Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling in Cape Girardeau Office
Questions about Marriage Counseling or Counseling in general – or our services in particular? We can probably answer them right here…


Please feel free to Contact Us or call us at (573) 803 1246 if you have additional questions or need to schedule counseling services.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions about specific types of counseling, please visit our Marriage Counseling FAQ, Anger Management Counseling FAQ, and Anxiety Counseling FAQ pages to learn more.)



How do I schedule an appointment for Counseling? Do I need a referral from a Primary Care Physician?

 

What can I expect at my first appointment? What do I need to bring with me?

 

Is what I say confidential?

 

Will my family find out that I am seeing a counselor?

 

What should I talk about in counseling?

 

What should I expect from my counselor?

 

Does Heartland Counseling Center accept Medicaid (MO HealthNet)?

 

Does Heartland Counseling Center accept Medicare (Missouri)?

 

Will my Private Insurance Company pay for Counseling Services?

 

What if I do not currently have Medicare (Missouri) or Private Insurance? Can I still be seen for Counseling?

 

How long does a counseling session take?

 

How often will I come to counseling?

 

Are Counseling Services at Heartland Counseling Center limited to Cape Girardeau County or by geographical area in any way?

 

What payment options does Heartland Counseling Center accept?

 

What if I call after office hours?

 

How do I help someone get an appointment who doesn’t want to go to counseling?

 

Where are the Heartland Counseling Center offices located?

 

How do I schedule an appointment for Counseling? Do I need a referral from a Primary Care Physician?


Heartland Counseling Center has a professional, working relationship with many local Primary Care Physicians. While we appreciate and welcome referrals from these health care providers, we DO NOT require a referral to schedule an appointment. Individuals may simply call our office to schedule an appointment with any of our counselors.

 

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What can I expect at my first appointment? What do I need to bring with me?


We advise that all new clients either print and complete the initial paperwork before the first Counseling appointment or plan on arriving about 10 minutes prior to their first scheduled session in order to complete initial paperwork. The necessary Counseling Forms are located on our website under the Counseling Forms and Resources section.

Additionally, please bring current insurance card (Private Insurance) to your first session so our Office Manager can copy it for billing purposes. All clients should also bring the appropriate payment (see below) for the session. During the initial appointment, the Counselor will meet with the client to gather personal information and discuss treatment needs.

 

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Is what I say confidential?


Yes. Everything you say in counseling sessions is private and confidential. We do not release any information without written consent from you. There are some rare occasions when the safety of a client or another person is at risk that we can disclose confidential information without your permission. These situations are included in our Privacy Notice and you can always ask your counselor for further clarification in the first session if you wish.

 

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Will my family find out that I am seeing a counselor?


We will not disclose any information about our counseling sessions, including attendance, without your written permission. There are some exceptions to confidentiality, such as when your safety or the safety of others is in danger. These are covered in our Privacy Notice and feel free to ask your counselor for clarification at your first appointment if you wish.

 

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What should I talk about in counseling?


We’ll start with talking about what brings you to see a counselor. If you’re uncomfortable disclosing specific details, then tell us so. Counseling is a relationship. The safer you feel in our counseling sessions, the more comfortable you will be with opening up. Our counselors take a directive role in counseling sessions. We will work with you to give you skills and strategies to solve the problems that bring you to counseling. So don’t feel like you have to talk for the entire hour. We’ll do some talking too!

 

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What should I expect from my counselor?


Our counselors are trained, licensed mental health professionals. We are trained to help you identify and resolve the problems that bring you to counseling. We understand that many people are anxious when starting counseling. Our role is to provide a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment for you to explore your problems and work towards solutions.  

If you are anxious about starting counseling, please take advantage of our FREE 30 minute consultation to learn more about how counseling can help. This is a no-pressure, risk free way to learn more.

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Does Heartland Counseling Center accept Medicaid (MO HealthNet)?


Unfortunately Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) does not cover Counseling Services for adults 21 years old or older in a Private Practice setting such as ours. However, we offer an affordable private pay scale in such situations, so please feel free to call our office to see if services can be arranged.

 

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Does Heartland Counseling Center accept Medicare (Missouri)?


No, at this time Heartland Counseling Center does not accept Medicare (Missouri).

 

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Will my Private Insurance Company pay for Counseling Services?


Heartland Counseling Center has Counselors who are participating providers with the following insurance companies:

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Healthlink
CIGNA
UHC (United Healthcare) *most plans
UBH (United Behavioral Health)
UMR *most plans
TRIWest *Certified Provider
AETNA
Magellan
Value Options


*If your insurance company is not listed above, we may still be able to provide Counseling Services as an Out-of-Network provider. Many insurance companies will cover Out-of-Network providers, so please feel free to check with your insurance company or call our Office Manager for assistance in verifying these benefits. While we do bill these and other Out-of-Network insurance companies, you will be responsible for all co-pays and/or deductibles at the time of service. Please notify our Office Manager of your insurance when scheduling an appointment to be sure you are scheduled with an approved provider.

 

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What if I do not currently have Medicare (Missouri) or Private Insurance? Can I still be seen for Counseling?


Yes, all Counselors at Heartland Counseling Center offer Self-Pay options to clients without Medicare (Missouri) or Private Insurance coverage. Our Office Manager will be happy to discuss Self-Pay options on our very affordable private pay scale when you call to schedule an appointment.

 

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How long does a counseling session take?


Counseling sessions are 45-60 minutes.

 

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How often will I come to counseling?


Generally sessions are scheduled once a week. As you make progress and begin meeting your goals, we will space your sessions out farther apart to ensure you are maintaining your progress.

 

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Are Counseling Services at Heartland Counseling Center limited to Cape Girardeau County or by geographical area in any way?


No, since Heartland Counseling Center is a Private Practice, we are happy to see clients from any area in the Heartland! Our Main Office is located in Cape Girardeau and we now have a Farmington MO Office to better serve individuals and couples in the Parkland area!

 

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What payment options does Heartland Counseling Center accept?


Heartland Counseling Center currently accepts cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover as forms of payment.

 

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What if I call after office hours?


If it is an emergency, please call 911 or the 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-356-5395.  For all non-emergency phone calls, please leave a message and our Office Manager will return your call on the next business day.

 

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How do I help someone get an appointment who doesn’t want to go to counseling?


Encourage them.  Arm yourself with information regarding counseling and how it can help.  Browse our website.  We have included many great informative articles and blogs that you can use to help convince someone that they need to attend counseling.

Unfortunately, at the end of the day, you cannot force someone to come who does not want to go to counseling.  Progress in counseling is directly related to the amount of effort the client puts into the process.

 

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Where are the Heartland Counseling Center offices located?


Main Office:
Heartland Counseling Center
2909 Independence Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone: (573) 803 1246

 

 

Farmington MO Office:
Heartland Counseling Center
400 N Washington Street
Suites 116 & 204
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: (573) 218 9699
(Located in Liberty Hall)

 

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Again, please feel free to Contact Us or call our Main Office at (573) 803 1246 if you have additional questions or need to schedule counseling services.