Policies

Benefits/Outcomes:

The therapeutic process seeks to meet goals established by all persons involved, usually revolving around a specific complaint(s). Participating in mental wellness treatment may include benefits such as the resolution of a presenting problems as well as improved intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. The therapeutic process may reduce distress, improve stress management and increase your ability to cope with problems related to work, family, personal or relationships. Participating in mental wellness treatment can lead to a greater understanding of personal goals and values. Your progress will be assessed on a regular basis and feedback from you will be elicited to ensure that the most effective services are provided. There are no guarantees made regarding the ultimate outcome of mental wellness treatment.

 

Expectations:

In order for you to reach their therapeutic goals, it is essential that you complete tasks assigned between sessions. The journey to mental wellness is a marathon, not a quick fix. It takes time and effort and may move slower than what you expect. During this process we will identify goals, review your progress and modify the treatment plan as needed.

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Services:

You agree to receive psychotherapy and/or medication management, if needed, which may involve the off-label use of medications. You understand the risks, benefits and alternatives of receiving these services and will have the opportunity to ask questions about your specific treatment plan.

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Appointments/Cancellations:

If you cannot keep the scheduled appointment, you MUST notify our office to cancel or reschedule the appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time & during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM) or you will be charged the full appointment visit fee of $150.00. 

 

Your insurance company does not pay for missed appointments:

• If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, you will need to reschedule for another time. 

• We reserve the right to terminate the treatment relationship if more than 2 sessions are missed without proper notification.

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Copies of Medical Records:

Should you request a copy of your medical records; the cost is 50 cents per page. Payment for your medical records will be due prior to or upon receipt and can be picked up at the office. Please allow at least 2 weeks to prepare medical records.

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Phone Contacts, Office Hours & Emergencies:

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM - 6 PM. We are closed on all major holidays.  If you need to contact the clinician for any reason please call us at 360-919-0687 and we will return your call as soon as possible. 

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In case of an emergency, you can access emergency assistance by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or dial 988. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information.  If either you or someone else is in danger of being harmed, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

 

Social Media:

In a modern digital world we use our professional social media platforms to advocate for mental health and wellness while providing educational information. Social media should not replace mental health and wellness treatment. No friend requests on our personal social media outlets (Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) will be accepted. If you choose to comment on our professional social media pages or posts, you do so at your own risk and may breach confidentiality. We cannot be held liable if someone identifies you as a client. Please do not contact us through any social media site or platform as confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

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Electronic Communications:

Any electronic means of communication bears the risk of being intercepted. Our office does not communicate via “regular” email because it is nearly impossible to keep emails secure and confidential. Furthermore, if you send email from a work computer, your employer has the legal right to read it. Emails sent to our office are made a part of your medical record. 

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You may contact our office through the SpruceHealth app email at info@plateaubehavioralhealth.sprucecare.com if you would like to reach your provider by electronic means. 

 

Keep in mind that emails are not our primary form of communication and we cannot guarantee that any emergent, urgent or time-sensitive matter will be dealt with quickly. 

 

We check the email during regular business hours only.  If you are having an emergency, please go to the nearest Urgent Care Center or Emergency Department.  

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Services Offered by PBHA:

Psychiatric treatment of adults, adolescents and children for medication management & therapy.

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Payments:

Payment is due prior to services being rendered. Credit &/or debit cards will be kept on file to bill for co-pays, deductibles owed, no shows and late cancellations. Please contact your insurance company prior to your visit to verify & confirm benefits, especially out of network benefits for outpatient mental health services. 

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Insurance & Self Pay:

Plateau Behavioral Health Associates accepts the following insurances:

Kaiser PPO, First Choice Network of Washington, Regence BlueShield of Washington, United Healthcare, Cigna, Premera Blue Cross or Washington, Oscar Health, Oxford, Aetna & Optum

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If your insurance provider is not listed above, please contact us as we are adding more insurance providers frequently.  

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Acceptable forms of payment are exact-amount cash, or credit/debit card on file. We do accept self-pay.

Pricing is as follows: 

• $300 for initial evaluation (self-pay)

• $150 for follow-up visits (self-pay)

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Out of Network:

If you are paying out of pocket & are out of network, we can provide you with an itemized receipt/super bill that may allow you to get reimbursement from your insurance company, usually between 60-80% after your deductible is met.

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Controlled Medications:

The safety and care of our clients is our number one priority.

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Controlled medications are prescribed sparingly in this practice in an effort to keep you safe. They are strictly regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the State of Washington. Our prescribing of these medications is monitored and providers are held accountable for prescribing practices. State laws require that additional measures be taken when prescribing controlled substances.  

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Monitoring of controlled substances is maintained through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. As is required from providers, we obtain, review, and monitor Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs in various states. This includes monitoring for multiple controlled substances prescriptions, multiple providers & usage of multiple pharmacies.

• It is the expectation of this practice that the controlled medication will be taken as prescribed and not self-adjusted. This means you will not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking it without talking to the prescribing provider.

• Mixing controlled medications with other substances such as alcohol, narcotics, pain pills, muscle relaxers or other controlled substances is dangerous with unpredictable results.

• The provider may change, taper off or discontinue the prescription of controlled medications if you are misusing or otherwise not following the plan of care with the use of controlled medications.  

• Controlled medications will not be refilled early & refills will be written only during scheduled visits.
• Prescriptions that are lost, stolen or otherwise disappear will not be replaced.
• You agree to keep your controlled medications in a secure, locked area at all times.  
• If you come to our practice already on a controlled medication from another provider, we cannot guarantee that the medication will be continued or prescribed at the same dosage.
• You will be expected to attend appointments at regular intervals to be determined by the provider.  
• As the state of emergency for COVID-19 is winding down, conducting all of your visits as tele health visits is not permitted by the DEA & you will be expected to attend some of your appointments in person at our office.  

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