidance. For other issues, please contact us to discuss your situation and whether our approach may be appropriate.
Where is your HIPAA form?
For a copy of our HIPPA form, see here. We take your privacy seriously.
DDS Info: 916-654-1987
See here.