How much will it cost me to come to counseling?

The Samaritan Counseling Center makes every attempt to make professional counseling affordable to everyone.  The center participates with a variety of managed care companies, and depending upon individual plans, you may have benefits which would completely or partially cover the cost of counseling. If you want to use your health care coverage, you will be asked for information when you call for your initial appointment. With most health care policies, it is necessary to seek authorization prior to the initial evaluation.

For people who have either no health care coverage or whose coverage is only partial, the center will establish a fee based on the gross family income. This enables clients to establish a fee that will be compatible with their income. The Samaritan Counseling Center has always operated on a sliding fee scale basis, as a way of showing our commitment to helping people obtain the help they need. If you have questions about the fee, please contact the center at (412) 741-7430 or send your question to info@samaritancounseling.net.

Do I have to believe a certain way or have a certain religion to talk to a Samaritan counselor? No, Samaritan counselors work with people of any and all faiths, as well as with people who do not claim a faith stance. They are ready and able to discuss religions and spiritual issues, but the Samaritan counselors will never "push" religion with a person.

What Is Counseling Like?

All sessions are conducted in a confidential setting. The first step is for an interested individual to call the Center at (412) 741-7430 or info@samaritancounseling.net and request an appointment. A few brief questions will be asked to determine which counselor is best suited to your concerns. These questions include at what time of the day are you most available, do you prefer working with a man or a woman therapist, what issues do you want to address. Your responses will guide the intake person toward the most qualified and appropriate counselor.

During the first appointment, you will meet with the therapist with whom you will be working to discuss things like your family history, the current problem, how often and when to meet, as well as what the fee will be.

Under some circumstances, your therapist may ask you to sign a release of information sheet so the therapist may gather pertinent information from other people who know you, like your physician or previous therapist. On some occasions, the therapist may request psychological testing. All such consultations or testing are done only with your permission and on an as needed basis. Couple's therapy may begin with each individual having a private session with the therapist or with both of you attending the first session together. Your therapist will discuss this option with you before you come in the first time. The length of counseling depends on the issues to be addressed and the goals for therapy you identify with your counselor. Both brief and long-term therapies are available. The average duration is between six and twelve sessions.

The entire clinical staff consists of Pennsylvania licensed, professional therapists and/or certified couselors with many years of training and experience.

Samaritan counselors are trained to help you utilize your religious values and beliefs as a healing resource. Center clinicians work within the context of your belief system and values and do not impose their own theological views.

What is your approach to counseling? The Samaritan Counseling Center originated as a "grass roots" movement by community leaders to provide a counseling resource combining four unique qualities into its program. Professionalism: Samaritan therapists conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical, professional, and moral standards.

Accountability: Samaritan Centers are accountable to local and national bodies, assuring compliance with standard business and professional practices. Multi-disciplinary Team Approach: The Samaritan Counseling Center services address the whole person, involving professionals from the medical, psychological, and pastoral fields. Community-Supported Venture: The Samaritan Counseling Center receives contributions from the community to help subsidize fees for persons unable to afford the full cost of needed

Does the Center Have Accreditation?

In January, 2001 the Center received its sixth full accreditation from the Samaritan Institute of Denver, Colorado. This award follows an intensive review of 43 aspects of the Center's operations. It is the highest level of accreditation given by the Institute and is given only to those Centers that meet or exceed the highest standards set by the Institute.

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