Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of commonly asked questions we get regarding therapy, appointments, insurance, and telehealth. If you have any remaining questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office or contact us today.
“Do you accept insurance?”
Yes! We participate with most major insurances. Please feel free to contact our scheduling department at Schedulers@drjohngkuna.com or 570-961-3361 if you have any questions regarding insurance coverage. A sliding scale is also available for those who wish to pay directly.
Accepted Insurance
We accept most major insurances. Below is a brief list of some of the major insurance providers we participate with. If your insurance is not listed, please contact our scheduling department at (570) 961-3361 to verify that we accept your insurance.
- Medicare
- Medicaid (Community Care Behavioral Health)
- Aetna
- Assurant
- Beacon Health Strategies
- ChampVA
- Cigna
- Geisinger Family Health Plan
- First Priority
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Independence Blue Cross
- Capital Blue Cross
- Humana
- Horizon
- Tricare
- United Behavioral Health (UBH)
- Optum
- Value Options
- 1199 SEIU Benefits
“Is therapy confidential?”
As mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), any discussions or disclosures made during your sessions are legally protected. They will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent. This means that your personal information, including the content of your sessions, will remain strictly confidential.
We value your trust, and as such, we require your permission before releasing any information to outside professionals, primary care physicians, schools, or insurance companies. Your therapist will thoroughly explain the guidelines and limitations of confidentiality during your initial visit, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your rights and the safeguards in place to protect your privacy.
Rest assured that we take your privacy seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe and confidential environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of your information being disclosed without your consent.
If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality or the protection of your privacy, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with your therapist. Your well-being and privacy are of utmost importance to us, and we are here to support you on your therapeutic journey.
“What is the office like?”
We strive to provide a professional yet warm environment. All of our 15 locations are newly decorated, are accessible by bus, have ample and free parking, and free WiFi available at select locations.
“Can I request a specific therapist or type of therapist?”
At our therapy practice, we understand that building a comfortable and trusting relationship with your therapist is crucial to your treatment. While we strive to accommodate your preferences, we cannot always guarantee the availability of a specific therapist within our group due to varying factors such as caseloads, geographic locations, and insurance considerations. However, if you find that you would prefer to switch to another therapist for any reason, we are more than happy to assist you in making that transition.
To streamline your initial appointment process, we offer the option to complete your consent forms online beforehand. However, if you are unable to do so, you can fill them out when you arrive for your appointment. For those utilizing telehealth services, it is necessary to complete the forms online before or during your appointment. If you have any questions or need guidance in completing these forms, your therapist will gladly assist you during your appointment.
We understand that you may have concerns or questions about the nature of your therapy or your assigned therapist. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office directly or contact our staff at Schedulers@drjohngkuna.com. We are here to address any of your concerns and ensure that your therapy experience meets your needs and expectations.
“How long does therapy last?”
In your initial visit, you and your therapist will discuss your concerns, therapeutic expectations, and goals. The process of therapy should be a collaborative endeavor where the therapist and the client work together to form appropriate goals.
Each individual therapy session typically lasts about 55 minutes. The duration of therapy varies per client, with some clients utilizing brief therapy (8-12 sessions) and others benefitting from ongoing treatment.
“What can I expect at the first appointment?”
We will ask you to complete a few brief forms when you arrive for your initial appointment. If you have a referral letter from your doctor, please bring it to your appointment, along with your insurance card. If you have any difficulties or concerns about completing the forms, your therapist will be happy to assist you with this during your session.
During the session, your counselor will briefly explain important aspects of our service, such as the privacy and confidentiality of any information discussed in your sessions. A discussion of why you have decided to attend counseling and what you hope to change or improve upon as a result of your sessions will take place as a cooperative process between you and your counselor. Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the counseling process.
“How often do I need therapy?”
The frequency of therapy sessions varies depending on your individual needs and goals, as well as the recommendations of your therapist. Initially, it is common to have more frequent sessions, such as weekly or bi-weekly, to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and address immediate concerns. As progress is made and positive changes occur, the frequency may be adjusted to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. The specific frequency will be determined collaboratively between you and your therapist based on your progress and evolving needs.
Regular communication with your therapist is essential in assessing your progress, evaluating goals, and making any necessary adjustments. By actively participating in the therapeutic process and maintaining an open dialogue, you and your therapist can determine the session frequency that best supports your well-being and personal growth.
“What if it doesn’t work out?”
In the event that our professional services are not a good fit with your concerns, Dr. Kuna maintains relationships with various local professionals (other local psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, etc.) to whom we can gladly assist in the referral process. If we are unable to accommodate your needs, we are more than happy to help you find the care you need.
“What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?”
Psychologists and psychiatrists differ in their training and approach to treating mental health conditions. Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and specialize in therapy and counseling services. They utilize evidence-based techniques to help individuals improve their well-being, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry. They can prescribe medications to treat mental illnesses and focus on the medical management of these conditions, often using a combination of medication and therapy.
Dr. John G Kuna and Associates has a team of licensed professional clinical psychologists and does not currently offer psychiatry services.
Contact Us Today If You Have Any More Questions
