Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Section 1: General Information
What is Healthy Life Choices, GA?
Healthy Life Choices, GA LLC is a private practice, counseling, and social service agency that provides behavioral health services to families through community-based support, anger management, family violence intervention, substance abuse services, crisis intervention, court-ordered services, education, corporate training, and social enrichment activities.
If you are interested in learning more about us, please check out this page.
What makes Healthy Life Choices, GA different from other counseling services?
Healthy Life Choices is dedicated to bridging mental health education and access through technology. We focus on providing community-based support and tailored therapy services to individuals and families. Our mission is to remove barriers to quality mental health services within the local community.
Where is your main office located?
Our main office is located within the Clairemont Office Center, located in the city of Decatur, at 160 Clairemont Ave Suite 200, Decatur, GA 30030.
How do I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy at Healthy Life Choices, GA is easy and stress-free. To begin, you need to submit a 100% online Preliminary Assessment Form. If you are a good fit for our services, we will reach out for you via phone/email regarding the next stages.
During the onboarding process, we will:
- Provide you with a HIPPA-client intake form to securely collect more information about you. These provided details will help our team and your future therapist learn about you and build a treatment plan suitable for your needs.
- Check your insurance coverage, if applicable. We are in-network with over 20 insurance companies, ensuring that your sessions are covered. Check out this page to see our current panel of insurance.
- Complete an initial assessment with an intake specialist. A member of our team will conduct a biopsychosocial exam to gain a comprehensive understanding of your physical, psychological, and social factors. This thorough evaluation allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique goals and needs.
- Pair you with a therapist and build your schedule. Depending on your goals and needs, we will match you with a therapist who specializes in the relevant areas of concern. Together, you will establish a consistent schedule that fits your lifestyle and ensures regular, effective progress in your therapeutic journey.
Can I choose my therapist?
Yes, you can generally choose your therapist based on your preferences and their areas of expertise. If you find that your initial choice is not the right fit, you can request to switch to a different therapist.
Please note that therapist availability is a factor in matching and scheduling your sessions. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and preferences, but some flexibility may be required to ensure you are paired with the right therapist for your specific needs.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
During your first official session, your therapist will get to know you by asking about your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Together, you will go over and finalize a plan for your ongoing sessions.
Section 2. The Therapy Process
What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer individual counseling, couples counseling, youth/teen counseling, group counseling, and EMDR counseling. Our therapists are experienced in various evidence-based therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, psychodynamic principles, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused therapy.
How long does a therapy session typically last?
The length of therapy sessions can vary, but most individual sessions last between 50 to 60 minutes.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. We adhere to strict confidentiality policies to ensure your privacy is protected.
How do I know if my therapist will be the right fit?
Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy and counseling. You should feel comfortable, understood, and supported by your therapist. During your sessions, consider whether you feel heard and if the therapist’s approach aligns with your needs and goals. It’s important to openly communicate your expectations and any concerns.
If you don’t feel a connection or if your needs are not being met, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your therapist or request a change to our front office staff. Our number one goal is to ensure you have a positive and productive therapeutic experience.
How often will I need therapy?
The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and treatment plan. This will be discussed during your initial assessment. If you need to make any adjustments to the frequency of your sessions, please discuss it with your therapist at any time.
What conditions do you treat?
We provide treatment for a wide range of conditions including addictions, anger management, anxiety, co-dependency, depression, emotional regulation, grief & loss, life transitions, relationships, substance abuse, stress management, trauma, and more.
To see all of our service offerings, please visit our Services page.
Do you offer group therapy?
Yes! We offer group therapy led by one of our qualified therapists. Group therapy is geared towards a wide range of topics and is typically used in conjunction with individual therapy if necessary.
Do you offer Telehealth (virtual therapy)?
Yes, we offer Telehealth services, allowing you to receive therapy from the comfort of your own home.
How do I prepare for a Telehealth session?
Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection. Our team will provide you with the necessary instructions to connect to your session.
Section 3. Appointments and Scheduling
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment through the Client Portal or by calling our front office. Our office will confirm your appointment electronically via phone call, text message, or email.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 24-hour notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments without 24-hour notice may result in a charge for the full session.
Section 4: Insurance & Billing Information
Do you accept insurance?
We do not currently advertise participation with most major insurance plans due to frequent inconsistencies in coverage determinations. We primarily serve private-pay and out-of-network clients and are happy to provide superbills for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.
What does “out-of-network” mean?
Being out-of-network means we do not have a direct contract with your insurance company. You pay us directly for services, and your insurer may reimburse you for a portion of the cost—if your plan includes out-of-network mental-health benefits.
Will my insurance reimburse me?
Reimbursement depends entirely on your specific policy. Each plan is different, even within the same insurance company. We cannot guarantee reimbursement or payment amounts.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes diagnosis codes, service dates, and fees. You may submit it to your insurance company to request reimbursement if your plan allows. We provide superbills upon request.
Why do I need to contact my insurance company myself?
Insurance companies determine benefits—not providers. Because coverage and policies change frequently, we require clients to contact their insurer directly for the most accurate information about their mental-health benefits and financial responsibility.
What should I ask my insurance company before scheduling?
- Do I have out-of-network mental-health benefits?
- What is my deductible and how much has been met?
- What percentage will be reimbursed per session?
- Is there a session limit per year?
- Are pre-authorizations required?
- Can you email me a written explanation of my coverage?
Who is responsible for payment?
Clients are responsible for all fees at the time of service, regardless of insurance reimbursement status. Any portion not paid by insurance remains the client’s responsibility.
Do you verify benefits for clients?
At this time, we do not complete insurance verification or spend extended time contacting insurance companies on clients’ behalf. We rely on clients to obtain benefit information directly from their insurer.
What happens if my insurance denies the claim?
Can I use my HSA or FSA card?
Yes—most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for therapy services. Please confirm eligibility with your plan administrator.
Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale fees?
Policies regarding payment options may vary by provider and service. Please contact our office to inquire about current availability.
Why is payment required up front?
Who can I contact if I have questions about fees or policies?
Our administrative team is happy to help explain our payment policies and provide guidance on next steps before you schedule.
Section 5: Legal, Confidentiality, and Privacy
Do your services include court documentation, testimony, or legal representation?
Our practice provides trauma-responsive mental health treatment and clinical documentation when appropriate; we do not offer legal representation, court advocacy, or court attendance services. Clients needing legal intervention or court accompaniment will be referred to specialized community agencies.
How do you protect my privacy?
We adhere to strict confidentiality policies and comply with all relevant privacy laws to ensure your information is protected. This includes compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. Under HIPAA, we are required to:
- Safeguard Your Information: All personal health information (PHI) is securely stored and only accessible to authorized personnel.
- Ensure Confidentiality: Conversations between you and your therapist are confidential. We do not share your information without your explicit consent, except in cases required by law, such as reporting abuse or imminent harm.
- Maintain Privacy During Sessions: We conduct therapy sessions in private, secure settings, whether in-person or through our encrypted telehealth platform, to protect your privacy.
- Provide Notice of Privacy Practices: We provide all clients with a Notice of Privacy Practices, which details how your information may be used and your rights regarding your health information.
- Limit Data Sharing: We only share your information with your insurance provider or other third parties as necessary for billing and treatment coordination, and always in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Allow Access to Your Records: You have the right to review and request a copy of your health records. Any requests for records are handled securely and with your authorization.
By adhering to these stringent standards, we ensure that your personal and health information remains confidential and secure, fostering a safe and trusting environment for your therapeutic journey.
Can I request my medical records?
Yes, you can request your medical records by completing the appropriate forms and submitting them to our office. There may be a fee associated with this request.
How can I request documentation such as medical leave or court documents?
You can submit a documentation request form via secure fax, email, or in person at our office. Fees may apply depending on the complexity of the documentation requested.
What is the process for obtaining an expedited documentation request?
Expedited requests for a response or documentation within 1 business day are available for an additional fee of $300, and within 3 business days for $150.
